The Place to Share |
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Our Route Summary
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Entry and Exit
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What We SawPaddle past the tiny limestone island just out from the put-in and go WSW to the closest island that you see. This island is about 0.6 miles from the put-in and is a protected bird sanctuary. GPS N 28 degrees 43.63 W 80 degrees 46.19. Circumnavigate the island, staying outside the signs stating "Area Closed Beyond this Point". Notice the many pelicans and cormorants making this island their home. You may also see a roseate spoonbill, royal terns and many other birds taking advantage of this protected area. Returning close to the put-in, pass the tiny limestone island again and enter Haulover Canal. |
This canal was built in the 1800s to allow steamboats
and commerce into east central Florida. The location is
close to an old natural canal which did not go completely
through. That one had been used by the local native
Americans as the shortest portage to haul their canoes
between Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River. Thus the
name Haulover Canal. Follow the canal ENE and watch for
the occasional sea otter near or on the bank. Notice the
limestone in places on the bank. About 1/2 mile into the canal, you pass a small lagoon on the SE side where the public boat ramp enters the canal. Watch for manatees in this area. Continuing into the canal, just past the drawbridge, and on the left (NW) side, notice a wooden deck area. This is the Manatee Watch area and the manatees must know they are supposed to be here because there were 3 or 4 of them surfacing and eating the grass that collects in this area. |
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Return the way you came. There are several other possibilities from this same put-in. You can extend the trip past the Manatee Watch and go and explore the spoil islands in Mosquito Lagoon to the North of the canal (watch for a break in the North bank 1/2 mile or so E of the bridge). You can go SE from the put-in along the shore for 1.9 miles to the mouth of Dummett Creek (GPS N 28 degrees 42.37 W 80 degrees 45.18) and explore that. You can go 2.25 miles South from the put-in to the mouth of another unnamed creek (GPS N 28 degrees 41.71 W 80 degrees 45.65) and explore that. You can go 2.75 miles SSW from the put-in and explore along the shore of Black Point (GPS N 28 degrees 41.52 W 80 degrees 46.19) where the alternating sandy and grassy bottom is easily viewed through very clear water. Stingrays and Horseshoe Crabs are abundant there. Any of these options will provide even more quiet wildlife viewing since they get away from the fishermen and passing boat traffic of the canal itself. You can also follow the chain of spoil islands along the intracoastal waterway SW of the canal. Several of these including one 2.5 miles and one 4.5 miles from the put-in are good for camping. Whatever you choose, enjoy the Haulover Canal area and leave it as you found it for others to enjoy. |