Armand Bayou Paddling Trail

Posted on June 15, 2011 by admin

Armand Bayou Paddling Trail Information

The Armand Bayou Paddling Trail follows Armand Bayou from near its confluence with Clear Lake, upstream through the Armand Bayou Nature Center to Horsepen Bayou, where alligators in excess of 10 ft. are commonly seen.

Much of the area is part of the Armand Bayou Coastal Preserve that is managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. More than 220 species of birds are found in the area, including Osprey, Roseate Spoonbills, various egrets, herons and pelicans.

The preserve offers a stunning glimpse into two increasingly rare ecosystems – a riparian coastal flatwoods forest and a coastal tall grass prairie. You will not see any other part of Texas with this much coastal diversity.

Trail Description and Landmarks

Trail Length: variable, (2-16 miles)

Paddling Time: 2-6 hours

The absolute best way to see Armand Bayou is by canoe or kayak. there are no gas motors allowed on the waterway.  Click Here to Make a Kayak Rental reservation. • Armand Bayou: The 2,500-acre Armand Bayou Nature Center is at 8500 Bay Area Blvd.  Please Call (281) 744-2197 For Kayak Rental.

The kayak paddling trail follows Armand Bayou and paddlers can choose to paddle any length depending upon what they want to see and how long they want to paddle. It is easy to spend a relaxing hour here or see the complete watershed by spending the whole day. The trees around the banks of Armand Bayou help block the wind, and it is easy to paddle even on windy days. we also can drop you off way “up stream” and pick you up at another, down wind location.  This is a very easy cool way to visit the waterway.  Kayak rentals typically last for 4-6 hours, please call for more information or to book yourself a spot. (281) 744-2197

The most popular launching point is Bay Area Park, located where Bay Area Blvd. crosses Armand Bayou. Paddlers can either paddle upstream following Armand Bayou as it meanders and narrows up to the ending point at marker 26, or paddlers can paddle downstream from the park. As you paddle downstream the bayou widens near the confluence with Clear Lake at marker 1. Kayak Rentals will typically provide you with a waterproof map.

If you want to want to paddle the entire trail, you can put in at Clear Lake Park located on NASA Road 1 and paddle upstream. It is a long way, so you may choose to drop a vehicle at Bay Area Park, approximately half way up the trail.

Safety

Paddlers should always wear life jackets, and take plenty of sunscreen and water. Power boats are prohibited on the trail from GPS marker #4 upstream through trail marker #26. Please plan on staying in the boat, there are very few places to beach your craft and explore. Also please help keep trash out of waterway and always remove more than you bring in. The use of  plastics is a large worldwide issue, but you can do your part right here.

Kayak Rental

Kayak Rental is a great method to get out on the water to see nature while you are also getting some exercise.  Kayak Rentals can be delivered simply by calling and making a reservation at (281) 744-2197.

Fishing

Anglers have a choice for either freshwater or saltwater species on the bayou. Bass anglers can expect to catch bass on the upper reaches of the trail, while redfish, trout and drum can be caught in the south end of the bayou where it connects with Clear Lake.

More information on fishing in the area can be found Here.

Wildlife and Ecology

The bayou, while surrounded by urban develop remains one of the few relatively pristine waterway in the Houston area. The area has been left untouched since the 1800′s. Its unique character was recognized when it was designated as one of only four Coastal Preserve found along the Texas coast. Lands adjacent to the bayou provide a glimpse of riparian coastal flatland forest and tall grass prairie habitats that were once abundant in the area. The area is highly rich in wildlife and is known for a diverse bird fauna where more than 220 species can be found. Common birds seen on the area include osprey, roseate spoonbill, egrets, herons, pelicans and many others. This is one of the premier spots to watch birds. A Kayak rental can place you in the ares where the birds are nesting and eating. please call direct to have a kayak delivered to your party, 281-744-2197

Night Paddles

Night Paddles are held every weekend and are fun and guided. Night Paddles start 20 minutes before dusk and typically end around 11:30. Call direct to book a spot or for more information. (281) 744-2197.

