Anyone been to Gut River in Manchester on the south coast?

[ohliz]

Looking to stop there on our way to Milk River Bath next week, never been. Wondering if we should bring snorkel stuff, plan to beach it a bit, or any other info you may have....

[RichD]

we used to go to gut river all the time ..have not been in a few years.

snorkeling in the river might be interesting. the beach is nice and long. sea a bit rough...not really good for small children.

That coast road is a very lonely road. In the old days it used to have some very very bad spots. Check on the road conditions before you decide to go that way.

[ohliz]

Thanks Rich. I'll be guided, not driving myself this time, so expect they will know the road since they drive it often (I'd heard that before too, about spots on it). We plan to do it as part of Milk River and Little Ochi from our base in TB.

I'll report back!

[RichD]

take lots of pictures.

there is a place past gut river called Canoe valley very interesting if its still operating.

[Nanook]

It has been many moons but Liz I was almost sure it was you that did a trip report about it once. Now I wonder who it was, hmm. The road from Alligator Pond to Little Ochie was great when I used it back over a decade ago so my experience is not current. I loved it because it had no traffic and we could just lollygag. The bone macca hung low and way into the road at spots. We tried to stop and see the manatees and explore but the biting bugs were so awful we ran off so I would suggest bug spray. I can't remember if it was mosquitoes or sand fleas but we didn't stick around to check it out. I will look around tonight and see if I have any pics.

I am looking forward to your trip pics!

[ohliz]

It was me - I have been to Canoe Valley and snorkeled in that river with manatees, and probably with some crocs too but we had our kids with us and they fell asleep as we drove back so we passed Gut River entrance and did not go in. That was 13 years ago and I have meant to go back ever since. I made it to Alligator Pond a few years ago but didn't have time to continue on to Gut River.

That road was TERRIBLE..smooth enough but the macca invading from both sides and no visibility and really nothing and no one at all...a good place for a robbery as no one is around - I think that is what Rich was alluding to.

However, this time friends want to go to Milk River and Little Ochi and since Gut River is right in between I think I will make it in this time.

[RichD]

here is one of my old pics of Guts river



that would have been probably late 70's

[ohliz]

Pretty - thanks Rich! I'll try to add a 2013 picture to this thread

[ohliz]

I went and it was beyond amazing. I will be back to post pictures

[ohliz]

The beach at Gut River. This is Long Bay aka South Palm Beach aka the Alligator aka Gut River beach. You can see the river coming into the sea right there. We were the only people we culd see for all 7+ miles of this beach. We met a guy who lives on the property next to the river, Alan. An older gentleman he has been cleaning the beach and clearing brush and it was spotless. Easy to access both spring to swim and beach. Alan is planning to build a gazebo and such on his property for church and school groups and visitors and I wish him well. As there is no current or piped water in this area, there is little development. Alan's house is the only one we saw on the road from Alligator Pond to Milk River, except at the end by Canoe Valley/Alligator Hole, there you can still see manatees and visit the little informational museum there.



Me enjoying the fresh water. Cool but not cold, super clear and super clean.

I'll be writing a trip report on my blog but am also dealing with a health issue with my dad, so it may be a bit.

[ohliz]

Let me know if you can't see the photos. Not sure why they don't appear inline.

[diabolical_Tanya]

I can see the pictures Oliz looks lovely

[MsExced]

Glad you had a great time Ohliz, will look at the pictures when I get home

[ohliz]

Cool

[RichD]

how was the road?