Fitness paddling through North Miami Beach,
some history and exploring what’s left of the
original Oleta River route!
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Uncommon 14.5 mile r/t route on the Snake Creek C-9 canal and Oleta River creek.
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During this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been difficult to get on the water – anywhere! Thus it pays to get creative with launch points and routes, many now on local canals. There is nothing wrong with getting exercise on the water as long as one can get to it and maintains safe social distancing paddling practices!
On invitation to join other paddlers, for this session I took out my K-1 trainer kayak “RGB”. I met up with Efrat A., Ross E., Gil R. and David F. – an interesting mix of an OC-2, OC-1, surfski and my K1.
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We’re the 5G’s – but don’t be afraid! ๐
Getting ready for some on-the-water quality time!!
Photo credit: Efrat Almog
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This early morning paddle spanned through the history of North Miami Beach and the Oleta River area. It also encompassed a bit of my own personal history since I grew up in this area in the 80s! The original historical Oleta River drained the unspoiled Everglades into the Atlantic Ocean via the (today’s) Baker’s Haulover cut. As such it was situated between the Miami River to the south and the New River to the north in today’s Ft Lauderdale. Thus a natural place for people to want to congregate and live there. There is evidence of human habitation since at least 500BC by the Tequesta native peoples. The current canal we’d be paddling on was originally a tributary to the Oleta River and was called Little Snake Creek by 1841. By the late 19th century, the area was being homesteaded with fruit and vegetable farms. In 1922, Big Snake Creek was renamed the Oleta River by developers. Today it is part of the Oleta River State Park and still follows the historic contour of the original river. Everything else has been dredged into canals and rock quarry “borrow pits” which we call “lakes” today.
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Late 19th century map detail of the original Oleta River: Little Snake Creek and Big Snake Creek.
These would later become the C-9 canal and Oleta River State Park.
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The canal we paddled is one of the earliest dredged through the Everglades and represents a small segment of the more than 2000 miles of canals and water control structures that make living in South Florida possible.
A section of the Snake Creek C-9 canal was previously known as the Royal Glades Canal and was dug in 1912 – 1913. Later on, portions of the canal were widened and the water control structure S-29 (saltwater lock) was completed in November of 1953. Thus the canal is freshwater and non-tidal, however there can be some flow as the water is periodically released through the lock into the Oleta River.
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One hundred years ago, many familiar geographical features were already laid out in place in North Miami Beach.
CLICK for larger map of greater Miami circa 1925.
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Early morning light .. on the Snake Creek C-9 canal.
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Setting off to paddle the Snake Creek Canal and Oleta River!
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The Snake Cree C-9 canal opens up into Skylake, one of several former rock quarries in the area.
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Blossoms floating on the canal which runs through diverse neighborhoods and a cross section of South Florida.
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Cherry blossoms on my skirt! (half skirt, mind you~)
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I’m not an Arborist, but I believe this one to be a blossoming Taiwan Cherry tree.
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Many ducks, geese and waterfowl live on the canal. Hello!
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A family crosses the Snake Creek canal.
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The banks on either side of the canal have been turned into an active linear park called the Snake Creek Trail.
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Bike riding, jogging, walking along the canal are popular with the local residents, many wearing face masks.
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There are at least two bridges with very low clearance, but not a problem for paddle craft.
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The Snake Creek C-9 canal dead ends at the S-29 water control structure / saltwater lock on the east end.
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But wait – for us paddlers there’s more!
We can portage around it, we have the technology ..
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The S-29 lock, freshwater side (non-tidal) on the Snake Creek C-9 canal.
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NOTE: There’s a reason the water control structure is marked off with the buoy lines. The lock gates can open suddenly at any time and release a substantial amount of water depending on conditions and the SFWMD. Use caution when approaching and do not linger in place – the swift current can be overwhelming for any paddler!!
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S-29 lock on the C-9 canal from the saltwater Oleta River side!
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Paddling north on Maule Lake (another former rock quarry) we encountered an SUP paddler doing it wrong~!
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Remnant reminders of Hurricane Irma on Maule Lake.
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Entry into today’s Oleta River “tributary” which was actually the main run of the historic river before the C-9 canal was dug.
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Paddling up the Oleta River creek behind Greynolds Park (also the site of a former rock quarry).
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The Oleta River creek runs through neighborhoods and is a different take on watrfront living in South Florida!
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On the Oleta River creek – the backstreet of NMB’s older waterfront neighborhoods.
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Backyard decorations along the Oleta River creek.
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At the turnaround point on Ives Dairy Road (NE 203rd St) – my old Jr High is just across the street!
The Oleta River creek actually continues north through a culvert but it has been silted over for some time!
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Ornate yard decorations on the Oleta River creek evoke memories of simpler times in Miami.
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I have found IT on the Oleta River creek – BEWARE!! ๐ฎ
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Where the Oleta River creek runs under Biscyane Blvd / US 1 the tidal current can flow strong, even creating small rapids at times!
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This is a tricky spot, especially for a 25ft long boat. Ross and Efrat handled it well ! ๐
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Back on the freshwater side of the C-9 Snake Creek canal.
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Portage chance encounter with Edgar, a Miami SUP paddler who was on his way out towards the ocean!
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Numerous lines, pipes and conduits cross the canal.
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Under the bridges on the Snake Creek C-9 canal.
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Then – I seen the (beautiful) light!
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My white kayak bow reflecting the colors over the canal.
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Paddling back up along picturesque tree lined recreation paths.
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The canal opens up into Skylake next to I-95.
I remember looking at this lake in wonder while riding the school bus when I was a kid.
Now, years later I’ve finally paddled it! ๐
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Crossing under I-95 in Skylake on the C-9 canal.
I’m not sure how manatees would get here, but jetskiers and small motor skiffs certainly can.
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Homeless scene under a bridge over the canal. ๐ฆ
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Paddling up the ca
