by Mike Hammond
One of the easiest and most well maintained launches on the Calusa Blueway is located at the Mound House on Estero Island. This small park, operated by the town of Fort Myers Beach, is home to the oldest structure on Estero Island. The house is actually young compared to the Calusa mound it was built on. Even if you don’t paddle, this site is well worth a visit to learn about the history of the island and Calusa.
Launching is simple. Pull onto the driveway that loops around the property and unload onto the grass near the launch. Parking on site is limited, but there is annex parking a short walk down the road. The launch puts you directly onto Matanzas Pass. You can get to the Calusa Blueway Trail by paddling northwest into Hurricane Bay or head southeast towards Hell Peckney Bay. Wind is the deciding factor in which way I begin my paddle, but I usually enjoy accessing the trail in Hurricane Bay and then following the mangrove maze through to Hell Peckney. Because it is difficult for motorboats to get back here, there is a variety of undisturbed wildlife and a feeling of isolation. It can be very reassuring to see the Calusa Blueway markers. Even with the markers, it is easy to get turned around a bit in the mangroves. Take my word for it. A Mound House kayak tour will not only keep you on track, you’ll learn about the area’s fascinating ecology and history. They offer sunrise, sunset, moonlight, and day paddles. If you decide to go on your own, check the weather immediately before going out and give yourself some extra time to explore alternative routes in the mangroves.
After take-out, the Mound House grounds are a great place for a picnic, explore the gardens, visit the historic home and inside a Calusa mound, fish from dock, and take advantage of their programs and clean facilities. Again, this is a great place to visit even if you do not plan on paddling.
If you’re looking for easy public access to the Calusa Blueway on the Estero Bay or a great destination to paddle to from another launch, checkout the Mound House at moundhouse.org.
For complete schedule and registration information, visit: https://paddleguru.com/races/BattleontheBlueway2018
Additional information about the site and other paddling locations in Lee County are at www.leeparks.org or www.calusablueway.com