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March 26, 2011

Posted on March 26, 2011 by admin

On Saturday, March 26, 2011, the Kayak Shack had a Kayak Adventure booked to take a local church group out to kayak somewhere special. On  previous years (there is a great “Diving for the Keys” story that Don can tell you about) the same group have went through Armand Bayou and Galveston, and we agreed to take them somewhere very special. Since time was a factor we decided on Austin Bayou. I jumped at the chance to take this group to this great remote location. You never know what you are going to see back there, and the season is just starting, we all needed to get out and stretch. It was time to get some “paddling done”.  And one of my favorite activities is sharing my love of kayaking and paddle boarding with friends and customers.

 Austin Bayouis located roughly midway between Galveston and Freeport and the bayou intersects Fm 2004in Brazoria County. Where the bayou crosses under Fm 2004 is a great place to launch. Also the bayou is the boundaries (on one side) for The Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. Directions: Put in at junction of Hwy. 2004 and Austin Bayou. Take I-45 south from Houston to 2004. Exit and continue south past the intersection of Chocolate Bayou to Austin Bayou.

 We were about to kayak into the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. Few people know about this special area and the website can be seen by clicking here. 

We launched under the bridge at 2004, where there is plenty of parking.  Access to this waterway is very easy and Kayaking or canoeing enables people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors and view nature from a very intimate setting while simply paddling by.

Time To Pick Out A Kayak
This adventure was booked months ago and the group were going no matter the weather concerns. Lucky for us the only weather issue was the wind. The wind was blowing south east off the gulf and was a steady 12-15 knots. The breeze was tough but we were a  determined group and off we went.
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Some of The Crew Were Prepared For Fun!

Austin Bayou is very secluded and
is many miles from the closest town. It is a coastal bayou that meanders all the way to the gulf. I have asked a few boaters who know the waterway and was told that the gulf is up to 11 miles from the bridge intersection.  This bayou is sparse but beautiful as the bayou winds its way through thick, coastal grasses and open prarie. There are areas that are vast stretching out as far as you can see with 6 foot tall grasses growing all the way to the bayous shoreline.  The bayou is a great place to travel miles without seeing any sign of other people or houses. Keep your eyes open the wildlife is there you just have to look closely.
           
 
 We did learn quickley that it was too windy to paddle a canoe. it may have help a few of the group if they would have come by for some free instruction. Well we now know better and will offer every group who may book something in the future that a lesson before the trip will be provided for anyone who may need it. just call me direct and I will take care of the details or visit our main site and email me from there.
Even though the wind was fairly strong we all headed south doing our best to “tuck up” next to the shore and try to stay out of the strongest of the wind. This means at times you switching from bank side to the opposing bank side, where ever you see the least amount of wind on the water. This is a normal procedure anytime you find yourself having to make some distance on the water regardless of the wind. For several of the miles we paddled, there were small oaks on the shoreline that helped block the wind. The closer we got to the gulf the few the tress were and the stronger the wind.
Everyone on the trip spent hours just paddling and watching nature go by.  One thing I always think about is the fact that if this was 200 years ago we would only have been able to access this area by a canoe or floating boat. How the early settlers did it with no car, primitive shelter, no air conditiong or heat. Makes you think.
                         
 *****
 
During the whole paddle it was somewhat overcast and with the combination of the stronger wind, most of the wildlife was hiding from us today. But during the paddle I personally saw 10 different large alligator gars that came up for a breath of air and a few larger water cranes.  (Look soon for a article about alligator gar on this site.)
 One of the best things about kayaking is that it’s a healthy and fun activity to share with your whole family and friends and today was no exception. Not only is it a fun physical activity where everyone can expend excess energy, but it’s also a wonderful way to connect with the natural world. In this day and age of ‘nature deficit disorder’ due to overexposure to video games, computers and the Internet, kayaking can be a welcome outdoor activity that allows all members of the family to connect with each other and with nature.

Would You Buy A Used Kayak From These Men?

Eventuall we begged ”Captain Don” for a small crust of bread to nibble on! His peg leg must have really been hurting because he actually let the crew take a lunch break. He was smart enough though to keep the boats bunched up,  so none of us would make a break for the cars! 

 *We paddled as hard as we could, back to the bridge at 2004, the current and the wind was a challenge for all involved. I think we went  4.5 miles today on way. I know most involved today had a really good time and some folks were already planning their next paddle trip.*

Love That $6.00 Canoe Paddle!

