Sea/Touring Kayak Trip Announcement
Annual Fall Lake Monroe Overnight Sat.-Sun. Nov. 2-3, 2019
Trip Sponsor: Jim Sprandel
We will camp on the peninsula in Deam Wilderness across from Cutright Public Access Site. The North and Middle Forks of Salt Creek will be closed but there is still a lot of Lake Monroe that we can explore such as the lake area down toward Patton Cave or up to the Pine Grove Ramp. On Sunday, we can venture over onto the wild (West) side of the causeway if people are interested and conditions allow.
If you only want to paddle on Saturday, join us during the day – it is only a 2-mile paddle back to Cutright from where we will probably camp if you don't want to stay overnight.
Meeting Place/Put-In: Cutright Public Access Area. Turn left into Cutright after you cross the causeway across Lake Monroe while going South on 446. We will launch from the first ramp area that you come to in Cutright.
Driving Note: There is a home Indiana Football game this weekend and Highway 37 is eternally undergoing construction so factor in a little extra time if you come that way. You can type “Cutright State Recreation Area” into Google Maps to get driving directions or time from your home (it’s about 1h40m from the Glendale area).
Expected Paddling Conditions: Lake Monroe is a big lake and conditions vary with the weather. Paddlers should feel comfortable paddling in 2-foot waves from all directions and be able to paddle up to 6-8 miles. However, lake conditions are usually not this severe so check Bloomington’s weather the week before the trip. If you have a questions about probable conditions, e-mail me.
What to Bring: Bring your paddling gear, spray skirt, camping gear, food for lunch, dinner, and breakfast, and appropriately warm dress. You should also bring drinking water with you.
If the air/water temperature drops or the wind/waves kick up, wet or dry suits are recommended. We will be camping from our kayaks and you will have to pack all your gear in your boat so plan accordingly.
Boat Requirements: Kayaks with fore/aft bulkheads and perimeter deck lines are required.
Be sure to have an Indiana DNR Boat Permit before you come. You can probably get one at the DNR office on the west side off 446 or the Paynetown SRA gate if you need one.
Schedule:
Saturday –10:00 am Arrive at Cutright PAS (10:30 am – Packed & ready to launch)
We will probably paddle 3-4 miles, set up camp, have lunch, and then explore more of the lake.
Sunday: We are flexible here. We can return to Cutright as early as 10:00 am. We as a group will figure out a plan Saturday night. In the past, some people go straight to Cutright and the rest go on from there for a bonus paddle.
Contact information: Jim Sprandel, merlin-3d@sbcglobal.net. Please contact me by 7:00 pm on the Friday before the trip if you want to come. Please contact me since I will monitor weather that week and will notify people if weather is iffy and we need to adjust our plans.
