There has been some mention of folks wanting to do a straight Coastal UF and not the rivers. I told them that I would ask here and see. Is that going to be a option? , Coastal vs. the orig with the rivers and portage?
2016 Ultimate Florida Challenge Discussion
(115 posts) (27 voices)-
Posted 6 years ago #
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Jarhead
MemberI have been in support of this as an option. Starting at the Bama line and paddling or sailing all the way around to Ga as Calypso did epitomizes the coastal cruising that is at the heart of WaterTribe's purpose. In my view paddling is the most strenuous, but sailing the route will call on every bit of skill any sailor has, because you are going to face adverse winds and many other types of restrictions and hazards to overcome. Without some luck with weather, the roughly 400 nm from the start to Ft Desoto can be virtually undoable in a week or more. The shoals can keep a sailboat or paddler miles from shore all the way S from St Marks, and there are few places to seek shelter in a blow.
I also favor the "no penalty for trying" agreement that Chief gave Leatherlungs and me in 2014; that is, if you can't complete the Bama to Ft Desoto section in time to start with the EC, you can abandon the insane full coastal option and get to the start line at Ft Desoto to try a standard UFC. After a bad storm our first night, followed by calm and predictions of more calm, followed by predictions of strong south winds, we hauled out after only about 100 miles, I think it was (Ft Walton Beach).
Personally, if I finished the Coastal Challenge I would probably want to go ahead and paddle to Cedar Key, where the full Insane Ultimate Florida Challenge would end, as I would have closed the loop at that point. If your body and mind still intact, the rivers are a wonderful challenge--not to be missed.
The essence of the original UFC is closing the loop, which of course requires the rivers and portage, so I would not favor credit for ending at Ft Clinch as a shorter UFC (nobody has proposed that).
My two cents.
Posted 6 years ago # -
HammerStroke
MemberInstead of portaging Trader Hill to St. George I believe the best route is to hike to the Okefenookee Swamp and paddle thru to Fargo. I have scouted this and believe it is much better than the 40+ mile portage from St. George to Fargo. Advantages = portage is +/- 7 miles (paddling beats walking/pulling any day), Okefenookee adds difficulty on two levels (securing permit (or choosing the stealth option) and navigating, Okenenokee is a great waterway with several routes available to navigate from east to west. I assure you, when you paddle thru it, you will be convinced that all the gators from the Everglades, Suwannee and all parts south are wintering in the Swamp.
Posted 6 years ago # -
MicroTom
Key MasterI am fairly committed to the traditional route.
Still interesting info. Google maps shows it to be 9.2 miles from Traders Hill to the Okefenokee put in. Could be a good option if there is enough water. Looks like a 20 mile paddle though the park boundries. How hard could it be to walk in and ask for a day permit? May have to do more research while I am up there scouting.
Posted 6 years ago # -
StickInTheMud
MemberI paddle the Okefenokee and Suwannee (from the sill to Fargo) a good bit and find the USGS (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ga/nwis/rt) gages worth studying for an idea of seasonal water levels. Although the gage on the St. Marys is a good bit upriver of St. George, still might be useful.
I'd be mighty careful entertaining an idea of transiting the Swamp without a "shelter permit". The refuge is pretty clear about signing in and out for day use. If you sign in and aren't out by 5:30 or so, they likely will come looking for you....just sayin'....
Posted 6 years ago # -
MicroTom
Key MasterThanks for the info. There wouldn't be any intention of breaking park rules. I don't see why you wouldn't be able to sign in on one side and then out on the other. I will be up there next weekend so I think I will be driving over to ask.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Ridgerunner
MemberLike Jarhead, I would love to do the coastal option, and I would be tempted to switch to my Sea Wind at Fort Clinch and do it all anyway.
I enjoyed sailing the new AI in the Okumefest Ultramarathon (won in a very small field; it took care of me in a big nighttime storm) and plan to take it to the NCC. But I would not want to be that wet for the whole circumnavigation. If I move to the UF, I will try to find a Dream Catcher for the journey in Class III.
I just wish it wasn't so urban.
Posted 6 years ago # -
We will not be changing the route for the Ultimate Florida Challenge. The rivers are in there for a reason as is the 40-mile portage. This whole route was inspired by Verlen Kruger and Daniel Boone.
Posted 6 years ago # -
MicroTom
Key MasterI went and scouted the 40 mile portage this weekend. Even after driving the 40 miles I have to say I am a little scared. Its a long !@#$ way!
The first stop was the St. Mary's River take out. Been here before. Its a plane old ramp. I was there at first light on a Saturday and there wasn't one other vehicle around. Fairly nice if you arrive at night.