 

 We all had a great time today and there was absolutly no shortage of smiles by the time we finally got back to the launch site.( I think the last stragglers group may have been a hour late) I wish I would have had a camera ready for this part of the trip because there were a few in the group who had to test the waters (they got wet). I heard the quote “paddle 9 miles and flip the boat 5 feet from shore.” At the end of the trip the gang got together for one group picture! We were mostly spread out during most the paddle, I did not realize we had that many people….or did me accidentally leave someone…? Well, anyway maybe we can look for any evidence next year…. I definitely had a blast paddling with this crew and after having watched me on the paddle board the whole time, I think a few are coming back to try Stand Up paddle Board. And of course one of the young ladies had to grab a paddle, the wrong one, and paddle off on a board. Before the trip ended, I did my best to pawn that weird dog off on one of the group….but no this group actually had brains…so if anyone is looking for a dog…please call!

We can make it very easy for you or your family to come along on any of our 2-hour local tours. We have several locations that we can go to, some less remote than Austin Bayou, and some even further off the normal kayak trail. We will provide stable, single kayaks so almost anyone can come along safely.  If you would like to book a similiar paddle adventure, we make it easy for you to join us on every paddle we go on. We will provide all the kayaks and equipment plus an introductory paddling lesson for all that come along. You to can have fun using stable, comfortable kayaks that are easy to paddle, for a safe, and enjoyable trip. You may call the main office anytime at (281)-744-2197.

The Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, located on 43,388 acres of the upper Texas Gulf Coast in Brazoria County, protects a fragile environment containing a diversity of wildlife.   Established in 1966, the refuge provides habitat for wintering migratory waterfowl and other bird life.

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March 21, 2011

Posted on March 22, 2011 by admin

Today  the gang and I were going to spend the whole day exploring Armand Bayou. But one phone call later, I was headed in the other direction….due south to Galveston. The waves were up a little and the we all needed some warm water practice after a long cold winter. Here is a photo of the seawall today. That is Gill getting his kayak off his car.

Typical Sea Wall Day

 A great day was in store for all of us, and even though the surf was small we were all looking forward to a day in the sun and finally water temperatures that were starting to get comfortable. I was just starting to think the day would be a great one when I heard a strange shuffling noise coming from one of our paddle boards, and I could not believe my eyes…..I grapped my camera and took a quick picture….It was the same mangy dog we had left at Armand Bayou the night before! I was shocked….how did this dumb animal get down to the beach before us?

Is this the same varmint? And How did he get 50 miles away from Armand Bayou?

 

Well we were very spooked by the whole event, but decided to not let that dog ruin my day and get us down. I locked my truck, and carefully hid the keys, and headed out to the surf. After a few hours in the waves I was starting to get tired and came in, only to find that my van had been broken into, all the food was eaten, all the beer was gone….and only chewed beer cans remained. The van doors had all been locked and when we  finally got to the sea wall, here is what the van looked like, and we even found someone still lurking in the van, looking for hand outs. Right about now you are probably thinking  escaped convict? Homeless person? Dog The Bounty Hunter?

The keys to the van? Gone The food? Gone And a 29 minute charge on my cellphone to a doggy supply store in Flordia! Who could have done all of this?

 Wrong, wrong, and wrong….HERE is what we found when we got to the unlocked van!

 Well that was enough for me, I was finished! I  quickly came up with a  fool proof plan to ditch this demon dog, and right now. I drove to the first convience store I could find and went inside to buy more beer. I got a cold 12 pack of something cheap and stopped in front of the store for a moment. I opened four of the beers and when the demon dog started licking and eating the cans, I saw my chance. I headed to the van, and drove off as quickly as I could. You are going to think I was crazy but I looked back in my rear view mirror and thought for a moment I saw something, running, back in the dust, trying to drag the rest of the 12 pack with him down the road. I just floored the van out of Galveston and set my sites on enjoying the rest of my day. I was finally rid of the problem dog,  and there was a few more hours of daylight so off to the next stop. And not a dog in sight.

