Bay Pines Paddling Trip July 2023.
Bay Pines Paddle trip July 2023, It was a hot day but a good day to be on the water. We put in at the kayak launch in the park and paddle, up into the Cross Bayou. Paddling under the Tyrone Blvd Bridge and the Pinellas Trail Bridge. The tide was not low but there are still large oyster bars that are exposed and hidden in low water areas. There was an out going tide so paddling up was a bit too hard so a couple paddlers waited at the bridge, while the rest of the group paddle up though the mangrove in the Bayou. The paddlers who stayed back enjoyed a group of manatees, that the rest of the group didn’t get to see. The rest of the group enjoyed a paddle through a very health looking mangrove estuary, with l tall Red Mangrove, and lots of large oysters forming new islands. We didn’t see lots of birds out, but with the heat of the day most were probably hiding in the shade. Some of the group saw dolphins in the shallows. But they move off before all the group had wound its way around the mangrove islands. Paddling back we followed the bayou to the right and traced the border of dry land with Beautiful houses overlooking the water. Then down near the KOA campground where we found an almost white water drop from the receding water. We paddled back past the bridges into Boca Ciega Bay. Trying to stay out of the Boat channels that weave through the area. Heading to a Spoil Island for lunch. Fish taco/burritos for lunch hit the spot and some of the group waded in the water to cool down. After lunch it was a quick run back to the take out to end a great day on the water. Thank you to all that came out and enjoyed the day with us. See you next month for the Hillsborough River Paddle Trip.
Join us next month at The Hillsborough River
