Sunday, August 14, 2016

September 17, 2016 outing on the Banana River



Join Space Coast Audubon Society for our September 17th Meeting

WHO:  Space Coast Audubon Society (SCAS)

WHERE:  Kelly Park, 2550 N. Banana River Drive Merritt Island, FL 32952

WHEN:   September 17, 2016 at 1:00 PM

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS WILL REPLACE OUR USUAL FRIDAY NIGHT SEPTEMBER 16TH MEETING.

Instead of our usual pot luck dinner at Rockledge Presbyterian Church on Friday night September 16, 2016, to kick off our new season of meetings and field trips, we are once again planning a Saturday afternoon September 17, 2016 eco-tour with Space Coast River Tours to have a unique outing like we had last year.

Tours are led by Captain Mark Anderson, who is a U.S. Coast Guard Certified captain, on the “Blue Dolphin” a 44 foot USCG certified pontoon river boat that seats up to 49 people.  It is equipped with cushioned seats for your comfort, a retractable roof top to give you great views, a restroom and is also handicapped accessible.

We will meet at Kelly Park, on Merritt Island, Exit #52 (Banana River Dr) off SR 528 (Beachline) between 12:15 & 12:30.  Please try to arrive at Kelly Park no later than 12:30 to allow time for folks to pay as they board the “Blue Dolphin”.  Cash, local checks and credit cards accepted.  The 2- 2 1/2-hour Indian River Lagoon tour leaves from Kelly Park at 1:00 and cruises the beautiful Banana River.  We go through the Canaveral Locks and tour Port Canaveral where we see cruise ships, shrimp boats and see firsthand one of the busiest ports in the nation as well as enter the barge canal, which is one of only two ways to get from the Banana River to the Indian River.  We will see a variety of birds, dolphin, manatee and the occasional alligator.  Below are the particulars for the cruise as well as prices.   

Tours include a drink:  beer, wine, soda, water (first one is free), pretzels and cookies.  Saturday tours also include appetizers/lunch from Fishlips Restaurant.

Tour Price Schedule:

    >> Adults - $34.00
    >> Seniors - $30.00
    >> Kids ages 3-12 - $25.00
    >> Kids Under 3 are Free
    >> Group Rates for Over 20 People - $28.00

As you can see if we have 20 or more people sign up we would get the group rate of $28.00 per person.  I think this would be a great trip and who can complain about a beautiful afternoon cruising the Banana River with fellow Audubon members.

Please email me at beachbirder@bellsouth.net with your "YES" response for the cruise.  DO NOT respond via the spacecoastaudubon@yahoogroups.com or the Meetup page.    Also in your email please provide a contact number you can be reached at in case of any issues that might arise at the last minute.  If I do not respond to your “YES” request I have NOT received your request.  My response will be your confirmation.

Visit the Space Coast Audubon Society website at www.spacecoastaudubon.org and check out the Space Coast Audubon Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Space-Coast-Audubon

We look forward to another great turnout. 

Jim Eager  
Space Coast Audubon Society
Past Vice President
Program/Publicity Chair