This will be Southeastern Outings’ first canoe and kayak trip on Big Wills Creek.  This stretch, which a few of our members have paddled previously, is fairly easy and without classified rapids.  Along the river we’ll see wildflowers and stop to investigate islands and beaches.

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 Big Wills Outfitters.  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 Big Wills Outfitters, please call the outfitter BEFORE May 30 at 256-438-7172 to reserve your boat.  Tell the outfitter you are boating with Southeastern Outings.  Please note that the outfitter has only 7 canoes and 42 one-person sit-upon kayaks and 3 tandem (2-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 30, there will be no more boats of that type available to rent!  For more information about the outfitter and photos of the creek, please visit their website www.facebook.com/bigwillsoutfitters

Depart 10:00 a.m. from the Applebee’s in Trussville.  For more essential information about this trip, please see Note for Canoe Trips at the end of this calendar section.

Reservations Required: You are required to call David Shepherd, 205-240-4681 or email davidshep2@yahoo.com if you plan to come on this canoe/kayak trip.  Please advise your name, telephone number, email address, skill level, whether you are bringing or renting a canoe or kayak and whether you need a paddling partner.  If you are bringing someone with you, please give David that person’s name.  You may leave a message on David’s answering machine if you wish.

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

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.

DIRECTIONS TO MEETING PLACE

Applebee’s Restaurant Trussville (coming from Birmingham)—4711 Norrell Drive, Trussville, AL 35173. I-59 North to Exit #141 (Chalkville Mountain Road Exit). Turn right at end of exit ramp. Drive to first stoplight and turn left. Applebee’s Restaurant is directly behind the McDonald’s on Chalkville Mountain Road.

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.