JULY 28, SATURDAY, 9:00 a.m. Kayak and Canoe Trip on the Elk River

JULY 28, SATURDAY, 9:00 a.m.

Kayak and Canoe Trip on the Elk River near Elkmont, Alabama

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Details: The section we will paddle is easy with no obstructions.  This is a scenic stretch of river located in a very rural area.  Novice canoeists are welcome and may come on this trip, but each one must be partnered with an experienced canoeist in their boat.

If you want to rent a kayak, please call Fort Hampton Outfitters 256/431-8988 to reserve your rental kayak.  Be sure to identify yourself as coming with Southeastern Outings on July 28.  Please note that the outfitter has no canoes and only 19 one-person sit-upon kayaks, 1 one-person sit in kayak and 6 tandem sit-upon kayaks for rent, so be sure you call to reserve early.   Once all their kayaks are reserved for July 28, there will be no more kayaks available to rent from that outfitter!

If you rent a kayak from this outfitter, the outfitter will take you and your rented boat to the put in and meet you at the take out, so you will never need to transport your rented boat at all.  You may bring your own canoe or kayak on this trip, but you must pay the outfitter to shuttle your privately-owned boat.  Shuttle fee and life jacket are included in rental boat fee for those who rent kayaks from the outfitter.  Please note that this outfitter does not rent canoes at all.  Please see note for canoe trips below for additional important general information as well.

Children age 10 and over welcome.

After the kayak/canoe trip we plan to go for dinner at an excellent restaurant in Athens, Alabama.  If you would like to have dinner with us at the restaurant after the kayak and canoe trip, please bring your things to clean up with and a change of clothes.

Depart 9:00 a.m. from the Hayden/Corner Park and Ride.

Reservations Required: You must call Dan Frederick, 205/631-4680 or email seoutings@bellsouth.net if you plan to come on this kayak and canoe trip.  You may leave a message on Dan’s voice mail if you wish. 

If you are planning to meet the group initially at the outfitter’s instead of at the designated meeting place near Birmingham, please tell Dan Frederick in advance that you are planning to meet the group at the outfitter’s.

Please do not make it necessary for Dan to contact you concerning information which you have already received in this announcement and the notes below.

Info: If you have further questions, please call Dan Frederick, 205/631-4680 or email seoutings@bellsouth.net

Note for Kayak and Canoe Trips

The kayak and canoe outing listed above is suitable for beginner/novice canoeists and kayakers, but each beginner canoeist must paddle with an experienced canoeist.  Life jackets are required and must be worn.  You are responsible for finding your own boat.  Bring your own boat, borrow one, paddle with a friend, or rent from Fort Hampton Outfitters 256/431-8988.

If you want to come on an SEO kayak and canoe trip AND you are renting a boat from the outfitter at the site of the trip, you are required to call BOTH the outfitter to reserve your boat AND ALSO contact the trip leader, too, and notify him/her that you are coming!  No exceptions!  No ifs, ands or buts!

Two people just showed up for a river trip we had in 2015 without notifying the leader that they were coming.  This created considerable confusion and delay.  The outfitter had to make a second trip from the put in back to his office and bring two more boats to the put in because the total number of people who showed up that morning was two more than the number which the leader had given to the outfitter the day before.  Please don’t let this happen again!

Please bring in the boat your picnic lunch, something to drink, and a towel. Put your belongings in a waterproof dry bag in the boat.  Wear old shoes you don’t mind getting wet (old sneakers work well).  Also bring at least 6 feet of sturdy cord to tie up your boat.  If you have further questions, please call the trip leader.

When you make your reservation with the trip leader, please be absolutely certain to provide ALL of the following information:

1.     Whether you want to kayak or canoe

2.     Whether you are renting a kayak from the outfitter or bringing your own boat

3.     Your name

4.     Your telephone number or email address

5.     If you are also making a reservation for someone else coming with you, please give the NAME of that person.  Don’t just say, “My daughter, my friend, my wife”.

