Why I'm attempting the 100 Mile NPS Paddle Challenge

The news that these people had left their own country to bathe in the river Jordan, spread among all the kings and chiefs of Florida, and as they were an ignorant people, they all set out in search of this river, which was supposed to possess the power of rejuvenating old men and women. So eager were they in their search, that they did not pass a river, a brook, a lake, or even a swamp, without bathing in it; and, even to this day, they have not ceased to look for it, but always without any success.

- Memoir Of Hernando D’Escalante Fontaneda 1575

I'm not expecting to find the Fountain of Youth, but I needed some kind of cross training upper body workout to supplement (i.e. give my knees a break) my long distance running. As with signing up for a marathon it is simply a way of maintaining my motivation to keep exercising. I much prefer training outside versus working out in a gym. So kayaking (and the occasional period oared powered vessel), seemed like a good fit.

Sunday, June 12, 2016

De Soto Landing Reenactment

 

 I've been portraying Hernando de Soto at the Park's annual landing re-enactment for the past  fifteen years.  My beard is getting way to gray, but I can't deem to get out of being  the Adelantado.  At the very least it was an easy way of adding a mile to my challenge count.
The Ana Mendez

 

 

 

 

The waters were choppy, it was windy, and we didn't capsize! As per the program I claimed possession of La Florida twice, One landing at 10:00 am and another at 1:00pm.  I checked with the Ranger at Biscayne and there find the use of oars, instead of paddles an acceptable substitute. 

  DESO

#FLNPS100PaddleChallenge and #FindYourPark

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