July 12, 2004
LOVE MANY,
TRUST FEW
AND ALWAYS PADDLE
YOUR OWN CANOE
If you've never lived in Florida during the summer months, you really have no appreciation for how stifling and claustrophobic the weather can be.
Yesterday, with the thermometer hovering in the mid-90s and humidity so thick it was like a curtain of water, my son Brian and I decided to seek some relieve by going kayaking near Fort Desoto Park in southern Pinellas County.
We found a shallow little inlet with grassy clam and oyster beds, and with thunder rumbling in the distance and just a touch of rain, we put in.
It wound up being a perfect day, with just a slight breeze barely stirring the water. We saw loads of fish and birds, as well as a clam that was, well, clamming his way through the water as we paddled past. I hadn't ever seen that before.
Anyway, here are a few photos from the day:
Brian's always much more brave just before we get into the kayak.
Note to self: Get him a more form-fitting life jacket.
Did I mention it was glassy calm?
All that non-paddling can wear a kid out.
We found a massive oyster bed.
These roseate spoonbills were scooping the shallow water for minnows.
All day long, the water never got deeper than three feet.
All sorts of birds filled the mangrove branches.
The neck on this white heron was just amazing.
This photo makes me relaxed just looking at it.
Looks like it was a great day, one I am sure that neither you nor your son will soon forget.
Just tell me that there are no farookin' alligators in that water!
Posted by: Jim at July 12, 2004 10:31 PMNope. No gators. That there is salt water, city boy.
Not to worry. We kayak with the gators, too, around here. We just give them a wide berth.
Posted by: Jeff at July 13, 2004 07:37 AM