6.     If you are canoeing, please give your skill level. 

7. If you have already selected a canoe partner and you are making a reservation for your partner, too, please give the name and skill level of your partner.

8. Please do NOT just show up at the meeting place without making an advance reservation!!

9.  And if you have made a reservation to participate and then decide to cancel, please be absolutely sure to call and notify the trip leader at least two hours before the departure time from the meeting place.  Don’t just tell your friend if you intend to cancel!!

JULY 21, SATURDAY, 9:00 a.m. Waterfall Walk, Stream Wade and Long Swims South Caney Creek

JULY 21, SATURDAY, 9:00 a.m.

Waterfall Walk, Stream Wade and Long Swims

Where: South Caney Creek in the Bankhead National Forest

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Details: Join us for short, moderately easy hikes to two waterfalls on South Caney Creek.  We’ll swim at both of the falls.  These falls are very lovely.

If you think that you may want to come home before the group outing is completed, please don’t come on this outing.  In order to prevent traffic congestion at the trail head most of our vehicles will be parked at a remote location during the entire outing.  Most outing participants will not be able to access their cars by just walking back to the start point of the walk.

Wear old shorts or a swim suit and sturdy footwear you don’t mind getting wet and dirty.  Old sneakers work well.  Bare feet, flip-flops, loose slip-ons and thin-soled “beach shoes” are not acceptable!  Also bring a towel along with your picnic lunch and water.

After the outing we are planning to go to a restaurant for an optional dinner.  You can shower and change clothes at a campground near the restaurant.  If you would like to shower and/or clean up and have dinner with us at the restaurant, please bring a change of clothes for dinner and your shower things.  No charge to use the campground rest room just to wash up and change clothes.  If you wish to shower, please bring $2.00 exact change cash for shower fee.

Well-behaved, properly-supervised children age 7 and over welcome. 

Depart 9:00 a.m. from the Floor Décor Store on Green Springs Highway or meet 10:20 a.m. at Jacks in Double Springs.

Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205/631-4680

JULY 14, SATURDAY, 8:00 a.m. Short Dayhike and Glorious Swim at High Rock

JULY 14, SATURDAY, 9:00 a.m. 

Easy River Float, Picnic, Swim, Short, Moderate Dayhike

Where: Locust Fork from Swann Bridge to Powell Falls near Cleveland, AL

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Details: Easy river float on the Locust Fork River.  Float in the river from Swann Covered Bridge to Powell Falls.  We’ll view a genuine, old but newly refurbished wooden covered bridge.  Then we’ll float under the bridge and further, about a mile and a half, downstream to the waterfall.  We’ll also view the sheer cliffs that rise about 60 feet above the river.  So enjoy a flowing river, covered bridge, high rock bluffs and at least one waterfall—all along a one mile stretch of this river.  

Bring something to float on such as an inflatable vinyl float or air mattress.  Substantial, fabric-covered, inflatable, vinyl, rectangular floats like you use to ride the waves at the Gulf work best.  See float note below for information about acquiring floats.

Also please bring a picnic lunch, drink, towel and sunscreen. Pack these items in 2 plastic garbage bags with twist ties, one bag over the other.  Then put the bags in your daypack and strap the pack to your back.  This keeps your things dry and prevents them from floating away.  Wear swimsuit and sturdy foot protection.  Old sneakers work well.  Bare feet, flip-flops, slip-ons and thin-soled “beach shoes” are not acceptable! 

Lunch will be on the huge flat rock in the middle of the river beside the waterfall.  Have fun swimming in the pool at the base of the rock, jumping into the pool, climbing up and down or just sitting in Powell Falls.  We will walk back to the bridge on a trail along the river.  You must be able to swim to participate in this outing!

Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 7 and up able to swim welcome, but parents are responsible for all risks to their children. 

