Our family recently decided that we had had enough of winter and we were sorely in need of warm water, sunshine and float time, so we folded the Campanoe, stuffed it full of all our camping gear, and set out for Sarasota, Florida for spring break. Since it tows so easily when folded and is only 4' wide, we could all take turns driving, sleeping and sightseeing.
We started our adventure in Myakka River State Park, home to more than 2,000 of these critters, as well as an incredible assortment of birds, armadillos, deer and other wetland creatures. We hooked up with some friends from home and together Campanoed and kayaked some of the 12 miles of protected river that runs through the park. We put in at the upper lake and portaged over a small dam to get to the river. Other people on the shore were amazed at the sight of all of us coming ashore and carrying our 19' x 8' boat so easily. Only a canoe, kayak or a Campanoe could navigate this shallow, winding river, and we did it with a crew of ten! The morning was spent sneaking up on alligators, vultures, ospreys and other waterfowl, ending our journey at a bridge where we loaded the boat up and took it back to the lake.
Our company left for the gulf beaches and we stayed to explore the lake. We had a relaxing lunch as we paddled, motored, sunned and watched brave fisherman wading in waist high water with alligators everywhere. The wind picked up and it became a wonderful sailing afternoon. Invasion of weeds has made navigating the lake with motors difficult so it was nice to have so many options for propulsion.
After lunch we needed to stretch our legs and take advantage of some of the 40 miles of hiking trails through shady oak-palm hammocks, grassy marshes, open expanses of dry prairie, pine flatwoods and numerous small wetlands. We walked to the bird observation pier and checked out the facilities at the campground. The campground was full but we hadn't had our fill of the park yet so we decided to stay on the Campanoe for the night. We picked up last minute supplies at the concession store and loaded the boat with our overnight gear and headed back out on the lake for a fantastic sunset paddle. As we toured the west shore we came upon a startling sight. Several red capped, sandhill cranes (also down visiting from Wisconsin) were mingling on the shore with a big bull that had escaped into the park. Their call is awesome from 20' away. Clusters of wild pigs foraged along the shore. A fisherman had told us of a giant 18' alligator that had surprised him while fishing but we didn't see him.
A key Campanoe lesson was relearned at sunset. A small flying bug came out so fast and thick that we had trouble keeping them out of our eyes and mouths. We had to fire up the Honda and make tracks while everyone scrambled to get the tent with it's bug screens up. After the tent was up, we ate, played cards, talked and laughed by lantern light until it was time for bed. The adults got the cots and the two teenagers used air mattresses in the hulls. The night sounds of thrashing and croaking alligators and several brief showers made sleep a little difficult for the girls. They realized at last that one was too cold and the other too hot, so they switched places and all was well. Morning came and we all still had our arms and legs, nobody was eaten by an alligator in the night. The rain had ended and we leisurely got up and had the tent down within minutes. We were definitely a curiosity and the envy of all the early morning fisherman. The park facilities were very nice; warm showers, good coffee and they even toasted our bagels. We had breakfast in the sunshine and a morning paddle before loading the boat on the trailer and heading for more boating adventures in the bigger water along Florida's intercoastal waterway and the gulf of Mexico.
Hi,
We have been enjoying the newsletter this winter and dreaming of warmer weather. We did take the Campanoe along the Wisconsin in the beginning of November. We put in at Wauzeka. It was very lovely and we pretty much had the water to ourselves. After cruising and paddling for an hour or so it was getting dark, so we returned to the landing. After taking out, we drove down to Wyalusing and camped on the bluff overlooking Prairie du Chien. It was just beautiful at night. No, we did not camp in the Campanoe. I told you that I am an aging wusie. We towed the Campanoe behind the truck and camper. We spent the night inside the cozy insulated camper with stove and electric and bathroom and running water. Next summer however we are taking it for a 4-5 day weekend to Madeline Island. We will take lots of pictures and write about it. We will camp on the boat. Hope your winter goes well. See you on the water in the spring.
Stay in touch!
The Schillers