By Peter Clayton
We had another urban paddle with surprises on Wednesday. Our launch was from the northern edge of Tilly Fowler Regional Park which is off Roosevelt Blvd. opposite the Jacksonville Naval Air Station – the park has several walking trails and is well worth exploring. Its kayak ramp is on the east side of the Ortega off Timuquana Rd. and fairly new with limited parking and a 100 yd. paved walkway to the water. It’s not a ramp so much as an access point with stones providing a firm footing into the water and wide enough to accommodate 4-5 boats. The paddle to the river proper winds though wetlands where white ibis were busy feeding and the flora includes swamp lilies and a variety of aquatic plants.
Our “guide” was Ron Moredock, asst. commodore of Seminole Kayak & Canoe Club, a 103 year old group with a clubhouse at the mouth of the Ortega – Ron lives in Julington Creek and is responsible for organizing outings for Seminole. Other paddlers were Theo Helms, Bud Clarke, Ned Skinner, Bill May and me – Bill was making his maiden voyage in his 13′ Ocean Kayak Prowler.
The Ortega is a main tributary of the St. Johns and includes several launches on its own tributaries including Cedar River and Fishing Creek – the former we’ve paddled, the latter we have not yet. The first surprises were provided by the NAS as large jets flew over sometimes in pairs (we were in their flight pattern) and train whistles from the railway servicing the facility – it certainly reminded us of the urban location. Where we entered the Ortega it was quite broad with some houses on the opposite shore but as we paddled upstream it soon became natural with some large cypress trees dominating. Bird sightings included a bald eagle, yellow crowned night heron, kingfisher, great blue and many ibis and egrets. The river remained wide for almost 2 miles until Ringhaver Park on the west side which has a floating dock but with a long haul to its parking area and not favored by kayakers. The river narrowed to a more interesting width for the next couple of miles to the Collins Rd. bridge where four of us pulled out to stretch our legs, etc. Bud and Ned continued another half mile to the I-295 bridge before turning back.
We had some light rain on the return but no wind and overcast skies the whole trip. While we embarked just before high tide, currents were not a factor until we turned into the entrance to Tilly Fowler where the narrow width caused us some extra effort against the flow. We pulled out 3.5 hrs. after launch having gone just under 8 miles. I’m going to check the Blanding Blvd. bridge which may provide a reasonable access further upstream where the river continues to narrow – a return outing would need to be shorter and on the narrower portion of the river. Our lunch was at Trent Seafood – a local spot recommended by Ron – provided cold beer and delicious food at reasonable prices.
Next week we’ll be closer to home as the weather looks delightful but windy – Deep Creek is the destination as the rain between now and then should create good water levels. The following week will be our High Springs overnight – let me know if you’re interested in either. Theo’s photos to follow.
