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Broward Islands
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Click on an Area of the Map to go to the
description of the run |
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The Broward Islands are located in the middle of an area bordered by Edwards Creek to the South, the Nassau River to the north and Pumpkin Hill Creek to the east. The largest island is approachable from the Nassau River and the easternmost island can be approached from the small stream that runs NE/SW from Pumpkin Hill to Edwards Creek.
Southern Run
The best place to put-in is at the end of Pumpkin Hill Road and from there, the first hour of the journey is much the same as the one described for the Pumpkin Hill Northern Run. Once you pass Tiger Point the easiest way to find the stream that will take you to the south side of the islands is to continue north in Pumpkin Hill. You will make a large turn to the east that will put you close the the homes along the water on the east side of Black Hammock Island. From here you will continue in a NW direction until the marsh begins to bend sharply west. About the time you are parallel with the last house on Black Hammock, you will see a stream heading SW. This stream splits off immediately, with the left or southern fork continuing on into the interior of the Edwards Flats where it eventually dead-ends. The right or northern branch goes more or less due west. Follow this stream for about a mile until it bends sharply north and then back west where you find yourself in a narrow, straight stretch of creek that is bounded by one of the Broward Islands. The bank here is fairly steep and consists of the slick clay-like mud that abounds in this area. There is at least one spot along here that has been cleared for camping and with some difficulty an exit can be made. To complete the circuit, follow the stream as it heads west and passes close to the largest island. This island can't be reached from this stream and as soon as you get close it turns sharply south. There are a few branches off of this stream that head off into the flats and it can be difficult to stay on course. Keep your heading to the south and slightly west and you will soon find yourself in a huge shallow bay in Edwards Creek. Follow the marsh as it makes a large curve SE and then it will turn sharply ESE. Follow this until it turns due south and you will see it turning once again due east where it will go around a long loop - north, then south and then back to the east. On this last turn you will find yourself back at Tiger Point where you can take a break and prepare for the final leg home - back to Pumpkin Hill Road. Tiger Point is a great place to bird watch and the trees are often filled to the brim with Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks and other birds. The Broward Islands are another wonderful place for birds and the creek is frequented by Dolphins.
Northern Run I have yet to make this run from the south but you can do it one of two ways. You can head west into Edwards Creek from Tiger Point and make a long journey west of the islands where you will find a branch of the creek heading due north into the Nassau River. From there you will turn east and run along the southern bank of the river where there are places to pull off. The other way is to continue up Pumpkin Hill Creek until it intersects the river and then head west. I have no idea which way is the best way to go. It might make a very good two day circumnavigation and I would certainly plan to go with the tides as much as possible. You can also access this area via a long paddle from the boat ramp on Sawpit Creek near the Nassau Sound Bridge. I've done this once but it is about 8.5 miles one way so you definitely have to plan the trip to come and go with the tides. For details on this route click here.
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