Post Hurricane Paddle on the Hillsborough River/Trout Creek-Lettuce Lake

Originally the float plan was to paddle upriver to Morris Bridge but, after scouting it out. The river is blocked just past Nature's Classroom. Only about 1.25 miles upriver. I found that it was clear sailing downriver to Lettuce Lake Park so, I've decided to change the direction.

This is a BYOK as there are no rentals available. The ending time is an approximate so, if you're in a hurry or on a time constraint. This paddle is not for you. We will meet at Trout Creek Park and plan on wetting our paddles at 9:00am. So, please get there in enough time to prepare your gear. The park opens at 8am, has a $2.00 daily parking fee, and there are restrooms available. There is a short portage to the launch so, you may want to bring your cart or do a short carry. Note: the launch and paddle parking are on your left (dirt lot), right before the main parking lot. The main parking lot is where you'll find the kiosk to pay the daily fee, though. Because of the hurricanes, currently, Trout Creek has their restrooms closed but, there are Porta Pods available. Lettuce Lake the restroom facilities are open.

Our plan will be to leisurely paddle downriver from Trout Creek Park to Lettuce Lake Park for a lunch break before returning upriver to where we started. It is approximately 3.25 miles each way so; it will be around a 6.50-mile roundtrip. The idea will be to go downriver at a relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery, tranquility and wildlife. This section of the river is wide, and the current is slow. The feeder creeks are still holding water so, an option is to check out a few of them. Also, there are a few coves that we can paddle in and check out. It is almost certain that we will see gators. Give them space and they'll do the same. This is a beautiful paddle!

If anyone has interest? Afterwards, we can replenish calories and rehydrate at Glory Days, 17508 Dona Michelle Dr, Tampa, FL Glory Days Grill New Tampa | Directions | Events or I'm open to any other suggestions.

Items that you may want to bring; plenty of water, snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, closed toe water shoes, sunscreen, bug repellant, towel, and anything that will make you comfortable for a day on the river. Remember, it's your responsibility to be USCG compliant.

On the day of the event, feel free to call or text: 813-442-1615

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.

If you bring a guest who is not currently a member of Suncoast Outdoors, you have assumed such liability for that guest. Your guest is free to join our group and register individually, thereby releasing you from any such liability.

Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, drowning, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees.

I am not a professional guide but a volunteer for the group.