Spring floats, passenger car and pick up truck tire tubes and inflatable boats are not permitted on SEO river floats!  A spring float is a flotation device consisting of an inflatable outer oval with a small, few inch diameter cross section and a large mesh interior.  The last time a woman tried to float down this river with us on a spring float (now that I know what it is called), I had to order two high school football players in our group to wade out into the river immediately to seize her and her spring float in order to prevent her from being swept over the big waterfall.  Those spring floats are meant for floating in swimming pools and on lakes in still water, not for floating the Locust Fork River. They are difficult to steer and therefore unsafe for use on Southeastern Outings river floats.

Bring a friend or several if you wish.  

Please be at the Cleveland Chevron Service Station no later than 8:45 a.m. ready to depart promptly at 9:00 a.m.  Arriving 15 minutes before departure time will allow time to use the restrooms at the service station, hear announcements concerning the day’s event, and form carpools from the Chevron.  Parking is extremely limited at the put in point on the river. 

Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205/631-4680

Float Note

Substantial, fabric-covered, inflatable, vinyl, rectangular floats like you use to ride the waves at the Gulf work best.  Trip leader Dan Frederick has children’s floats (60 inches long) for $12 each for sale ONLY at the start of outings Dan attends.  We regret that at this time we have been unable to find a source where we can buy more of the longer 72-inch canvas-covered floats.  Please pay either with exact change or a check made out to SEO.  First come, first served.

Here is an alternative to carrying your lunches, water, towel and sunscreen in a pack on your back.  You can bring with you four 6-7 foot lengths of sturdy cord.  Place your pack with your things in it in the middle of the foot of your float.  Lash the pack to your float with two of the cords, one passing around the float and through the top of the straps and the other passing around the float and through the bottom of the straps of your pack.  Pass the other two cords over the top of your pack and under the float and tie them down tightly.  Then lie on your float with the pack sort of between your knees with your feet splayed out at the bottom corners of your float.  Using this method eliminates your having to float down the river for several hours on your belly with a pack on your back, and it also gives you the option of turning over and lying on your back in the slower-moving sections of the river in order to change your body position and float more comfortably.  If you are an adult, this method of fastening your pack to your float works only if you are using a 72-in long rectangular float.  Either method of transporting your pack is satisfactory and acceptable.  But I learned that people like it when you give them choices.  In any case, your lunches, etc. should be double bagged (or placed in a waterproof canoe bag) inside your pack.

Inflatable boats are not permitted on SEO river floats!

Postponed until Saturday, August 11
JULY 14, SATURDAY, 8:00 a.m.

Short Dayhike and Glorious Swim at High Rock in the Little River Canyon National Preserve

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Details: Moderately easy one-mile walk on a road through the woods in the upper section of Little River Canyon National Preserve to a rather secluded, quite large and very lovely pool on Little River itself in the woods 1 ½ miles above Little River Falls.  Once at High Rock we will float and swim for most of the day.

You are permitted to jump off the 20 foot high rock into the pool which is 17.5 feet deep (measured by Dan Frederick), but you can also walk down to the edge of the pool on a path and wade easily and comfortably into the water which is what most people prefer. You must be able to swim to participate in this outing!  Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 8 and up welcome, but parents are responsible for all risks to their children. 

Note that the High Rock Pool is NOT in Little River Canyon itself. After our swim and float, we’ll walk the one mile back to the cars and then go for showers and an optional dinner. 

Time permitting, we may also visit the nearby 102-foot DeSoto Falls in the early evening.  Please bring picnic lunch, drinking water, swimsuit, river shoes and any kind of a flotation device you wish.  See float note below for information about acquiring floats.  Hot showers for $2.00 per person available before dinner.  Please bring shower things and change of clothes if you wish to clean up and change for dinner. 

Depart 8:00 a.m. from Applebee’s Restaurant Trussville.

Info: Dan Frederick, email seoutings@bellsouth.net or phone 205/631-4680

Float Note-Trip leader Dan Frederick has 60-inch long floats for sale at $12 each ONLY at the start of outings Dan attends.  We regret that at this time we have been unable to find a source where we can buy more of the 72-inch canvas-covered floats.  Please pay either with exact change or a check made out to SEO.  First come, first served.

