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.

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Florida National Parks Centennial Paddle Challenge


Florida National Parks Centennial Paddle Challenge

 

 In short, you can clink the link in the title above for full details, paddle 100 miles in at least three of Florida's eleven National Parks.  Log your progress and take selfies, finish by the end of 2016 and get a commemorative patch. 

Ranger led kayaking at De Soto National Memorial

     Since I'm mister 20th century and don't do Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other social media - this blog is where I'm storing my park selfies, and comments about my aquatic adventures.  I'm about halfway through at this point and figure that I should actually get around to posting the photos.

 
At the NPS Centennial sign. 

 

      I live relatively close to De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton and have been volunteering there for the past 25 years or so.  It is a three hour drive to get to even the closest other National Parks, consequently most of my paddle miles are going to be from the waters in and around the Memorial.  I've got some park collection trips planned and I hope to get to most of Florida's NPs before the end of the year.


 

 
#FLNPS100PaddleChallenge and #FindYourPark.

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