Monroe Overnight – Saturday April 20, 2024
Meeting time: 10am – Launch by 10:45am
Trip Sponsor: Robert Moore
Join us for the overnight paddling trip on Lake Monroe. This is a traditional spring overnight picnic where we camp from our boats along the shore in the Deem Wilderness. For those planning camping trips later this season, it is a good opportunity to check gear and paddle with a loaded boat.
Saturday: The plan is to launch from the Cutright Public Access Site by 10:45am, paddle 3-5 miles, find a camp site and setup. After lunch, we will go out and explore more of the lake. The campsite has traditionally been along the peninsula across from Cutright Public Access Site, but with the waterfowl restrictions lifted we will be able to camp further up river.
For those who only want to paddle on Saturday, our campsite should be about 3-5 miles from the Cutright put-in. People are welcome to come out and day-paddle with us without camping.
Sunday, April 21: The schedule is flexible. We will return to Cutright Sunday morning to drop off those needing to leave early, or continue paddling on the west side of the causeway. We will figure it out Saturday night.
Meeting Place/Put-In: Cutright Public Access Site. Google Map
Directions to Meeting Place: From Bloomington, take Hwy 446 south from Hwy 46 on the east side of Bloomington to the Lake Monroe causeway. Cutright is the first turn on your left immediately after you cross the causeway. Go to the first boat ramp that you come to after leaving Hwy 446.
PADDLING CONDITIONS: This is an early season sea kayak trip for sea kayaks 14ft or longer with watertight bulkheads, and spray skirt. Dress for immersion. The water will still be cold, so wetsuits or drysuits are required. Spring weather is variable. Attendees should be able to paddle in open lake conditions with wind gusts to 15 mph and choppy waves. (HCKC Level 2 trip with possible Level 3 conditions)
What to Bring: Bring your paddling gear, spray skirt, camping gear, food for lunch, dinner, and breakfast; drinking water sufficient for the overnight, and dry clothes. We will be camping from our boats and you will have to pack all of camping gear in the boat, so plan accordingly. It is best to pack gear below deck.
A 2024 Indiana DNR Nonmotorized Boat Permit is required. The permit can be picked up on the way to the meeting place at the DNR Monroe Lake office on Highway 446 at Panetown Road, or at the gate for the Paynetown SRA.
Registration: Please contact me by 7:00 pm on the Thursday before the trip and register on line if you plan to attend. I will monitor weather forecasts prior to the trip. I will let the people who have contacted me know if there will be changes or cancelation of the trip due to conditions.
Contact: Robert Moore, njordball@gmail.com
Level 2 and above Sea kayak Trips are limited to members who have demonstrated, prior to participation, the ability to:
· Safely exit their kayak while wearing a spray skirt
· Participate in an assisted rescue to re-enter their kayak
Registration for every trip is always conditional upon final approval by the Trip Leader. The Trip Leader may communicate with you to assess whether your skill and equipment is appropriate for the conditions.
