Hazards & Safety
It is not Australia but it might as well be! In no particular order the following hazards await when kayaking or boating on the San Jacinto River and grabbing these caches. Thorns, Ticks, Mosquitoes, Stinging Insects, Snakes (in particular water moccasins), Alligators, Wild Hogs, Heat, Hypothermia, Sand Bars, Stumps, Floating Logs, and the most dangerous animal of all…humans (yourself and others). Now with all that out of the way there is no reason these cache cannot be retrieved by any person with a heartbeat that uses their head.
Thorns – If we need to explain this hazard and how to avoid it please close your browser, shut down your computer, and throw it out the window.
Ticks – Use plenty of bug repellant on all uncovered areas and anywhere different clothes meet (pants cuffs, waist, etc).
Mosquitoes – Use plenty of bug repellant or grab the caches in late fall, winter, or early spring when it’s a touch too cold for mosquitoes but still warm enough to enjoy a paddle.
Stinging Insects – Not a hazard a lot of people think of but wasps in particular love to build nests in the branches of cypress trees. Check any tree well prior to going under it or shaking the limbs.
Snakes – It is almost 100% guaranteed you will see a snake while grabbing these caches. Prior to approaching any cache near shore do a good visual inspection and even after tread slowly as they are hard to see amongst the plant roots along the banks. For the caches on the islands where you must disembark your water craft I recommend snake boots at a minimum and highly recommend snake chaps. We always carry our paddles, even on land, as it prevents them from floating off if the kayaks rock from boat wakes and is a great stick for “dissuading” the various critters we meet.
Alligators – Good chance of encountering one particularly in the warmer months. In most instances you won’t even notice them. Never attempt to feed them and never approach a female gator protecting a nest. We also recommend not swimming in the more “bayou” areas off the main channels and ensuring no gators are in the area when disembarking from your kayak to hunt caches on the islands or along the banks.
Drowning – Wear a Personal Flotation Device. There is no reason not to.
Hypothermia – Summer…no issue. Late Fall, Winter, and Early Spring….a dunking in a kayak can immediately be life threatening due to water temps. Always go as a group and file a float plan with people including specifics on where you are going and when you will return.
Heat – Paddling will get you hot. Even in the winter ensure you have plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Sand Bars, Stumps, Floating Logs – These are generally hazards only for people attempting to use a motorized boat to reach the caches. The San Jacinto River and Lake Houston are very shallow and riverine. 5 ft of horizontal distance could be the difference between floating your hat and standing in ankle deep water. In addition Hurricane Harvey created massive destruction in the area dramatically altering the bottom of the river and lake. We recommend idling unless completely familiar with the lake.
Humans (Others) – The biggest risks on the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston. We did our best to hide caches out of typical boat traffic lanes but some main body water crossings are required. Ensure your water craft and clothing are highly visible. Stay together as a group. Don’t paddle during low visibility conditions.
Humans (Yourself) – Always consider all risks. If you stop and question whether you should attempt an action its best you probably don’t. Emergencies on water are more threatening as rescue is always more difficult and will take longer.