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Kayaking and camping in Mosquito Lagoon, near Oak Hill, Florida
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This trip begins at Oak Hill, Florida, off I-95 exit #231. This is in a very remote area. Take Fl-54 (Stuckway Road) east to US highway#1, then south 7 miles to Oak Hill. Right turn at the blinking light through a residential neighborhood, then follow the somewhat circuitous road to Goodrich Restaurant, 253 River Road. North of the restaurant there is a short stretch of a very small park, basically about 15 parking spaces and a sandy beach suitable for launching. There is no fee to park or launch and overnight parking is permitted.
The group launched about 10 am and within 15 minutes were surrounded by manatees frolickiing in the channel. Note, here, manatees can flip kayaks with their tails. Close contact should be avoided.
Island 9 is a large island south and east from the park. There are no markings or designated campsites however there is a fire ring and a picnic table at two different spots on the island.
After setting up camp, the group explored the lagoon to the north and east of the campsite.
There are many islands and channels and there were several dolphins, many osprey, blue herons, great white egrets, and white pelicans on display. White pelicans are twice the size of brown pelicans and are very dramatic. They look like boats from a distance.
In the afternoon, many naps were taken along with breaks for nourishment and rehydration.
After a break, an attempt was made at the use of a new toy, a hand sail. This small, hand-held sail is great downwind, not useful otherwise. Wind was perfect on this day and it was running opposite of the tidal current. A great time was had riding the tide down the lee side of Island 9 then riding the wind the opposite direction with the sail.
After a day of traveling and exploring, a dinner of chili and garlic bread followed by chocolate cake rounded out a nearly perfect day, marred only by mosquitos and no-seeums. Note, here, adventurists cannot have everything.
On day 2, the group paddled at dawn from the campsite due east to a beach park with a boat ramp on the west side. There are chemical toilets, a boardwalk, and a stunning view of the ocean from a high dune.This park is accessible by car from the north. It is about 3 miles east from Island 9 and a good destination for exploring. As paddlers approach from the east, the roof of the bathrooms first comes into view, up high on the dune. The ramp is gravel and steep.
The islands in this area all look very much alike and to avoid getting lost on the return trip, either a GPS or a good sense of direction is needed. Another group of manatees (having more fun than us) was sighted, and more white pelicans . The fish were jumping all around , however the single fishing person in the group came away empty handed.
We ended the day at Goodrich restaurant. The service was great and I highly recommend breakfast, especially the biscuits.
Permits are required for camping. Call 386 428 3384 to make reservations. Messages left on the machine are not valid reservations.
Safety principles apply at all times. PFD's are useful when worn, not so much when stowed. Extra water is also a good idea, along with nourishment, sunscreen, and insect repellant. An extra paddle and an extra hat have become fixed components of this writer's kayak contents. More safety information here.
This is paradise!!
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