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 19, 2016

Father's Day



 

 The whole family went out on a ranger led kayak tour at De Soto National Memorial.  It was a fully booked tour, and the skies were looking worrisome cloudy and the Manatee River quite choppy this morning.  Eventually though the skies cleared and we had a sunny paddle.

 

Daddy in front of the De Soto Trail marker.

 

 

 After the safety and procedure briefing the tour group launched their kayaks and headed for the cove.

More of a family photobomb than the picture I was trying to get.


 

 

 

 Other than some crabs in the mangroves we didn't see any wildlife this time out.







Kayaks stacked on the beach.
Jenn and Kate


Mid-way through the Ranger led the group on a tour of the monuments and mangrove channel before we got  thirty minutes of free paddle time.




Explaining a bonk on the head post  capsizing.


Kayak Triumph!


DESO

#FLNPS100PaddleChallenge and #FindYourPark

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