10 replies to this topic

[Casper]

May 23, a Sunday, at the Avondale Brewery in downtown Birmingham, AL.

Some might remember it was at the Peoples Brewery near RR Park.

This is a different brewery, to the East.

 

https://www.eventbri...arch&keep_tld=1

 

Good for drinking beer, eating from food trucks and listening to music... but i have additional ideas...

 

The Festival benefits the Turkey Creek nature Preserve.

Vermilion, Watercress and Rush Darters are nearby.

Some of the water is snorkelable.

[Robert Lamb]

Sounds like a good time. Would love to see those darters in person, along with nearby Tuskaloosa darters. Sadly it lands on a bad day for me 

[Casper]

 (((DarterFest2016.pdf   1023.37KB   81 downloads

 

This is an article from NANFA's American Currents and the BioBlitz / Darterfest 3 day event way back in April 2016.

Perhaps being motivational to do our own Snorkel Blitz / Darterfest Visit these 5 years later.

 

Charles Y has given me a go ahead to camp at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and have access to their new pavilion, restrooms and electricity for Friday and Saturday nights leading up to Sunday's Darterfest nearby in Birmingham.  I suggested we make a minimum contribution of $10. a night to the TCNP as a thank you.

 

We had a great time 5 years ago so i'm thinking again and snorkel in some clear water, camp, and cook by fire.

[Irate Mormon]

Not sure if I can go but I sure would like to.  I was supposed to be on the "Friends of Turkey Creek" mailing list but I never got a single email from them. 

[El Todd]

Not sure if I can go but I sure would like to.  I was supposed to be on the "Friends of Turkey Creek" mailing list but I never got a single email from them. 

 

Is that why you're irate? 

[Casper]

Getting close.

I've gotten specific camping directions so don't just show up.  Locked gates, etc.  Let me know.

Bryce, myself and a couple fellow snorkelers in limbo.

Weather looks ideal.  Water should be very clear. All day snorkel Saturday at 2 or 3 locations.

Sunday we plan a half a day at Darterfest.

[Robert Lamb]

Casper, do you have any pictures of the darters to share or those of us who missed out?

[Casper]

It was a fine trip, 2 days of excellent snorkeling and very nice camping in pavilion.

However i am recovering from other recent trips.

I hope to process photos but already getting way behind.

[Casper]

 

I did a quick run through of the people pictures but way too many fishes photos to process... but here is a brief report...

 

 

 

Our welcoming host and director of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, the other renowned Charles Yeager.

 

 

 

NANFA President Bruce and Ace Photog Bryce.

 

 

 

Nocomis Coxi holding a well preserved wooden Watercress Darter.

 

 

 

Beautiful snorkel pool at Turkey Creek.  Snorkeling the bouldered riffle runs above were most pleasant.  Very clear in the shallows with a multitude of inquisitive fish.

 

 

 

Our 2 night habitat.  Note the clean concrete below and cathedral ceiling above.  Wonderful, cool, bug free evenings under the giant fan.

Electricity, lights, bathrooms and privacy.  Ideal accommodations for all 3 of us.

 

 

 

Our access permission granted to the ancient trailer park swimming hole.

Looking downstream from the beaver dam.

 

 

 

A crude shot but double catch of the 2 Darters within.  I will try and process the better images later and provide a fish list at some point.

I'm way behind on all my Spring adventures.

 

 

 

[Fleendar the Magnificent]

Can't wait to see more darter pics!

[Casper]

Maybe this Winter.  I'm behind on many trips reports and have more trips coming up.