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WE ALL DID IT! WE SAVED THREE SISTER'S SPRINGS.
We all worked hard and with your help and support along with countless others, groups, organizations, events, and fund raisers, Three Sister's Springs now belongs to the people, for all to enjoy. We must also thank Hal Flowers, who was willing to sell the property and keep it from development of houses and condos as originally planned. The Crystal River branch of the US Fish and Wildlife has become the managers of the Springs. The Refuge signs are up letting people know it is part of the Crystal River Refuge, and stricter rules and enforcement will govern the property and keep it from being defaced and abused. It will also act as a safe haven for manatees when the weather turns bitter cold and the manatees need a place to rest. Plans for interpretive trails, lookout towers, observation platforms and water runoff with treatment center are planned for the property. All in good time, but observations made are they're moving along quite well. The plans are far from over and we'll still need your help to continue the upgrades and maintenance of the property. Donations and support can be done through the Friends of the Chazzahowitzka. Thank you all again.
It's been a busy summer so far and we're not done yet! The fun continues year round here at A Crystal River Kayak Company.
Our "Beads for Trash" program continues to be a success.
We were asked to put on a June Wedding. Performed by a Minister, and held at theThree Sister's Springs, it was a beautiful service. The bride loved flamingos, and since flamingos are one of our logos, we had a pathway of the pink birds which lead out to her "limo" which was a decorated canoe. A garland of white flowers adorned the gunnels of the canoe, a decorated flamingo in the bow was dressed up like a bride, and one in the stern looked like a groom. The bride sat in the bow and was paddled to her groom by myself acting like a gondola as I stood in the stern. The Groom then trasferred from a kayak into the canoe while I transferred into his kayak. The two then knealt in the center, joined hands, and was married by a Minister who also was in a kayak. After the two were married, the congregation of friends and family threw water using waterblasters. Later I had set up for the happy couple to have their first "fight" on the water. Having them both in large tandem kayaks, they stood up and went at each other with float noodles trying to knock the other off their balance and into the water. The bride won by squating down, grabbing a hold of the handle on the side of his boat and standing up, thereby throwing him into the water. Everyone else had a chance to go swimming and splashing with waterblasters at the ready. We later returned to our kayak launch where music played and the reception was held. BBQ and Clam Boil was the dinner and boy was it good.
Our BBQ and picnic area is available for use when you rent from us. SAVE OUR WATERS WEEK is September 17th - 25th, with a waterways clean up and SUNSET FESTIVAL which will close the week long event with a Key West Style Party, Music and Entertainment, Food, Arts and Crafts, and lot of Fun. The SUNSET FESTIVAL will be held from 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM at the CRYSTAL RIVER ALE HOUSE at the end of Paradise Point Rd. On September 24th, we at Kayaks and Beyond, will be hosting free one hour tours of the Three Sister's Springs by kayak. Sign up sheet is at our store or call (352) 795-2255. We are looking for volunteers to help clean up the waterways with the "COASTAL CLEAN-UP." Sign up sheet is in our store or call as we need to get you the right size T-shirt.
HALLOWEEN is coming up and for us and the Crystal River State Park, this is a great big event for the kids and families. We help out with Setting Up, Ticket Sales, the Haunted House, the Haunted Tram Ride, Haunted Boat Tour, and other Haunted events they have set up. These events will be October 22 - 23, and 29 - 30. We're looking for volunteers like you to help out. If you'd like to help and have lots of fun too, please contact John Roberts or Jackie at the Park Office at (352) 563-1136. Meetings are every First Tues of the month at 6:00.
The PLANTATION INN RESORT AND SPA and us have worked out a special deal for people looking to get away to the Nature Coast and rest and relax. The Plantation is a 4 star resort with an all inclusive agenda including full spa and salon, rental John and Pontoon boats, Full Dive Shop, Pool with Tiki Bar, full Restaurant and Lounge, Golf Course and Cart Rentals, and a lot more. Also when you stay at the Plantation and book a tour with us, you'll receive a 20% discount off your tours. When you call the Plantation for reservations: 800-632-6262, tell the person at the desk you have a savings code and use the word "PADDLE." I've called and it truly is a big savings off the regular rates.
TIP OF THE PADDLE This month we refer you to a link that talks and shows videos on the proper technique to use when kayaking. Note proper body mechanics which makes it so easy to move the boat as well as maneuvering. These are the same techniques we teach, plus some, in our ACA sanctioned classes. Check it out>>> Paddling Techniques
TURBO ENCABULATOR The newest tool to get you all the speed and power you need when power fishing, driving, flying, watching football, cleaning house, washing your hair... or just plain hangin' out.
