Kayak Rocky Bayou and Rock Creek

Saturday, March 13, 2021,

We put the kayaks on Rocky Bayou in the middle of the campground, our mission to find Rock Creek and paddle up it. Paddling along the shore gave us a new perspective of this beautiful area. The near side of the Bayou is Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park that sits in the middle of Eglin Air Force Base. On the other side of the Bayou are houses. 

Half way around we came upon about 8 dolphins feeding. They weren’t interested in playing or coming to check us out. They were busy at their task. I wondered what they were finding. 

We paddled along the shore until we came to a sandbar. Rock Creek entered there. Clear water was running fairly fast, but it was most noticeable on the turns where it pushed the boats sideways. We went past a take-out and parking lot for those lucky enough to put in higher on the creek.

After a half hour, we turned around. There was no need to paddle now. The current carried us nicely. At the mouth of the creek, a family was paddle boarding up the creek led by the father and two boys. Mom was struggling at the end, and finally fell in. With a clear, cool stream and a sandy bottom, there was little worry.

As we came out into the bayou, which looks like a big lake, the wind was in our face, making paddling a bit harder. It was Saturday and boats were out, zooming around. This is one reason kayaks are brightly colored. As we approached the park shore, there were more paddle boards. Kids were splashing around in the water. This is a great place, a great park with lots to do. Unlike the beaches, it isn’t too crowded. Next time we will go up the rutted road and put in on Rock Creek, somehow finding a shuttle or someone else who wants to float it.

Lunch was a nice salad with gulf coast shrimp.

For dinner we roasted the red snapper over the fire along with broccoli and potatoes.