JULY 7, SATURDAY, 9:00 a.m. River Float, Picnic, Swim, Dayhike Locust Fork from Swann Bridge to Powell Falls

JULY 7, SATURDAY, 9:00 a.m. (CANCELLED)

Easy River Float, Picnic, Swim, Short, Moderate Dayhike

Where: Locust Fork from Swann Bridge to Powell Falls near Cleveland, AL

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Details: Easy river float on the Locust Fork River.  Float in the river from Swann Covered Bridge to Powell Falls.  We’ll view a genuine, old but newly refurbished wooden covered bridge.  Then we’ll float under the bridge and further, about a mile and a half, downstream to the waterfall.  We’ll also view the sheer cliffs that rise about 60 feet above the river.  So enjoy a flowing river, covered bridge, high rock bluffs and at least one waterfall—all along a one mile stretch of this river.  Bring something to float on such as an inflatable vinyl float or air mattress.  Substantial, fabric-covered, inflatable, vinyl, rectangular floats like you use to ride the waves at the Gulf work best.  See float note below for information about acquiring floats.

Also please bring a picnic lunch, drink, towel and sunscreen. Pack these items in 2 plastic garbage bags with twist ties, one bag over the other.  Then put the bags in your daypack and strap the pack to your back.  This keeps your things dry and prevents them from floating away.  Wear swimsuit and sturdy foot protection.  Old sneakers work well.  Bare feet, flip-flops, slip-ons and thin-soled “beach shoes” are not acceptable! 

Lunch will be on the huge flat rock in the middle of the river beside the waterfall.  Have fun swimming in the pool at the base of the rock, jumping into the pool, climbing up and down or just sitting in Powell Falls.  We will walk back to the bridge on a trail along the river.  You must be able to swim to participate in this outing!

Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 7 and up able to swim welcome, but parents are responsible for all risks to their children. 

Spring floats, passenger car and pick up truck tire tubes and inflatable boats are not permitted on SEO river floats!  A spring float is a flotation device consisting of an inflatable outer oval with a small, few inch diameter cross section and a large mesh interior.  The last time a woman tried to float down this river with us on a spring float (now that I know what it is called), I had to order two high school football players in our group to wade out into the river immediately to seize her and her spring float in order to prevent her from being swept over the big waterfall.  Those spring floats are meant for floating in swimming pools and on lakes in still water, not for floating the Locust Fork River. They are difficult to steer and therefore unsafe for use on Southeastern Outings river floats.

Bring a friend or several if you wish.  

Please be at the Cleveland Chevron Service Station no later than 8:45 a.m. ready to depart promptly at 9:00 a.m.  Arriving 15 minutes before departure time will allow time to use the restrooms at the service station, hear announcements concerning the day’s event, and form carpools from the Chevron.  Parking is extremely limited at the put in point on the river. 

Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205/631-4680

Float Note

Substantial, fabric-covered, inflatable, vinyl, rectangular floats like you use to ride the waves at the Gulf work best.  Trip leader Dan Frederick has children’s floats (60 inches long) for $12 each for sale ONLY at the start of outings Dan attends.  We regret that at this time we have been unable to find a source where we can buy more of the longer 72-inch canvas-covered floats.  Please pay either with exact change or a check made out to SEO.  First come, first served.

Here is an alternative to carrying your lunches, water, towel and sunscreen in a pack on your back.  You can bring with you four 6-7 foot lengths of sturdy cord.  Place your pack with your things in it in the middle of the foot of your float.  Lash the pack to your float with two of the cords, one passing around the float and through the top of the straps and the other passing around the float and through the bottom of the straps of your pack.  Pass the other two cords over the top of your pack and under the float and tie them down tightly.  Then lie on your float with the pack sort of between your knees with your feet splayed out at the bottom corners of your float.  Using this method eliminates your having to float down the river for several hours on your belly with a pack on your back, and it also gives you the option of turning over and lying on your back in the slower-moving sections of the river in order to change your body position and float more comfortably.  If you are an adult, this method of fastening your pack to your float works only if you are using a 72-in long rectangular float.  Either method of transporting your pack is satisfactory and acceptable.  But I learned that people like it when you give them choices.  In any case, your lunches, etc. should be double bagged (or placed in a waterproof canoe bag) inside your pack.

