Paddlers to journey along Pithlachascotee River

The third Paddling Pasco Blueways excursion by kayak or canoe will take place Feb. 19, Pasco parks and recreation department officials say.

Participants can take in the scenery along the Pithlachascotee River from Oelsner Park in Port Richey to the James E. Grey Preserve along Plathe Road in New Port Richey.

The trip should take about 21/2 hours, with a short stop at Sims Park to stretch, according to Rick Buckman, Pasco's parks and recreation director.

"Once we get to Francis Avenue Park, nature tries to take over, and we will be viewing a bit of old Florida and hopefully some wildlife," Buckman said in a news release.

The weather probably will be a bit more cooperative this coming weekend than for the January trip. A nip in the air developed but died down by the late afternoon launch time, Buckman recalled. Participants warmed themselves by a bonfire on the beach at the end of the excursion.

Nineteen paddlers took in the "spectacular" sunset during the run from Oelsner Park to Green Key Park, Buckman said. Coast Guard Auxiliary members did some safety checks. Friendly KIA provided a trolley at no charge to shuttle the paddlers.

For this coming weekend's outing, participants will drop off boats at Oelsner Park by 8:30 a.m. and drive to Grey Preserve to park their vehicles.

The last shuttle will leave Grey Preserve by 9 a.m. to head back to Oelsner Park for the launch by 9:30.

For more information and to register, contact the Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department at (727) 834-3278 or by email. Register by providing name, phone number and email address, so organizers can prepare adequately.

All paddlers must sign a participation agreement and waiver.

A limited number of Paddling Pasco T-shirts are available for $10.

Rentals may be available if there is a significant interest by calling Down South Kite and Paddle at (727) 771-5484 or Windsong at (727) 859-0213.