Fall Break: Ocean & Beaches
Date/Time
Date(s) - 10/13/2018 - 10/16/2018
All Day
Location
Matagorda Island
Categories
Fall Break: Ocean & Beaches
| Dates: 10/13-16 | Time: Multiday | |
| Early Registration Deadline: 9/26 | Early Bird Cost: $200/$250 | |
| Registration Deadline: 10/10 | Regular Cost:$250/$300 | |
Trip Description: |
Spend your Fall Break adventuring and relaxing at the beach. This trip blends hiking, paddling, exploring ruins, and relaxing at the beach into an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime. In addition to it’s endless beaches, Matagorda Island are known for their fishing, birding (including some 19 state or federally listed threatened or endangered species!), historic lighthouse (from 1852!) seclusion and untouched natural beauty.
Trip Cost:
Early Registration (full payment due at registration):
$200 with a TCU ID, $250 as a sponsored guest
Regular Registration:
$250 with a TCU ID, $300 as a sponsored guest
- Prices reflect the TCU student/faculty and sponsored guest rate.
- Please read our cancellation/refund policy carefully before registering.
- Price does not include meals on the road
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Pre-Trip Meeting:
Pre-Trip meetings are required and are held the date of the registration deadline (listed above – generally the week of or week before the trip), from 6-7:30 pm at the TCU Climbing Wall. You will meet the leaders and other trip members, as well as cover all details such as weather, menu, safety issues, and clothing requirements. You will also be issued all of your equipment at this time (sleeping bags, pad, tent, etc.).
Itinerary
Day 1: We will meet at TCU early in the morning to get on the road and get miles in the rearview mirror. This will be a half day of traveling in the van from Fort Worth up to Matagorda Island Park. After setting up camp, we will explore around Matagorda Island State Park, hang out at the beach, and explore our surroundings.
Day 2-3: We will spend days 2-3 in the paddling the backcountry of Matagorda Island for at least 5 hours per day. Delicious meals will be made and there will be downtime around the camp in the evenings.
Day 4: After a hearty breakfast we will head to the van. Arriving back at the van in time for a healthy lunch, we will then hop in the van and return to TCU by 6pm.
Physical Challenge
This trip is challenging because we will be hiking and paddling for a couple hours a day. It will also be challenging because of the number of days we will be on the trail in a row. Participants should have adequate fitness ability and plan on challenging themselves during this trip.
TRIP RATING 2 out of 3 – Due to the duration and the distance we will travel this is classified as an advanced trip.
Packing List
We are limited on space, and the less stuff you bring, the less you have to carry around. Ask yourself…What would I want in the coldest weather or the hottest weather? Pack to be prepared for both!
Things that should be packed inside your personal day pack and kept with you inside the van:
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
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CLOTHING LIST: |
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HEAD:
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HANDS:
FEET: NO FLIP FLOPS!!
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UPPER BODY
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LOWER BODY:
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
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GROUP EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
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Risk/Safety
Paddling/hiking around Matagorda Island State Park has numerous hazards associated with it. This trip will be hiking and paddling over rough terrain and waters which can cause potential ankle, foot, or shoulder injuries. Not dressing appropriately can result in heat or cold illnesses (Hyperthermia or Hypothermia). Not drinking enough water results in dehydration and not being in adequate physical condition can result in sore muscles. Paddling also has risks associated such as drowning. Trip members must make a conscious effort to be safe. One person’s disdain for safety will always result in more hardship for the group. If we do have an accident or injury that requires medical attention beyond the scope of our leader’s experience, the trip is immediately over without refund. Our leaders are trained to administer first aid in an outdoor environment; however, while they may be able to treat injuries they cannot always prevent them.
Hygiene/Comfort
We will be traveling around Matagorda Island and most campsites will be in the backcountry. This means there will be no access to showers or bathrooms. TCU will provide tents, warm synthetic sleeping bags, and foam sleeping pads. You will have the choice to share a tent with two or three trip members or sleep under the stars. The sleeping area provides us with durable hard packed dirt.
Weather
The trip leaders will research the weather conditions in advance to assess the situation. The Trip will be canceled if the weather is dangerous. If you do not receive an email about this, then please be prepared to be out in the weather. Please follow the weather and use your best judgment as well as the packing list to determine what you will personally need to stay warm and dry during the entirety of this trip. Layers are recommended for cold weather and failure to bring proper attire will be detrimental to your experience