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, July 10, 2016

Emerson Point Preserve - North Side

Last time I paddled to Emerson Point Preserve from De Soto NM, I stayed on the riverside (south ) of the park. This time I headed to the north side of the preserve into Tampa Bay.

Emerson Point due North from De Soto's kayak launch.

The channel crossing had its usual challenges, current & swells.

De Soto National Memorial behind me to the left.

The north side of Emerson point is considerably calmer than the riverside, today it was dead flat and easy paddling.

Looking north to the Skyway Bridge

Looking south at Emerson Point

Rounding Emerson Point one comes across a shoreline of interesting looking Red Mangroves.


Idle Speed - Manatee warning sign at the	Entry to Emerson Bayou

It is about a mile of paddling from Emerson Point to the entry to Emerson Bayou.

Emerson Bayou is a ragged "J" shaped cove, shallow with lots of sea grasses. I've spotted manatees in the bayou before but no luck today.

A bird was about it for today's wildlife spotting.

In spite of a good weather forecast the clouds were starting to look bad, I got sprinkled on a bit so I elected to cut short today's kayaking and head back.