Itinerary

Once we're on the river, our plans are subject to the whims of weather, fate, and the mighty St. Johns. Please check our Facebook page for the latest info.

Day 1 - Sanford to DeBary: 12 miles.  From Delany's front yard, we'll launch with a suitable amount of pomp and circumstance to speed us on our way, then camp at Highbanks Marina and Camp Resort for our first night on the river. (Maybe we'll even have time for some shuffleboard.)

Day 2 - DeBary to DeLand: 11 miles. This is another relatively easy day (wind and weather permitting), but we'll still be looking forward to a cute cottage at the "fish camp resort" of Riviera Resort and Marina.  Do kayakers get braggin' rights, too? Just in case we have anything to report.

Photo from RivieraResort.net

Day 3 - DeLand to Astor: 17 miles. We'll be pushing ahead with determination and looking forward to soaking up the welcoming atmosphere of Castaways on the River in our very own cottage.   Special thanks to Jack at Castaways for setting us up in style!  

After our first days on the river, we'll be enjoying a hot meal and a cold beer that much more at the Blackwater Inn next door - and getting ready for Lake George.   

      

Day 4 - Astor to Drayton Island: 14 miles. We're looking forward to meeting up with some fellow paddlers when we pass Silver Glen on the west bank of Lake George, and then staying the night with the proverbial "friends of a friend" who have graciously offered to host us.  And we'll be perfectly happy if we don't have a hair-raising Lake George story to tell when we get there.

Day 5 - Drayton Island to Welaka: 10 miles. We considered taking a chance on Rat Island, but thought the better of it.  Instead, we'll stay at the charming and nostalgic Andersen's Lodge, a/k/a the Welaka Inn, and soak up some bassin' atmosphere.

Photo from WelakaInn.com

Day 6 - Welaka to Palatka: 22 miles: This is an ambitious day, and we'll be making an early start and crossing our fingers for a day of good weather.  We hear that the famous riverfront Burger King is now closed, a major disappointment for the novelty factor alone. Our overnight will be at the colorful "10 star fish camp," Georgia Boys Fish Camp, and if we have to order out for a pizza, so be it.

Photo from GeorgiaBoysFishCamp.com

Day 7 - Palatka to Palmetto Bluff Ramp area: 12 miles.  We'll be relying on the proverbial kindness of strangers for some riverside camping this night in the vicinity of Tanglewild. One of the very best parts of this trip has been meeting other folks who love the St. Johns; this stop is just one example of how doggone nice people can be.     

Day 8 - Palmetto Bluff Ramp to Williams Point area: 20 miles. Still a TBD stop.  We have some flexibility here because our overnight remains uncertain.  

Day 9 - Williams Point to Green Cove Springs: 10 miles. After two nights of camping, our dreams of civilization will be realized at the fabulously retro Green Cove Springs Inn.

Special thanks to the friendly folks at our stopping point, Crystal and Brenda at Green Cove Springs Marina, who offered many helpful suggestions about the details of our stay.  We felt like family there!   

Day 10 - Green Cove Springs to Orange Park/Buckman Bridge/I-295: 14 miles. Details still to be determined!

Day 11 - Orange Park to Riverside, Jacksonville: 10 miles.  In an intriguing twist of fate, we'll probably be overnighting in a studio at the fabulous CoRK Arts District. After so many days on the river, imagine how much we'll enjoy waking up indoors but still surrounded by lush, larger-than-life paintings of Florida nature. Although we'll be hearing the call of the sea, we'll use this stop to reflect on our journey and recharge ourselves before the final paddle.  

Day 12 - Day off in Riverside: 0 miles.  Not only does this day allow us time for extra rest and visiting with friends, it gives us some flexibility in case we have been delayed along the way. It also gives us the chance to coordinate with folks who want to paddle with us on the last day. We'll be heading through downtown Jacksonville and the shipping lanes, so company will be very welcome.    

Day 13 - Riverside to the Atlantic Ocean:  24 miles.  We are counting on the tide to pull/push us to this distance and our destination. We plan to camp at Huguenot Memorial Park and savor the feeling of arriving at the close of our journey. When we scouted this last month, it was exhilarating just to walk along the beach and feel the power and exuberance of the river as it meets the sea. We can only dream of what it will be like to actually reach the sea ourselves.