Raccoon Creek Paddle

Shirley Gates’ Memorial Paddle

Date: 13 October 2024

Time:

0800 am for Shirley Gates Toast at PUTIN

0900 am at TAKEOUT.

Description:  We will do our annual Raccoon Creek Paddle during the Covered Bridge Festival.  This paddle which will also be Shirley Gates’ Memorial Paddle.  We will be doing a reverse shuttle which means we will meet at the TAKE – OUT at the parking lot next to the Cover Bridge in Bridgeton.  I will have a trailer and our trucks so we can load your boat and gear and then head back to the put in.  We will paddle the dam to Bridgeton with lunch in Mansfield so bring your cash to get some amazing food!

Plan: 

I will have coffee, hot tea, and muffins at the put in at 0800 hours and drop off my boats and head to the takeout by 0830 hours.  If you would like to toast a hot cup of tea and eat a muffin to Momma Gates (Shirley Gates), please join us at 0800 hours.  At the takeout, we will meet everyone and load up everyone’s boats, gear, and load into a couple of vehicles and drive back to the put in. 

The Put in: The put in is at the Cecil M. Harden Lake Out flow which is off Ferndale Road before you cross the Raccoon Creek.  The best way to get there is take US 36 to the intersection of State Road 59 in the town of Bellmore, IN.  Go south on ST Rd 59 from Bellmore to Ferndale Road and turn East and follow Ferndale Road until you see the bridge going over Raccoon and we will be there. 

The Takeout:  The takeout is in Bridgeton, IN.  Directions take Bridgeton Road out of Rockville, IN south to the town of Bridgeton.  The parking lot is located on the Northeast side of the covered bridge in Bridgeton.  We will be there in a big red GMC Truck with a trailer and a Black Tacoma.  Look for the boats! 

Please RSVP by registering online at HCKC.

Sponsor:  John Gates 207-522-0259