Scenic Southeastern Outings kayak and canoe trip on the Coosa River near Wetumpka, Alabama.  This canoe trip is moderate with one class III rapid.  The river itself is quite wide.  Water level is dam-controlled, so we are assured of having sufficient water to paddle without having to get out and pull our boats down the river.

The landscape lends itself to stopping easily at many spots, so there will be ample opportunities to get out of the boats and explore as we progress downstream.  Most of the trip involves fairly easy paddling.  We expect good current most of the time. There are several class I and II rapids and one class III rapid on this stretch of river interspersed between long stretches of reasonably flat water pools.  Class I is easiest; Class VI being the most difficult.  For those who prefer, we have found a route which permits boaters to bypass the most challenging rapid.  At one rapid we will get out and allow those who wish to body surf repeatedly through the largest rapid which several of us did safely and joyfully on a previous trip.

Please note that for this trip you may rent canoes and sit-upon kayaks and paddles from the Coosa Outdoor Center.  Rental fees are $45 per canoe or tandem (2-person) sit-upon kayak and $29 per one person sit-upon kayak.  Rental fees include shuttle service to the put-in.  If you wish to rent a boat for this trip from the Center, please call outfitter at 334/201-5510 to reserve and pay for your boat in advance.  Privately-owned boats are also welcome on this trip.  Drivers bringing private boats are required to have the outfitter shuttle their boats for a $7.00 fee.  If you just show up with your own boat and want a shuttle, you will be assessed a $5.00 show-up surcharge in addition to the $7.00 shuttle fee.  Please observe the revised policies and both reserve and pay for your boat rental or shuttle fee in advance. Tell the outfitter you are boating with Southeastern Outings on July 18. 

In order to come on this outing, you are asked to download, print out and sign a release form available at www.coosaoutdoorcenter.com.  If you have a computer and printer you can use, please bring your already completed and signed release form with you on July 18. 

After the kayak/canoe trip we are planning to go to a restaurant in Wetumpka for an optional dinner.  You can shower for free and change clothes at the outfitter’s before dinner.  If you would like to shower and/or have dinner with us at the restaurant, please bring a change of clothes for dinner and your shower things.

Depart promptly at 7:45 a.m. from the McDonald’s Galleria.  For more essential information about this trip, please see Note for Canoe Trips at the end of this announcement.

Reservations Required: You are required to contact David Shepherd, preferably via email at davidshep2@yahoo.com or you may phone him at 205-240-4681 if you plan to come on this trip.  Please advise your name, telephone number, skill level, whether you are bringing a canoe or kayak or wish to rent a boat and whether you need a paddling partner.  You may leave a message on David’s answering machine if you wish.

Please come to paddle on this beautiful stretch of river with us July 18.

Info: If you have further questions, please email David Shepherd at davidshep2@yahoo.com or you may phone him at 205-240-4681.

Note for Canoe Trips-The canoe outings listed above are suitable for beginner/novice canoeists, but each beginner canoeist must paddle with an experienced canoeist.   Life jackets are required and must be worn.  You are responsible for finding your own canoe or kayak.  Borrow one, paddle with a friend or rent from the outfitter listed.  Bring your picnic lunch, sunscreen, hat (optional) and something to drink with you in the canoe.  Wear old shoes you don’t mind getting wet (old sneakers work well). Also please bring at least 6 feet of sturdy cord to tie up your canoe if you don’t already have cord attached to your own boat or especially if you are renting a canoe.  If you have further questions, please call the trip leader.

DIRECTIONS TO MEETING PLACE
MacDonald’s Galleria-1731 Montgomery Highway, Hoover, AL 35244. Parking lot behind the McDonald’s Restaurant across U.S. 31 from the main entrance to the Riverchase Galleria Shopping Mall.

DESCRIPTION OF SOUTHEASTERN OUTINGS

Do you wish you had friends who share your active lifestyle and enjoyment of outdoor activities?  Then become active with Southeastern Outings (SEO), a nonprofit organization committed and created to serve people who enjoy being active in the outdoors.  The organization plans, organizes and leads outings such as dayhikes, easy kayak and canoe trips, stream and waterfall walks, bicycle rides, lake events and other fun activities to beautiful sites in our natural environment.  From time to time we also sponsor potluck suppers and other socials.  All events and activities of the group are open to the public.  Participating in SEO activities is a splendid, simple way to make congenial new friends who enjoy the outdoors.

NO DOGS OR SMOKING ALLOWED, PLEASE, ON ANY SOUTHEASTERN OUTINGS EVENTS.

The organization currently has over 440 members.  We scheduled ninety-two events during calendar year 2014 for an average of 8 fun events per month.  We enjoy the outdoors in all seasons throughout the year.  Twenty-nine people, on average, have participated in each outing during the first four months of 2015.

SEO does not charge for participation in any of its outings.  You do not have to be a member to participate in SEO activities.  Dues are only $10.  Please contact Dan Frederick, President, 205-631-4680, or seoutings@bellsouth.net for more information and to obtain three free monthly newsletters with membership application and a complete description of all our outdoor events.

Southeastern Outings now has a website.  Just go to seoutings.org to find announcements of all our upcoming outings scheduled plus some brief, general information about Southeastern Outings, a membership application and 1500 lovely photographs from several of our outings.

Thank you.