Inflatable boats are not permitted on SEO river floats!

JULY 4, WEDNESDAY, 6:30 p.m. 4th of July Picnic, Band Concert & Fireworks Bartow Arena Park

JULY 4, WEDNESDAY, 6:30 p.m.

4^th of July Picnic

Where: Bartow Arena Park

Details: Please bring your own blanket or chairs and all your picnic supplies: food, drinks (no alcohol, please), cups, ice, utensils, etc.  Look for the SEO signs.  SEO people will assemble to the right of the dragon statue (as you face the band) right where the grass ends and the concrete floor leading to the entrance to the arena begins.   Well-behaved children, but no dogs, are welcome. 

Reservations: Not required.

Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205/631-4680

JULY 4, WEDNESDAY, 7:00 p.m.

Attend FREE 4^th of July Band Concert Followed by City of Birmingham Fireworks

Where: Bartow Arena Park

Details: Band concert by the UAB Summer Band.  This large group of carefully auditioned and selected student and professional musicians is an outstanding concert band.  Please bring your own blanket or chairs.   SEO people will assemble to the right of the dragon statue (as you face the band) right where the grass ends and the concrete floor leading to the entrance to the arena begins.  Look for the Southeastern Outings signs.  When the concert ends, conveniently enjoy clearly viewing the Birmingham City Fireworks from the picnic area.  Well-behaved children, but no dogs, are welcome.

Reservations: Not required

Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205/631-4680

JUNE 24, 2018 SUNDAY, 1:30 p.m. Dayhike on Montevallo Parks Trail

JUNE 24, SUNDAY, 1:30 p.m.

Dayhike on Montevallo Parks Trail

 

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Details: Enjoy an easy 4-mile hike on a trail in Montevallo.  The main trail is two miles one way and goes through parks, by two picturesque, flowing streams, and around a beautiful University-owned lake in a wooded park.  Total hiking distance is about four miles. 

This walk will be Southeastern Outings’ eighth or so hike on the Montevallo Parks trail.  Come with us for a guided tour of an easily walkable trail.  Please bring plenty of water and wear good walking shoes or boots. Dress appropriately for the weather.

Depart 1:30 p.m. from the McDonald’s Galleria or meet the group at 2:00 p.m. at the parking lot beside the larger bridge over Shoal Creek which is the wide creek that flows through Orr Park between the ball fields and the open recreational area in the park in Montevallo.  The bridge is right beside the parking lot along the creek at the back of the ball fields.  Please email Dan Frederick at the email address below if you would like driving directions from Hoover to Orr Park sent to you before the hike.

Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 7 and over able to complete the hike welcome.

Optional dinner after the hike.

Admission to Trail: Free

Information: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205/631-4680

JUNE 23, 2018 SATURDAY, 7:00 p.m. Evening Walk Hillsboro Trail

JUNE 23, SATURDAY, 7:00 p.m.

Evening Walk

Where: Hillsboro Trail, Helena, Shelby County, Alabama

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Details: Join friendly folks on an easy four-mile evening walk on the Hillsboro Trail in Helena, Alabama.  This smooth trail is wide, paved and with only a few short hills.   On this particular walk you will be walking on a scenic trail which goes through mostly wooded terrain. 

No motorized vehicles are allowed on your trail!  All road crossings are through three tunnels under the roads.  Note this is a relatively easy outing, one which should be lots of fun for everyone.  Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age seven and up able to walk four miles without complaining are welcome on this walk. 

