(Trip canceled due to excessive flow after heavy rainfall) Join us on Saturday for a casual-paced “Beginner” level paddle on the St. Bernard River. We’ll meet at Hanson Riverside County Park to offload by 9AM. On arrival, look for signage to the concrete boat ramp. It should be located at the 2nd or middle entrance to the park. Our planned departure is 9:15AM, after a quick roll call and trip briefing. We’ll then paddle approximately 2.5 miles upstream to view the saltwater barrier, before returning to the park. Upon reaching the park, we’ll look for the first shade tree we can find to relax and enjoy a group lunch together.
For those who might be interested in a continued paddle after lunch, I’m open to exploring nearby Bell Creek to determine if it’s suitable for a future trip. Note: this second segment of the paddle will have a higher trip rating of “Novice” due to the additional mileage and potential fatigue. Round trip mileage for the 1st segment is 5.0 miles. Joining the 2nd segment would add an additional 3.0 miles.
Some quick facts on the park: Hanson Riverside is a 75-acre wooded day-use park along the San Bernard River near West Columbia. Hanson features scattered picnic tables and grills, an observation tower, playground, fishing pier, canoe launch, extended trail system, paved parking areas, and restrooms. It was once the site of a ferry landing. Hanson's natural attractions include native hardwood trees, bird watching, nature viewing, and fishing.
Other related and interesting facts: What is saltwater barrier?
A saltwater barrier is a type of natural or artificial structure that separates saltwater from freshwater or brackish water. It can be a physical barrier, such as a dam or a wall, or a natural phenomenon, like a thermocline or a density gradient.
Saltwater barriers play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems and preventing the mixing of different water types. They can also help to protect coastal communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events, such as storm surges and flooding.