Fitzpatrick Creek

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Put In : Palms Fish Camp, Browns Creek Length : 4 hours or more  Difficulty : Moderate  Nature Stuff : Herons, Egrets, Pelicans, Dolphins and Ospreys PWC Factor : Low I have only been on Fitzpatrick a couple of times and only once did I go all the way up to where it begins. Putting in at the Palms Fish Camp on an incoming tide just after mid-tide is the best bet as you should have and easy paddle and plenty of water to explore the entire route. You can also put in at Browns Creek and paddle through Shrimpers and then head east. Regardless of where you launch from once you are parallel with Magnolia Island (north of Pelotes) you will see Fitzpatrick. As you enter the creek you will head to the N.E. and then turn due north for a couple of hundred yards. The main channel turns to the N.E. again here but there is an interesting island to the north that has a very prominent Osprey nest on it's eastern point. This is the same island mentioned in the Clapboard West route that has been purchased by the North Florida Land Trust. The main channel heads up toward Cedar Point Road and there is an interesting feature on the west bank where the mainland juts out in the marsh. There is a large point of land that looks like an interesting place to camp and is very accessible from the water. As you continue north you will begin to see houses along the western bank of the creek. If you continue past where the creek bends to the west you will be in an area called "Greys Swamp" - a little marshy area that looks interesting. If you continue to follow the creek as it heads west it will turn north after a short distance and then begin petering out as it gets close to Cedar Point Road. There is at least one large house on the eastern bank. There are many small islands on the trip up the creek and many branches that will take you to Cedar Point, Hannah Mills and the ICW.   DISCLAIMER :  This web site is my own personal web site and does not express the opinions or views of any other person or organization. Use the information contained herein at your own risk. I do not attempt to represent myself as an expert in the matters of paddling or the outdoors. Note : There are many references to areas where I have noted as pleasant and inviting places to either picnic, camp or otherwise enjoy. Be aware that you do so at your own risk and any violation of trespass laws you do so at your own discretion. Please be respectful of both the environment and other people's property. Note : I find it really sad that I have to even include a statement like this!