Myrtle Creek

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Put In : Varies - Alimacani, Ribault or A1A Length : 3-6 hours (longer if you want to spend time in the sound) Difficulty : Moderate Nature Stuff : Herons, Pelicans, Otters, Bald Eagles and Ospreys PWC Factor : High Myrtle Creek runs parallel to Simpsons Creek to the east of Long Island. It's a much smaller stream that is only fully accessible at high tide. You can access at the same spots that you can from Simpsons Creek except that the A1A location does not have a boat ramp and requires dragging your boat through some grass. Also, you can put-in at the Little Talbot Island State Park Campground but you probably have to be a camper to do so. Myrtle Creek begins about a mile north of Ft. George River, directly across from Coon Keys. The stretch from there to A1A is nice and fairly wide. Once the creek crosses A1A, it begins to get very narrow and switches back and forth from the banks of Long Island and Little Talbot constantly. At times you are actually heading in the opposite direction from where you began. The stream is so narrow that, at times, it is barely wider than a canoe or a kayak. The turns are so tight that even my 12 ft boat has trouble making them smoothly although I have navigated a 17 ft canoe down the entire length. About half-way to the sound, the stream begins to open back up and as it brushes the banks of Long Island there are a couple of nice places to pull off and camp. Eventually you reach the place where it rejoins Simpsons Creek, a few yards before it empties into Nassau Sound. At the end, as mentioned in the Simpson's run, there is a nice canopy of trees that is a terrific place to camp. As I mentioned before, this stream is only accessible throughout the entire length at high tide, meaning that you probably have 2 hours on each side of peak to paddle. Because of it's size and seclusion, current and wind are not a factor at all. You would think that this would also preclude this from being an area of concern with PWC's. NOT SO! On one of my trips down Myrtle I was nearly run over by not one but two separate groups of Jet Skis that were hurtling down the creek at break neck speed. I've always been mildly opposed to PWC's but that experience made me wish to see a ban on them. Enough ranting, Myrtle Creek is a pleasant run that is great for beginners and if you combine it with Simpsons Creek, can be a nice all day experience exploring this part of the Timucuan Preserve. To see the photo galleries associated with my trips to Myrtle Creek and the links to the journal entries click here.   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!