The Keys Challenge
February 18-21, 2011 (Presidents Day weekend)

Capacity: 100 people
Distance: approx 30 miles
Registration: $200/person
Meals: $100/person

Before the great city of Miami existed, Henry Flagler envisioned a railroad across the sea that would promote a cultural and economic connection with Cuba, the Panama Canal and South America. Construction began in 1904. On January 22, 1912, Henry Flagler rode the railroad to Key West, where the project was heralded by the press as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." It was Flagler’s vision that makes the Florida Keys an economically viable destination. Today the Keys are a paddler’s paradise, with shallow water in five shades of blue and green. We hope you can join us to revisit Henry Flagler’s vision!
Itinerary:
Feb 18 – Curry Hammock State Park check in and set up camp. Kick-off dinner, overview of the trip and mandatory pre-launch briefing.

Feb 19 - Curry Hammock State Park to Knight’s Key Campground (11 miles). Depart Curry Hammock State Park after breakfast. Rest stop is at Sombrero Beach (8 miles).

The crossing from Sombrero Beach to Knight’s Key Campground can be hazardous and this trip is only for the first 100 experienced paddlers with boats that are appropriate for the conditions, meaning that paddlers should be paddling sea kayaks with skegs/rudders and spray skirts mandatory.  We will spend the night at Knight’s Key Campground for dinner and an evening program. more...

Feb 20 – Knight's Key Campground to Bahia Honda State Park. (9 miles) Rest stop at Molasses Key (4 miles), halfway across the 7-mile bridge. Depart Knight’s Key Campground after breakfast for the Seven-Mile Bridge crossing. 

During the scouting trip, we had 4-foot seas; it was clear that conditions can range from very rough to very calm. If conditions are not favorable to attempt the crossing, we will have an alternative day’s agenda. The rest stop is about halfway between Knight’s Key and Bahia Honda at the Molasses Keys, two islands that are south of the Seven-Mile-Bridge.

Once you make it to the Molasses Keys, you are halfway home. We are on the ocean side for the whole trip until we get to Bahia Honda, where we cut into the bay side right after Ohio Key. Camping will be at Bahia Honda State Park on the bay side of the island.

Feb 21 – Circumnavigate Bahia Honda before departure.

After breakfast, we will circumnavigate the island and return to the camp for departure.  Don’t forget, Key West is now just 35 miles away.  Those wishing to forego the last day’s paddle can take advantage of attractions offered at the park, including snorkeling trips to Loo Key.  We will have a barbeque with many photos opportunities, after the paddle and before departure.