By Peter Clayton

Even with good research, you’re never quite sure about a new paddle until you’ve done it – the four of us who did Goodby’s Creek this week would all return. 

Goodby’s is about an hour’s drive NW just above Julington Creek with a very nice boat ramp on San Jose Blvd. which has rest rooms and plenty of parking. A short paddle to the left would take you into the St. Johns, but we headed right eventually going about 3.5 miles round trip in an hour and 45 minutes. It was leisurely paddling with a dramatic and surprisingly quick change of surroundings from a wide channel with tall apartments along the banks to narrow with delightful homes and woodland dominated by huge cypress – all amidst thoroughly developed south Jacksonville.

We had our first sighting of Canada geese and goslings both in the water and along the banks plus Muscovey ducks and the usual ibis, egrets, herons and osprey. Our turnaround was a public park with small kayak ramp which would be a perfect rest stop – we didn’t, only because we anticipated more paddling – the park was also the terminus for about a one mile trail part of which paralleled the creek. After the park, our intended route NE toward Old Kings Road was blocked by downed trees. Many of the homes along the creek had lovely landscaping – one even had a bridge connecting it to the opposite shore where a greenhouse was located and various plantings.

Wicked Barley Brew Pub was 5 minutes away off Bay Meadows Rd. and has a sandy area on the creek where we can pull out next time on the return leg. There are several Adirondack chairs just beyond the pullout with plenty of shade. The variety of brews would satisfy any taste and the menu while limited provided perfect accompaniment to the beer.

Thanks to Bud, Chris and Stan for putting up with my awful driving routes which added 30-45 minutes and for the photos which follow.

Photos by Stan Hill, Chris Jennings and Peter Clayton