Peace River Camping & Kayaking Trip - November 11-12, 2011
Science Adventurers Club was pleased to offer another experience to learn about some of the natural processes at work in Florida via a canoe trip on the Peace River. In addition to a generally enjoyable excursion into a relatively pristine section of Florida, students and faculty were able to explore stream behavior, collect fossils, and study the subtropical environment.
The section of the river floated down is a flowing wilderness stream beginning at Bowling Green and flowing south for 10 miles by water to the Zolfo Springs boat ramp. Bowling Green is located seven highway miles north of Zolfo Springs (US 17 and Rt 62). Actual canoeing time is about 5-6 hours excluding breaks. This area of the river has some fun ripples but no real rapids. It is entirely possible to capsize a canoe on this section, but it is not dangerous, not wide, and in most areas not deep. The river is ideal for the beginner and enjoyable for the experienced canoeist.
This section is justly renowned for its tranquil beauty, good birding, fossils, otters, and beautiful campsites because it has yet to be improved. It can get very cool in winter, on one trip it was 28 degrees. Everyone was properly dressed and outfitted and a great time was had by all. Do remember that “wilderness camping” also means no facilities, no 7-11s, and the other goods and ills of civilization.