 I had a few hours left in this day and knew I needed to go to Armand Bayou and get some paddling in before the sun went down. The road between Galveston and Armand Bayou was very crowed with traffic, and it took me an hour to get to Bay Area Park. With a few hours of sun left I jumped out of the van to grap a board  and get on the water.

 I pulled the paddle board out of the back of the van and went to turn toward the dock, when I frooze in my tracks, I gasped in air so hard and loud I almost dropped my board right where I stood….standing right there at the dock was……but it was impossible! It can’t BE!

Can This possibly be the same dog? And where is the rest of that 12 pack?

 

Is this the same dog?

I was in shock, I grapped my paddle and ran full out to the end of the dock and threw the board in the water. As soon as it hit the water, I jumped on and paddled as hard as I could. After a few moments I was getting winded and looked back at the dock where I just came from….not a sign of the demon dog anywhere. I was so releaved, I could finally get down to business and get some pictures of the bayou and relax as the sun slowly began to sink.

 I  thought I saw a large gator on the far shore and reached into my pocket for my camera….just at that second, I felt the board suddenly move under me and at first my mind was thinking “gator attack”! I had my wits about me just enough to put the camera up and snap one picture in the direction of the rushing water coming at my board…..here is what I was able to snap before the board flipped and I fell into the water.  The varmint went overboard when the board flipped, and I swam over to the board just in time to see the little guy go down. He was not that good of a swimmer and went down like a rock.  Bubbles came up for a few minutes….and just when I thought it was over, then his head popped up again. I was still lying on my board, totally exhausted with fear, just as I heard a loud russell in the brush right at the shore line, 20 feet away, and saw the gator grasp the dog in his jaws. From then on it was just a blur of activity and noise. I woke up floating on the board, sun almost down and yards away from where the terrible fight had ended.

 I got back on the board, drained the water out of the camera and finished my day at Armand Bayou, looking back over my shoulder from time to time, but I saw nothing more of the demon dog or the gator that saved me. I feel sorry for that gator, imagine how much his stomach is hurting tonight. And as long as I  see no animal following me around again…..remains me of the movie “Chucky”

 Here are the rest of the photos I was able to take today at Armand Bayou…the sun was almost gone and the light on the water was beautiful. I was finally starting to finally calm down and enjoy the day and was lucky enough to get a few good shots before I had to leave for the evening.

The Trees, The water, at Dusk

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March 20 2011

Posted on March 19, 2011 by admin

 Today at Armand Bayou, Bay Area Park was a fantastic day to be on the water. You could not have ask for better conditions. The shop opened early on Sunday morning and we had a family from Needville, Texas, out on the water for the day. The earlier in the morning you can get started, the lighter the wind typically is, and that makes for easier paddling.

Smile For the Camera

Since the weather was so perfect today, there was a group of folks all over the park having a blast in the fun and sun. Many of the usual kayakers came out today to blow the dust off their kayaks, most have been stuck in the garage all this winter. Well, today everone who was smart spent the day outside.

Armand Bayou Kayak Launch Area

 This picture shows what kayaking at Armand Bayou is all about, peaceful drifting while checking out nature….(one note: this is the first time this young lady has been kayaking in her own kayak)….not bad for a beginner! We cater to beginners and can always give you a few pointers before sending you out into the wilds.

Not Everyone Was Having A Good Day???

 We had so much fun this weekend and look forward to next weekend. We will be there, rain or shine, If you would like to arrange to have some kayaks or a canoe dropped off at Armand Bayou please click Texas Sailboat for more information or call us direct anytime at 281-744-2197

I Hope to see you out on the water next week or anytime this spring and summer. Our weeks start on Friday morning and ends monday at 3:00pm. During this time we are on a 24 hour call. You may kayak on clear lake or armand bayou at night! This is a whole new adventure!

Some Fishermen are Just Born!

We did Find One Stow Away on One of the Vessels! We turned him over to immigration officilas!

After A lot of Practice....we wer Going Like A Pro!

The day ended too soon and as the sun went down I noticed that the police had not taken the stowaway dog to the dog pound…he was looking sad so……I……gave him a quarter and said “Find yourself a ride pal.”

It was getting late and I had to get home.....last time I saw him he was just looking off into space....

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