Hiles Paddle MIles Preview

1

Hiles Boat Ramp

Drop your things at the ramp, park in the free lot 2 blocks to the east and don't forget to use the restroom before you begin.

2

Turn right at the Intersection

Turn left when you leave the ramp, then shortly after starting out, turn right into the main channel. It is alright to feel overwhelmed by the beauty.

3

Pass through the islands, turn right

When you get to the spot where there is an island in the center of the channel, turn right to enter Webster Creek. Watch out for slightly submerged oyster beds on the edges of the route. The safest route is to stay in the center as much as possible.

4

Follow the red arrow into Snake Creek.

When you first go towards Snake Creek, it narrows down quite a bit. See the photos. Get ready to twist and turn through the creek.

5

What is an Estuary?

It's often said that an Estuary is the "nursery of the ocean". Mosquito Lagoon (part of the Indian River lagoon) is 28 miles long and covers 36,000 acres! The water in this part of the estuary is typically as salty as the ocean. There are believed to be over 4,200 species that call this estuary home or visit as part of their life cycle. This area used to be a salt marsh, but over the past 50 years, 3 types of Mangrove trees have migrated north as the climate warmed. The most plentiful on the edge are Red Mangroves, easily identified by their root system that appears that the tree is "walking" with a red tint to the bark. There are fewer White Mangroves - their leaves are lighter in color and they have a dimple at the top. If you look at the photo, you'll see leaves that are lighter on some Mangroves. Black Mangroves typically are found a few feet off the water. Their root systems are connected to the "sticks in the mud" that grow up to allow air to get to the plant (see photo).

6

Birds of the Indian River Lagoon

There are too many species of birds to list here, but it's virtually impossible to take this paddle tour without seeing some amazing birds in flight, coasting on the water, or resting/hiding in the Mangroves. You will almost definitely see Little Blue Herons and Great Blue Herons, a variety of Ibis and Egret such as the Snowy Egret and Great Egret. You'll likely hear the familiar screech of the Osprey, and often see one carrying a fish that is facing head first to minimize wind resistance. Comorants are common as are different kinds of ducks. Pelicans are especially plentiful in Brown's Bay and it is such a treat to see them hunt for food, hit the water and hit the brakes as they check out their catch. Pelicans may also signal that dolphins are near by feeding. More rare, and especially beautiful are Roseate Spoonbills. They are absolutely fascinating to watch, especially if you are lucky enough to see them feeding.

7

Continue in the main channel, to the right

If you were to branch off to the left, you'll bypass Brown's Bay and pick up the loop in Callalisa Creek just before it connects with Indian River. But Brown's Bay has a lot to see!

8

Welcome to Brown's Bay.

You'll see a Kayak trail marker for a different trail at the entrance. You want to continue to the left in the Bay. You are about half way done the loop. You could turn around here and head back the way you came. It's about the same distance to return either way. Just consider that if it is a windy day, it will be a lot more challenging if you are going counter-clockwise around the loop.Look for Dolphins!

9

Dolphins

This is a popular area for Dolphins. Look for Pelicans waiting to see if they can pick off any of the fish that the dolphins are after. If you see some, please remember to stay away from them and not disturb their feeding!

10

Follow the channel on the left.

Stay to the left of the channel to avoid boats as the water is a bit deeper here and if the timing is right there will also be sandbars. Sandbars can be a nice stop if you need to take a little rest. It is always good to hydrate. Notice also that the mangroves seem to have naturally made indents...evidence of natural water and wind erosion.Coming up you will see a small round tuft of Mangroves in the center of the channel. That is where you will turn left to get back into Webster Creek.

11

Go left when you see the small round island of mangroves in the channel

This left takes you into Webster Creek. You might be able to see the tops of ocean-front condos to the east once you make your left turn.

12

Turn right

At lower tides, you'll see some extensive oyster beds on your right. Go around them and go diagonally across the water. Once you get past the Oyster beds you'll see two channels, take the left one. (Don't worry if you can't see the Oyster beds).Oysters are inter-tidal, which means they are normally submerged during high tide and exposed during low tide. As sea levels rise, this is a problem for these oysters!

13

Left after you approach the small island

Once you see the small island, make a left. You should immediately see a large white house with solar panels on the roof to the east. If you don't you turned in the wrong place.

14

Cut through the channel

On the left you will see a cut through that was man-made about 3 years ago, so it doesn't show up on most maps or satellite views. Go through that and around the next point (don't make an immediate right after the cut through!) Once you get past the point on your right, turn right and you're back to point 3. Follow it in reverse to get back to Hiles Boat Ramp.