As soon as you exit the dirt parking lot and come off the St Mary's River bridge you are greeted with this awesome sign.
The road is currently under construction on the Florida side. From what I can tell there may be a wider shoulder soon.
There was some local wildlife along the way. They looked tasty but I preferred the menu at Lacy's Kountry Store in Montiac. They have a heck of a grill going. Any portage will have to ensure that I am there between 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Saturday to get a hot meal.
Finished up at the Suwannee River in Fargo. The is a diner about 200 yards past the park entrance. Also a gas station with decent sandwiches. Also shop named Suwannee River Outfitters that was open fairly early
Rather than head strait back I went into Steven Foster State Park and paddled the Okefenokee Swamp . Awesome place but not part of the official course so no need to cover it as a possible route.
There were tons of gators in the swamp. At one point I scared one gator into a second gator and panic ensued. It was very easy to sneak up on them and watch them violently spook. That was during the day. I can only imagine how many would be out at night. Towards the west side of the park in a spot they called the "narrows" I did encounter a weed blockage. I didn't go any further but I think it would have been passable with some effort. According to the rangers this last stretch before crossing over into the Suwanee River is a very beautiful part of the swamp.
Did I mention I am scared of the portage????? Next trip will be to do it by bike. I also noticed that there was little to no logging traffic on Satuday morning. It could have been the weekend or it could have been due to the heavy rains making the forest roads unusable.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Cwolfe
MemberThanks MicroTom, I would love to make a bike trip with you some weekend this fall. If you are willing, maybe I could fly down for the weekend and maybe we could do an eighty miler roundtrip on the bikes on Saturday and some road scouting or a paddle on Sunday. I know I am being forward and inviting myself down to your homegrounds but isn't that what the stereotypes predict...... good old southern hospitality mixed with brash northern attitude. Seriously, I would love to do it and maybe BustedRudder would join in.... Bike, beer, boat, with a dash of Bull@*#t..
Cwolfe
Posted 6 years ago # -
MicroTom
Key MasterSounds like a good idea to me. Let's start planning.
Posted 6 years ago # -
MicroTom
Key MasterI'll bring the
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Posted 6 years ago # -
MicroTom
Key MasterPosted 6 years ago # -
Bermudaboy
MemberMT: when and if I ever get to challenge a UF, goin do the river portion with something with really high gunwales. For that matter, real old fashion gunwales, to mount anti-reptilian artillary on. After watching that, I can just imagine all the late night, heartstopping explosive splashing and thrashing ....
Posted 6 years ago # -
JoeWildlife
MemberJust sayin' so all of us contenders know...I think CWolfe is intending to win the UF.
I'm intending to complete it with a sense of urgency, toughness, and efficiency. If that puts me out front or middle or back of the pack, so be it. If I finish, I know I'll win my class and set a record:
Clipper Sea 1 Men's solo Class 1 with Falcon 1M sail.
That's all that matters to me.
Joe
Posted 6 years ago # -
Cwolfe
MemberIs that little yellow man supposed to me doing a workout, or me trying to catch my breath after a workout.....
Winning the UFC? From what I have read and seen, finishing it is winning. Commiting to it is the hardest thing. Now we each have to do our best to slightly wiegh the unfavorable dice in our favor......
It does distract the mind that is for sure.
Cwolfe
Posted 6 years ago # -
JoeWildlife
MemberI'm just giving you chit C.
I think only 18 boats have ever completed the UF. In addition, I think only about 12 boats have completed the Florida circumnavigation saltwater paddling trail.
So to complete the UF, puts you in company of only about 35 folks ever, who have paddled around Florida. I totally agree, finishing IS everything and a win no matter what.
I'm not procrastinating on this one...getting things done now is good fun.
Joe
Posted 6 years ago # -
MicroTom
Key MasterNot sure if anyone has been following Amy Linton's blog posts but there should be a number 14 out there.
http://www.amysmithlinton.com/blog/category/boatbuilding
Also wondering if Sew Sew is considering making a run.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Scareman
MemberLeaving the St. Marys and heading up to the main highway, you will be heading uphill for the first mile up to the flashing light, then it is flat.
There are a few places where you can find water, there, but it may be very "tasty". I found quite a few spigots around back in a few places when I was sampling water.
The law enforcement is friendly there as you leave the St. Mary's.
Also, a church or two along the way may invite you to camp inside if they are working at the church as you pass by, and they know you are in the UFC.
Good Luck!
Posted 6 years ago #
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