Please Note: You MUST bring a canoe or kayak to this event, there is no ferry, there is no bridge! This is a primitive style hiking/camping trip!

You will not have access to electricity, bathrooms, showers, restaurants/snacks, cars, or any transportation.

Background Info:
The "leave no trace" ethic...
Our continued right to visit and camp on Shell Key depends on how well we can learn to manage an ever increasing population of people on this County Preserve. The leave "no trace ethic" means that we are required to remove absolutely any trace of our camp - including food, refuse and anything that came with us on our boat.

You are your brothers keeper...
While the overwhelming majority of visitors to Shell Key are conscientious and tidy, a few inconsiderate visitors to the island have the ability to ruin it for the rest of us.

We are asking you to, whenever possible, take a little trash off the island - even if it is not yours. Keep a few plastic shopping bags on the boat and grab a few items as you are strolling the beach or exploring the pines. You will feel great as you realize that you are making a difference in our struggle to find balance between preservation with public use.

If a lot of people make a little effort, we can sustain this resource despite our growing local population..

Paddling and Camping Itinerary:

Day 1:
10:00AM: Meet at the boat ramp and paddle out to Shell Island
11:00AM: Scout around the island for a campsite
12:00PM: Setup camp and grab lunch
1:00PM and on.... Camp,

Day 2:
9:00AM: Wake up and grab breakfast
10:00AM: Break camp and pack up
12:00PM: Arrive back at the boat launch and cars

Cost:
Ft Desoto Park Fee - $4.00 per person

What to bring:

Your Canoe or Kayak!!!

Overnight Camping Gear

Suggested gear list:

Water and more water - Carry enough water to last at least one day, I carry a camel back as well as 2 large Nalgine bottles full. Without enough water, your body just doesn't work. You can go three days without food and you will lose some weight, but if you go three days without water, you're in for bad times. Drinking bad water won't help the situation so consider taking water treatment along for the walk.

Food and more food - You can burn thousands of calories a day while out and about in the wild, so carry enough food to at least keep you from getting weak. And have at least an extra day or two of rations in case of a detour, or an injury. Take carbohydrates as your primary content and power bars/dried fruit for a quick boost during breaks.

Tent of any size - If you do not have one I will be bringing one extra 3 person tent. Please bring extras for those that do not have one and we can figure out sleep arrangements or sharing tents later. The lighter the better when hiking. No need to bring a 6 person tent for just you!

A range of clothing - The weatherman isn't always right especially in Florida. During this event it may be sunny and warm, or may be around freezing and foggy. Key word with clothing is to be prepared. Dress in layers of synthetic materials when possible. Avoid *denim* and cotton, unless you want to weigh 100 pounds heavier when wet. Carry at least a lightweight water-proof jacket or poncho if there's any chance for rain. And most important a good pair of shoes. More hikes end early due to blisters than for any other reason.

Bug Spray/Repellant - Florida is know for is bugs, this time of the season is the lowest for bugs, but they are still out there. 100% Deet works great just don't spray it directly on your skin. Nothing drives me nuts quicker than a buzzing horsefly.

Knife or multi-purpose tool - Army knife or multi-purpose tool such as a "Gerber". You can't imagine how often you'll use one of these on the trail. Until you go out without one in your pack.

Flashlight/Headlamp - For finding your way in the dark and signaling for help. Hands-free headlamps are best.

Sunglasses/Hat/Sun block - Otherwise you can fry your skin or hurt your eyes if you're out all day in the sun. We may be hiking through the woods, but the sun can still creep through the branches.

Sanitary Items - When nature calls be prepared. Please follow the hiking rules and leave no trace behind.

Mirror/Whistle/Emergency Blanket - These items can save your life in cold weather and can help someone finds you in case of emergency. Three blasts on a whistle will carry further and prompt help faster than any yelling will do. The mirror can be used to have helicopters spot you.

Camera - Lot's of Kodak Moments on the trail. Take a lightweight digital or throwaway and get images on a CD so you can share with friends.

Hand Cleaner/Baby Wipes - Waterless hand wash/Towelettes. Keep your hands clean, and you'll be less likely to catch something nasty. Keep the rest of you clean, and you'll feel better, sleep better, chafe less, and smell better to your partners. Trick, if no water is available for a mini-bath of sorts, clean up with baby wipes, they are quick, simple, and you smell great!

Duct Tape Of small-diameter nylon rope doesn't weigh much, but is handy for all kinds of things. Hanging clothes, food away from critters, etc. and duct tape is useful for everything from blisters to tent repairs. Hint. Don't take a whole roll of tape; just unwrap a few feet and re-wrap around something you're taking anyway, like your bug spray can or hiking pole.

Beef Jerky/Dried Fruit - Pound for pound, the best reserves you can have. Heavy, yes, so take just enough to eat up first day or two out. But your body will appreciate the protein from the jerky, freeze-dried food and energy bars.

Extra Batteries - If you're taking electronic anything. Flashlight or GPS, etc. Take some extra batteries. GPS units will burn through a set of batteries in a hurry if you leave it on for very long at a time.

Plastic Trash Bags - Use to cover your pack or at least protect your sleeping bag if it starts raining. Also great to have to set your gear out on dewy mornings and then later to carry your trash out. Sandwich bags are good to keep your small items together and to keep things that need to be dry, dry.

Fluid Enhancers - Gatorade is good during hot weather as a continual light calorie source and helps keep muscles from cramping. Anything with caffeine is good in the morning to get you started for the day. Eat sweets guilt-free, particularly while on the trail. The carbohydrate and sugar burn will help you sustain energy

First Aid Kit - Raid your own cabinet for supplies or pickup a prepackaged first aid kit. And when the mind is willing on Day 2, but the lactic acid in your legs won't cooperate, try Advil. Works wonders.

Directions/Maps:

Click here for a map of Ft Desoto and the location of the boat ramp we are meeting at.

Click here for directions to Ft Desoto

Contact Information:
Toll Free TAG Line: 1-888-3111-TAG(824)
Email: [masked]

See you at the boat ramp!