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.

Monday, July 4, 2016

Off Paddle - Bishop Point - Warner's Bayou



 I got an early start this morning and arrived at the Memorial just at sunrise.  

Sunrise over the Manatee River.

As I had consulted a tide chart before heading to the Park, with a rising incoming tide , I elected to travel up river this trip.   First, to Bishop Point Park, about a mile from Shaw’s/ De Soto Point and then another mile to McNeil Point and the Warner’s Bayou Boat Ramp before returning to De Soto National Memorial.

 

The cove side entrance to the Nature Trail.

Because I arrived a bit before the park gates opened I warmed up on the nature trail.  If you go off paddle and explore the trail you just might run into some conquistadors abd get a selfie.
One of the 90% life-size 2D Markers on the Trail










Wildlife was pretty much a bust on the water this morning, although I did spot a couple of rabbits and a raccoon in the park.
Racoon

My initial detestation, Bishop Point Park, about a mile away across the cove.



On my way, DNM in the background - and that's just sunscreen , not a booger.
Bishop Point Park is just a tiny sliver of land at the end of the 72nd Ave. cul-de-sac with just 3-4 substandard parking spots.  It is more for fishing from the seawall than paddling attraction, but at low tide there are some sandy spots to land and stretch your legs.
Bishop Point Park

The Warner’s Bayou Boat Ramp is a bit larger, mostly devoted to boat trailer parking, but does have a restroom, water and a shaded picnic area.  This park is also the home of the Palma Sola Historical Marker.

My Camera had fogged up by the time I got to Warner's Bayou, so here's another sunrise over the water photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update I got by Warner's Bayou today and got this photo of the shoreline at the park.

Warner's Bayou Boat Ramp park.

 

DESO

#FLNPS100PaddleChallenge and #FindYourPark

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