If you have never experienced the thrill of paddling a still lake by moonlight, you really need to join us for this event. If you have done it before, you know why you should come back!

Yes, I do know that this is Halloween Night, but the moon phases wait for no man, and what better time to be on a moonlight paddle and maybe even tour the old block house/fort than on this night. Feel free to dress for the occasion!

The moon is full on November the 4th, so we should have plenty of moonlight on the 31st. With special permission I reserved the lake at Fort Yargo State Park in Winder for the use of our group on this one night. Normally the lake is closed to all boats at dark so we will have the lake exclusively to ourselves. (no dodging power boats)

We will be using Area B in the park. (Area B has a separate entrance off of Highway 81) We must be off the water by 11:30 and out of the park by 12:00.

This will be a 3 part event.

Part 1:
We will meet at the AREA B, day use boat ramp at 2 PM and have a class on kayak safety. Paddle float re-entry, how to tow a boat, etc., and just generally have a good time paddling and getting wet. If we get a few volunteers we can throw in ROLL CLASSES OR PRACTICE. Any volunteers????

Part 2:
We have picnic Area 4 reserved for the day, so feel free to bring a picnic lunch and also an evening meal. We will gather at the shelter around 5:00 pm and have our evening meal together so that we can get acquainted before we paddle. If you prefer hot food, they do have grills at the shelter. What the shelter is lacking is electricity, so plan accordingly, bring lanterns if you plan on using the shelter after dark.

Part 3.
Meet at Area B boat ramp at 6 PM for the moonlight paddle. All types of boats are welcome, if it floats, bring it. This is a family affair, paddlers of all ages are welcome.

A FEW SIMPLE RULES:
PFD's are required for all paddlers, a park rule. If you are not willing to wear one, please do not come to this event. I want to be welcome back here year after year.

NO FLASHLIGHTS of any kind will be allowed on the water except for emergencies. This is a moonlight paddle, not a flashlight paddle. (smiling here)

If you visit the park website you will find there is plenty to do if you want to come early and make a day of it with your friends and family. Of course you can paddle all day if that is your preference. There are 15 miles of hiking trails. Mountain bikes are also welcome on the trails. Hey, if you have a horse, they are welcome too. There is camping in the park but I have no idea what the availability of sites will be, I just know they go fast in the fall.

IMPORTANT,,,,,IMPORTANT,,,,,IMPORTANT,,,IMPORTANT

If you do not have an annual State Park parking permit, there is a $5.00 per car parking fee. Must be paid in cash. That is in addition to the $15.00 per person fee for the shelter and use of the lake after hours.

DON'T OWN A BOAT? We will arrange to deliver boats for anyone that does not have one. There will be a separate rental fee of $45.00 if you need a boat. The $45.00 will be for a boat, a paddle and a PFD. Hassle free if you do not own a boat or if you have a friend that does not have a boat. Contact John directly to arrange boat rental.

On the park website, you will find a list of activities and maps of how to get to the park. If events are added during the day, all who sign up will be notified.

http://www.gastatepar....

If you have any questions or suggestions to make this a better event, please contact:
John Miller at [masked] or e-mail: [masked].