Talking About Adventure In Small Boats
Danito
Member
Hi everyone,
is Fort De Soto going to have "special" gate times for those of us that are staying off the campground on event day? I will be on the beach for Inspection and captains meeting but shortly after the captains meeting I have to drive all the way back home. Saturday really early grab the Family and drive back to Fort de Soto for the start. Dont want to miss the start cause the gate is closed.
Thanks,
Danito
Scareman
Member
Last year I learned that the main road just past the campground is blocked at 10 pm. I was hoping to unload my boat Friday night after my Friday morning GPS failures that delayed my departure. The security/park official "scared" me that I would be locked-up, dragged away in handcuffs, and never allowed back on Ft DeSoto with retinal scans and DNA checks, so I worked on my kayak rigging at the boat ramp.
I headed to the launch beach around 5 am, without issue.
So apparently they now close the entire park at 10 pm past the campground. Then the gate to the launch beach is another barrier, but if you are as smart as a raccoon, that gate is not an issue upon close inspection on Saturday morning of the launch.
Due to insurance issue that have been a real bear this year I have had to wait to make final arrangements at the park. Usually they open the gate Saturday morning about 5. But things have changed since they started charging a $5 entry fee. They have always closed the gate leading to our parking area after dark.
I am supposed to get the permit cleared very soon and then I will talk to the rangers who will be on duty for Friday and Saturday.
On Friday morning don't expect me or any volunteers to be there until about 9 AM. But after 9 AM you should try your best to get there as early as possible. Remember - no unloading or anything else until after your paper work is done.
I think it's $5 per day, but I will check. I will also be getting the specific parking area info soon. Remember that due to the new park rules and fees, parking for the duration is going to change. Just how is not known yet. The head ranger is very supportive of our events, but the head office is under new management and they have a bunch of new rules. We don't fit their normal profile for special events.
Oh what the heck - I'll go down there today without the final permit and see if they have things figured out yet.
I'm starting a new thread to spread the parking information as I get it.
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