We didn't get to do this trip because this west-facing shoreline gets very rough in a strong east wind, which we had (16 mph). Instead, we did the trip on Garcitas Creek, which was pretty windy and choppy itself.
If weather conditions permit, we will paddle the beautiful west shoreline of San Antonio Bay adjacent to Aransas NWR.
If it is too windy and choppy, we will do an alternate trip suitable for the group.
Plan A is to put in at a parking lot in the Aransas NWR and paddle southward along the San Antonio Bay shoreline, find a lunch spot, and paddle back. Round trip, depending on exact route, will be 8 - 10 miles.
Lat - lon of the Plan A put-in is 28 17.438'N, 96 48.601'W
It is at the fishing pier on the Aransas NWR road (designated FM 2040) about 1.25 miles south of the headquarters, south of Austwell. Park at the parking lot and we will carry our boats down the slope to launch on the bayshore. Wear good footwear. A kayak cart might be handy.
Due to COVID, entrance fees to the Refuge are waived and the office is not staffed. The gate is open.
Note that a mask and social distancing are required everywhere at all times on Federal property and facilities.
Here is the Plan A route along the shore of the NWR.
Link to Google driving directions from Seadrift to the put-in:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Seadrift,+TX/28.2906333,-96.8100167/@28.4086473,-96.9437226,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m5!1m1!1s0x8669e72cd421c833:0x199da646a7f0b1b4!2m2!1d-96.7135933!2d28.4152807!1m0!3e0?hl=en&authuser=0
Allow 50 minutes for the drive from Seadrift.
Link to Google driving directions from downtown Houston to the put-in:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Houston,+TX+77002/28.2906333,-96.8100167/@29.0222426,-96.7970868,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m5!1m1!1s0x8640bf3b08e26e91:0x419a6395f509a6d8!2m2!1d-95.3704009!2d29.752554!1m0!3e0?hl=en&authuser=0
Allow three hours for the drive from Houston.
The road into the refuge is long and slow. Don't get discouraged, just keep driving south. Here's a song to encourage you. Feel free to sing along.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=t7ruuydWOY4
Hazards -- The water is still cool. Always dress for immersion - layers if necessary, good rain gear, NO COTTON. Have a set of dry warm spare clothing in your hatch. Bring lunch and plenty of water and sun protection. Hazards are the usual South Texas delights, including fire ants, jellyfish, oysters, snakes, etc. The bay may have some wind and chop. If excessive for the group, we'll have a Plan B ready.
| Trip Leader |
Carl Kuhnen |
| Trip Assistants |
Lynne Andrus |
| Trip Rating* |
2 |
| Ready to Launch at |
9:30 AM |
| Duration (hours |
5 |
| Paddling Miles |
8 - 10 |
| Emergency Initiator |
|
| Emergency Phone #s |
911, USCG 361-939-0200, Aransas NWR 361286-3559, Aransas Co. Sheriff (361) 729-2222 |
| Latest Expected Return |
5 PM |
| Auto Description/Lic # |
Blue (green?) Honda CRV - FWC 6215 |
| Distance from Houston |
166 |
* Trip ratings are only a guide. Actual conditions will vary with wind and other weather.
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This is an ACA sanctioned event. All participants in ACA-insured activities must wear properly-fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets (Personal Flotation Devices, or PFDs) at all times during on-water activities. Non-HASK participants must sign a waiver. See all rules at the bottom of this page.
COVID-19 Waivers.
Use the link HASK COVID-19 Waiver to open the waiver in PDF form. Print off the form, sign it and either bring it to the event or scan and email to me at bill@ohsiesworld.net as an attachment. Other options are to take a photo of your waiver on your phone or scan using the Adobe Scan app and emailing or Text to Bill Ohsie.
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Waivers - Please complete our easy to use online waiver if you are a HASK member who has not signed a waiver within the last 12 months or a non- HASK participant. Read the waiver carefully. You give up substantial rights when you sign it.
- Add Smartwaiver with email address “noreply@smartwaiver.com” to your address book to ensure emails do not go to junk/spam.
- Select a link below to complete the online waiver.
ACA-HASK Adult Waiver ACA-HASK Minor Waiver
- Respond to the “Confirm your E-Signature” email from ACA / HASK to confirm your email address. Wavier is now complete and valid.
- You will receive a confirmation email. Please download and print a copy of the waiver and bring it to the trip put-in.
Guests – You are welcome to join us for a couple of paddle trips. HASK will cover the $5 ACA event membership for non-ACA members. Hopefully you will then join HASK and continue paddling with us.