After the walk we’ll enjoy going for frozen yogurt at Yogurt Mountain in Hoover.  Depart for the walk at 7:00 p.m. from the front parking lot at the Helena Middle School.

Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205/631-4680

JUNE 16, 2018 SATURDAY, 9:00 a.m. River Float, Picnic, Swim on the Locust Fork River from Taylor’s Ford through Cornelius Falls

JUNE 16, SATURDAY, 9:00 a.m.

River Float, Picnic, Swim on the Locust Fork River from Taylor’s Ford through Cornelius Falls in Blount County near Royal, AL

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     And More Pictures

Details: Easy river float on the Locust Fork River. Float in the river from Taylor’s Ford through Cornelius Falls and below.  We’ll float downstream to the widest waterfall on the Locust Fork River.  Enjoy eating your picnic lunch sitting on the rocks overlooking the waterfall.  This is one of the prettiest lunch spots we have ever seen in Alabama.  As we float we’ll also view sheer cliffs that rise high above the river.  So enjoy a flowing river, high rock bluffs and a gorgeous waterfall—all along a nearly uninhabited stretch of this river.  Bring a picnic lunch, drink, sunscreen and something to float on such as an inflatable vinyl float or air mattress.  See Float Note below for additional information.

Please bring a towel, your picnic lunch and drinking water.  Pack your lunch, sunscreen, towel and drink in 2 plastic garbage bags with twist ties, one bag over the other.  Then put the bags in your daypack and strap the pack to your back.  This keeps your things dry and prevents them from floating away.   Wear swimsuit and sturdy footwear you don’t mind getting wet and dirty.  Old sneakers work well.  Bare feet, flip-flops, slip-ons and thin-soled “beach shoes” are not acceptable!  You must be able to swim to participate in this outing!

Have fun swimming in the pools in the river and just sitting in Cornelius Falls.  Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 8 and up welcome, but parents are responsible for all risks to their children.

Spring floats, passenger car and pick up truck tire tubes and inflatable boats arenot permitted on SEO river floats!  A spring float is a flotation device consisting of an inflatable outer oval with a small, few inch diameter cross section and a large mesh interior.  Those spring floats are meant for floating in swimming pools and on lakes in still water, not for floating the Locust Fork.  They are difficult to steer and therefore unsafe for use on Southeastern Outings river floats.

Bring a friend or several if you wish.  Depart 9:00 a.m. from the Cleveland Chevron.

Info: Dan Frederick, emailseoutings@bellsouth.net or call 205/631-4680

Float Note

Substantial, fabric-covered, inflatable, vinyl, rectangular floats like you use to ride the waves at the Gulf work best.  Trip leader Dan Frederick has children’s floats (60 inches long) for $12 each for sale ONLY at the start of outings Dan attends.  We regret that at this time we have been unable to find a source where we can buy more of the 72-inch canvas-covered floats.  Please pay either with exact change or a check made out to SEO.  First come, first served.

Here is an alternative to carrying your lunches, water, towel and sunscreen in a pack on your back.  You can bring with you four 6-7 foot lengths of sturdy cord.  Place your pack with your things in it in the middle of the foot of your float.  Lash the pack to your float with two of the cords, one passing around the float and through the top of the straps and the other passing around the float and through the bottom of the straps of your pack.  Pass the other two cords over the top of your pack and under the float and tie them down tightly.  Then lie on your float with the pack sort of between your knees with your feet splayed out at the bottom corners of your float.  Using this method eliminates your having to float down the river for several hours on your belly with a pack on your back, and it also gives you the option of turning over and lying on your back in the slower-moving sections of the river in order to change your body position and float more comfortably.  If you are an adult, this method of fastening your pack to your float works only if you are using a 72-in long rectangular float.  Either method of transporting your pack is satisfactory and acceptable.  But I learned that people like it when you give them choices.  In any case, your lunches, etc. should be double bagged (or placed in a waterproof canoe bag) inside your pack.

Inflatable boats are not permitted on SEO river floats!