Important Info:
There are no bathroom, changing to shower facilities. I recommend using the convenient store located at the north west corner of Ozello Trail (494) and Suncoast Blvd (US 19). Their bathrooms are very clean, at least when I used them. If you feel guilty about using their bathroom, you might want to purchase drinks and snacks from them. There might be another store as you pass through the town of Ozello, but I have not stopped to research it out further.
Be very careful of Oyster Beds while kayaking here, especially at low tide. I have sacrificed gel-coat to these oyster beds a few times while paddling carefully. Wear shoes with a hard sole if you get out of your kayak.
This area poses navigational challenges to those that boat in this area. All the features of the surrounding mangrove islands and sawgrass coastline looks the same to an unobserving eye. Bring a chart, compass and/or a GPS. Know how to use them, particularly chart and compass. A GPS can fail. John Ennis and I paddle this area back during my visit in June 2009. John and I paddle this area frequently. We both forgot to bring a chart of the area. We had compasses though. Returning back to the boat launch was challenging without a chart. We did it though, by carefully observing distinct features, such as dead Sable Palms, tall antennas, power-lines, the shape, size and height of mangrove islands. We took note of our compass headings and reversed it 180 degrees on the return.
There is a small island off the southwest corner of Sandy Hook. It is called Mullet Key. I has a higher profile with a surrounding shell beach. It offers a nice place to stop and take a break. This island is probable a shell mitten created by Mesoamericans living of the sea at that time.
Directions:
From US 19 (Suncoast Blvd) North of Homosassa, head west on W Ozello Trail, (494). Follow W Ozello Trail for approximately 10 miles. Ozello Trail twist and turns a lot through very scenic forest and sawgrass fields. You arrive at a tee intersection. Turn right. Boat launch is immediately after right turn. You will know you are arriving at the tee intersection when you see a restaurant, Peck's Old Port Cove, on the right and then cross a bridge. This a a great place to eat and reminisce about the great kayaking you had.
Disclaimer:
I can not be responsible if you get lost, hurt or killed if you decided to venture out here or any area using my information. I share this information so that I can help enhance other individual that wish to explore and experience that natural beauty that I have been fortunate to experience. Take all the necessary precautions when doing any kind of outdoor excursion.
Before doing a trip:
- Research the area you venture off into.
- Check Weather, Tides and currents for that area.
- Take stock in your skills and equipment
for the type of venture your pursuing.
Things to bring:
- Water
- Food
- Sun Protection
- Knife or shears
- Compass, Chart or GPS
- First Aid Kit
- Kayak Repair Kit
- Shoes and extra clothes
- A good additude
Kayakers are really good about leaving no traces, but please lets go a step further and try to pick up any trash we see in the area. Crystal Bay is pretty clean and pristine from what I seen. I have ran into fishing line in the mangroves on many trips through Florida. Please brings knife or shears and remove it while you're on your outings. Birds can entangle themselves and die quit horrible. They have it tough enough without our help. Also sea turtles mistaken plastic bags for their favorite food, jelly fishes. Sea turtles have died from swallowing plastic bags.
Thanks and enjoy the outdoors
Sonya
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