Portsmouth’s Connex group is showing how they row and exactly what floats their boats, after a running start into 2024, with hikes and a new partnership under their belts. They’ve since released the schedule for their upcoming Full Moon Floats, which will take place between April and October.

“We try to have them on or around the full moon dates,” Connex organizer Dawn Scott said. “It can be hard for some of us to get out on a weekday, though, so we will often shoot for a Friday or Saturday. We just gather around 7 p.m. and we require lights and lifejackets. We just paddle out and float. Some of us do it together in large groups and just visit, bird watch, critter watch, give wild flower alerts, whatever we can do to enjoy the outdoors. I think it gives people a better appreciation for nature and it is an incredible de-stressor; sitting in the outdoors is always good.”

The first float of the season is quickly approaching and will have paddlers launching on Saturday, April 20 for the Almost Pink Moon Float.

The water will be cold, but spirits are usually warm during these earlier paddles, as people break free from a chilly winter and explore the outdoors as soon as they can, taking in wildlife and bonding over a hobby they all enjoy. Afterwards, many stay in Shawnee and camp overnight.

If you do not own a kayak, then you can rent one from either Shawnee State Park or Moon Dog Livery, if booked in advance. The earlier floats will only be catered by Moon Dog Livery.

The other floats include the Flower Moon Float on Friday, May 24, the Strawberry Moon Float on Saturday, June 22, the Almost Buck Moon Float on Friday, July 19, the Almost Super Sturgeon on Saturday, August 17, the Super Harvest Moon on Friday, September 20, and the Super Hunter’s Moon on Thursday, October 17.

Scott explained that last year’s series came with a few surprises and themes, such as the Cinco de Mayo Float and the Strawberry Moon Float. In the Strawberry Moon Float, members of Connex brought strawberry treats for guests to enjoy. The organizer said that she will likely do a few things like this in 2024, but won’t likely plan them until inspiration strikes, which is closer to the event. Once she determines a theme or surprise, she will announce a week early on social media pages.

Scott explained that you don’t have to be a member of Connex to join in activities, but she encourages people to join, because it allows the group to continue working on community service events and projects.

“We love it when people join our family, because it allows us to continue our mission,” Scott said.

The full moon floats are only one branch of dozens of events offered throughout the year by the organization to get people active in the community through bicycling, paddling, walking, hiking, and more. In the coming months, they have many events scheduled, weekly Tour de Portsmouth rides to a monstrous Wild Ride event in Shawnee State Park. Follow them on Facebook for more information on their events.

The Connex attendees will meet on the scheduled dates at the Turkey Creek ramp that is close to the Nature Center off 125.

“I love to hike, bike, and kayak,” Scott said. “There is such a benefit of doing that with others who are like-minded, and I think Connex is just good for the soul.”

Reach Joseph Pratt at (740) 353-3101, by email at [email protected], © 2024 Portsmouth Daily Times, all rights reserved.