ACA STEWARDSHIP American Canoe Association Stewardship and Public Policy Update August 2010 The ACA's Stewardship and Public Policy (SPP) program has two major functions. First, the program advocates on behalf of paddlers on public policy matters in Washington, D.C. and around the country. Second, it assists paddlers and paddling clubs with their efforts to take care of their favorite rivers, lakes and coastlines. The program currently has one full time staff person. He is Paul Sanford, your Director of Stewardship and Public Policy. Paul's bio appears at the bottom of this message. We know that we need to do more to keep you up to date on the work that the ACA is doing on your behalf. Today, we are turning over a new leaf, and committing ourselves to sending you regular reports on our Stewardship and Public Policy activities. Of course, we cannot achieve our Stewardship and Public Policy goals without the assistance of ACA members. In short, we need your help. Let's get to work! Public Policy Urgent Action Alert! Tell Congress to Fully Fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund The timing of this update could not be better, because ACA members have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to tell Congress to make a big commitment to conservation and recreation. This week and next, Congress will be considering legislation that would provide full and permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Activists have been fighting for full funding for years, but we never been this close. We need you to take action now to push us over the top. Here's some background. In 1965, Congress created LWCF based on a simple idea. A portion of the royalties received by the federal government from offshore drilling for oil and natural gas should be reinvested in conservation and recreation. Originally, the plan was to reinvest $900 million in LWCF each year. That's a small portion of the several billion dollars in royalties received from energy companies drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, Congress has only spent $900 million in one year since 1965, choosing instead to divert most of the money to other uses. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar calls this diversion of authorized funds a "broken promise" to the American people. Learn more about LWCF from this fact sheet (PDF). Despite being chronically underfunded, LWCF is still the most effective funding mechanism available to Congress to expand and improve opportunities for human-powered outdoor pursuits, from climbing, backcountry skiing and paddling to hiking and mountain biking. LWCF not only helps enhance National Parks, Forests, National Trails and Wild and Scenic Rivers, but also pays for close-to-home open space, parks and recreation facilities in every U.S. state. All together, more than 40,000 projects have been successfully completed through the fund, providing new and improved outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans. Follow this link to learn about LWCF projects in your area. (Choose state, then county. More info on this parent page.) We all know what is happening in the Gulf of Mexico. In response to this disaster, Congress is now considering a renewed commitment to LWCF. The most significant change would be to fully and automatically fund LWCF at $900 million per year, every year. If enacted, more resources would be available to protect the outdoor places we love, and there would be more of the trails, river access and backcountry entry points we need to enjoy them. Full Funding for LWCF is included in the oil spill legislation being considered in both houses of Congress. The House of Representatives will take up its version (the "CLEAR" Act) during the week of July 26. A vote is expected on Friday, July 30. Senate consideration is expected during the week of August 2. This is a historic opportunity to fulfill the promise Congress made in 1965. We have never been this close to full funding for LWCF, but we need your help to make it happen. Take action and write your Senators and Representatives today. ACA and its partners in the Outdoor Alliance are working together on this issue. Go to this page on the Outdoor Alliance website, and use the "Take Action" function to send a letter to your Member of Congress and Senators.
OTHER TIDBITS OF NEWS:
So What's In It For Me?!! OK, You want something? How about this... From now until Halloween:
THULE CAR RACKS: 10% Off Plus FREE Installation
GIFT CERTIFICATE: Purchase any kayak over $599 and recieve a $50 gift certificate to use on accessories in our store. Applies to only A - Crystal River Kayak Company stock. Cannot be used toward the purchase of any kayak. Must be used at time of kayak purchase.
CELL PHONE DRY POUCH Protect your cell phone. 1/2 off the Cell Shield, while supplies last.
BOOKS AND DVD'S Take 1/2 off all in stock books and DVD's. Instructional as well as entertainment. CRESCENT KAYAKS: The Splash I Single $329, Splash II Tandem $469 (Proudly Made In The USA)
* On above specials, shipping charges may apply. Installation is done at our store. Some products and kayaks may need to be ordered, so a waiting period may apply. Check store for details.
If you're interested in KAYAK INSTRUCTION, please sign up early. Our classes have been filling up fast. Learn to paddle your boat with less effort, easily, and ergonomically friendly. Class sizes are limited for personal attention and last approx 3 - 4 hours. Learn the right way. Learn from Certified Instructors. Click Here To Visit Our Website Online! • Forward this message to a friend
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When you come to our store to rent or launch your own boat, ask us for a trash bag. Go out and collect trash from the waters. Pick up at least 5 items, (unfortunately there's plenty out there), return it to us so we can dispose of it, and receive Mardi Gras style beads to wear and show off. When people ask where or how you got them... tell them!
ALL in stock MTI Life Jackets 30% off. Get a head start on Fall savings now. Upgrade that old uncomfortable PFD to something you'll actually wear. Remember, if it's not on properly it can't help save your life. 
WERNER PADDLES... Save 10% on paddles.
