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Blackwater River & Sweetwater Creek ~ Lori Orslene ~ CCGH’s Floridian Concierge John Guetter and I visited Blackwater River March 2019 and it’s one of the river trips the club has in mind to paddle during the upcoming Florida Weeks of Rivers 2024. The headwaters of the Blackwater originate in south Alabama on National Forest property. As a result, there is virtually no development to spoil the clarity of the water, however, the water can be tea-colored due to naturally occurring tannins. John and I put in at Kennedy Bridge, which marks the start of the 31 mile state-designated paddling trail. Trees form a dense shaded canopy over the river and red cedar is the most common tree but you can also spot red maple, cypress, oak and longleaf pine (which is a species native to the Southeastern US). Along with high banks, there are occasional white sandbars to provide options for camping, picnicking or taking a dip although bring close-toed shoes since there are loose pebbles & gravel. After 11 miles of mostly carefree paddling (we had to crab walk across one logjam), we took out at Cotton Bridge where bathrooms, an outside shower and a picnic/playground area awaited us. Now let’s talk about Sweetwater Creek. If after 1, 2 or 3 weeks of kayaking, you feel you haven’t been challenged enough, just ask John Guetter to take you on Sweetwater Creek. But don’t let the name fool you because there is nothing sweet about this creek! As forewarned by Johnny Molloy in his Canoeing and Kayaking Florida book: “The narrow waterway is overhung with branches and littered with fallen logs, making for a difficult endeavor.” Here are my notes from that memorable day with John Guetter: “Words can’t describe this adventure but I’ll try: it was a once in a lifetime event (as in, I plan never to do it again)! Five days later, my muscles were still sore from the 12 portages we did over a 2 mile section!! Much later, I looked up the definition of the word portage and according to the Urban Dictionary: portage is a noun and is a fancy word that means, “Guess what? You’re going to have to carry your damn boat!” Anyway, obviously you can tell I survived this adventure and John is still (mostly) a friend. And ask around, since I’m not the only club member with a story about portaging with John. 3 Perhaps though, after 1, 2 or 3 weeks of kayaking you need a change of pace, and I have some suggestions for you: If you feel the need for speed, you can catch a practice session of the Blue Angels demonstration team at Pensacola Naval Air Station (which is now open to the public) Mar 26 and/or 27. Visitors can catch the show from the Naval Aviation Museum flight line. Public access is through the West Gate and all visitors must have a government issued identification card. The West Gate opens at 9 am and the Blues usually fly (weather permitting) at 10:30 am. There is open bleacher seating available for 500 people but make sure to bring hearing protection (yes, you are that close)! Afterwards, spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the FREE museum and perhaps, seeing an IMAX movie (for a nominal charge). If you want to pedal instead of paddle, check out the 8.1 mile Blackwater Heritage State RailTrail in Milton, Florida. It just turned 25 years old and is a well maintained, wide, paved trail with bathrooms. A nearby bicycle shop can help you with any last minute needs. When you get finished biking, feel free to head on over to Milton Quality Bakery on Caroline Street. They have been in business for over 60 years and are open every day with a selection of breads, cakes, cookies, muffins, donuts, pastries and pies. Even if you don’t indulge, feel free to bring goodies back to your paddling buddies who may have had to portage! On a side note, I like anything chocolate! Finally, one last thing to remember, the panhandle area of Florida (area West of Tallahassee) is on Central Time. Also, remember to turn your clocks forward at 2 am Sunday March 10th for Daylight Savings Time. I hope to see you March 24-30, 2024 at Blackwater River State Park so I can share my area of Florida with you. Although you won’t spot Elvis here, you’ll discover an area of Florida that offers various uncrowded recreational and photographic opportunities from rivers, creeks, bayous and white sand beaches to hiking, biking and kayaking trails all interwoven with military history and Blue Angels pride and then we top it all off with awesome sunsets! Safe travels and hope to see you soon!