| Trip Photo Album We left for New Smyrna Beach knowing full well we could be in for a weekend of rain, wind and cold. But looking at the weather channel, we thought we saw the system drifting to the north. So we packed up camp and headed up I-95. Doug was meeting us in New Smyrna with the Gheenoe strapped to the jeep. The rain had already begun in Smyrna, but it was light and misty and we thought maybe our prediction that the system would slide to the north was coming true. We did debate for a couple of hours, ending up at BK for some lunch to make a decision on camping it or moteling it. The final vote was left to Scott Baker. Todd was really hoping to stay in the motel and was sure I did to. But for some reason, Todd left the table and I really felt that we should at least try to camp. So my vote was cast for "Wet Camp"! Sorry T. We loaded the Jon Boat and Canoe in Eldora, and Everett, Todd and Baker headed for Orange Island. Steve and Doug loaded up the Carolina Skiff back at the Ranger station and headed to meet us. So far the weather was fair. Cool, slight breeze, and somewhat misty. We set up camp and headed out to the flat. Steve caught a nice size Indian River Trout, and Todd claims he caught a 26" Redfish. Although the pictures to this day have not been developed. So as soon as we have proof we will publish it for Todd to look at while sitting in his new apartment in Vancouver, B.C. This trip was T's first trip with us, and his final R&R for the year. I'm sure we will receive an e-mail to post with Todd's recount of the trip. The rain really set in that evening, with gusts up to 25 knots. We strung every tarp we had, and somehow kept dry. We dug our own drainage ditches between the tents and "living area", directing water back towards the River. Our fishing trip had now become a survival trip. The next morning the winds had increased to almost 30 knots sustained with heavy rain. We had moved the canoe and jon boat to the rear of the island the eve before. But Steve did not get the skiff to the backside and was left dry-docked on shore from the heavy winds and lower tide. We spent this entire day under the tarps and in the woods looking for any dead wood to burn. We did manage to keep a fire burning the entire time, which was important when the temperature dropped 15 degrees at noon the second day. We ventured out 2 or 3 times in the canoe and jon boat probing the leeward side of our island, but only saw 1 redfish. We did cook some good meals and had a few laughs about the situation, and Todd and I almost blew up Scott E and Doug when we cranked up the Sunday morning fire. It was crystal clear skies, light winds, but cold as hell when we woke up. So we skipped breakfast and headed to pole a flat for the first time this trip. The fish must have still been in shock, we only saw fish, no catching fish. So with the arrival of a duo in an offshore boat a little early for their campsite reservation, we began cutting tarps out of the trees like wild men and packed up everything in 30 minutes flat. Sometimes trips go like that. Our next trip is planned for August 25 & 26. Camp Claw will be relaxing in an air conditioned lodge room in Flamingo. We look forward to sharing our next adventure with you. S.R.B---8/02 |
| Wet Camp Orange Island Mosquito Lagoon 2002 |
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