A fun Southeastern Outings kayak and canoe trip on Section 1 of the Locust Fork River in Blount County. This stretch, which several of us have canoed previously, is fairly easy and without classified rapids. Along the river we’ll see lots of wildflowers and stop to investigate islands and beaches.

Note-To view photos of what we will see on this trip, please click on this link: https://picasaweb.google.com/117487739902236300578/LocustForkSection1Canoe?noredirect=1  Please be sure to click on the link and view the photographs.

Novice canoeists are welcome and may come on this trip, but each one must be partnered with an experienced canoeist in their canoe. 

Please note that for this trip you may rent canoes or one person sit-upon plastic kayaks and paddles from Eric Nolen.  Rental fees include shuttle service.  Also the outfitter will shuttle for a fee all private boats used on this outing.  If you wish to rent a boat from Eric Nolen, please call the outfitter BEFORE May 9 at 205/429-5455 to reserve your boat.  Tell the outfitter you are boating with Southeastern Outings.  Please note that the outfitter has only 2 canoes and 50 one-person kayaks for rent, so be sure you call to reserve early.  Once all their boats of one type or the other are reserved for May 9, there will be no more boats of that type available to rent!

Depart 9:00 a.m. from the Cleveland Chevron Service Station.  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 Dan Frederick, email seoutings@bellsouth.net or call 205/631-4680 if you plan to come on this canoe/kayak  trip.  Please advise your name, telephone number, skill level, whether you are bringing a canoe or kayak and whether you need a paddling partner.  You may leave a message on Dan’s answering machine if you wish. 

Info: If you have further questions, please contact Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205-631-4680.

DIRECTIONS TO MEETING PLACE Cleveland Chevron-36320 AL Highway 79, Cleveland, AL 35049. From Birmingham drive to Exit 128 on I-20/I-59.  This is one exit west of the Birmingham Airport exit off I-59/I-20.  It is marked Tallapoosa Street which IS AL Highway 79.  Coming from downtown Birmingham, as you get to the bottom of the exit ramp, get in the right lane.  The ramp curves to the right and then actually merges with AL Highway 79 headed North towards Cleveland.  So bear slightly to the right at the end of the ramp.  If you are coming westbound from the Birmingham Airport area to exit 128, you will make a right turn onto Tallapoosa Street at the light at the end of the exit ramp.  Regardless of the direction from which you come, STAY ON THE VERY WIDE, MAIN CITY STREET WHICH IS TALLAPOOSA STREET.  In either case, do not make any turns off of Alabama Highway 79 until you get to Cleveland.  Take AL 79 about 34 miles to the traffic light in Cleveland, Alabama at intersection with AL 160. Chevron service station is at far right of that intersection.

Note for Kayak and Canoe Trips—The kayak and canoe outings listed in each announcement above are suitable for beginner/novice canoeists and kayakers, 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 boat.  Borrow one, paddle with a friend, or rent from the outfitter listed or from UAB Outdoor Pursuits, 205/996-4913.  Bring in the boat your picnic lunch and something to drink.  Wear old shoes you don’t mind getting wet (old sneakers work well).  Also bring at least 6 feet of sturdy cord to tie up your canoe if you don’t already have it attached to your own canoe or especially if you are renting a canoe.  If you have further questions, please call the trip leader.

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 400 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.  Thirty  people, on average, have participated in each outing during the first two 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.