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.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

The Lost Temple

The Manatee River was pretty choppy this morning, so rather than crossing north to Emerson point, I elected to head up river again.

My Hi-Viz hat really catching the sun.


Looking West into Tampa Bay

I took a break at Bishop Point where the water was quite a bit calmer, before continuing up river for another mile.

The tide and currents were with my on the way back, and I was moving at quite a clip with little effort.

Not having seen any wildlife at all thus far I moved in close to shore birds and a crab. Exciting, Yes!

Bird

Crab

Then looming under the water I spotted some mysterious ruins. Perhaps the remains of a lost Mayan Temple, or a Spanish fort. Okay I was a bit bored at this point.

So more of storm tossed tidal channel than a great archaeological discovery, or hidden treasure, but a little day-dreaming never hurts.

At the end of today's paddle as I was loading up the truck Jorge Acevedo, the Park's Superintendent stopped by and took my incredibly official Paddle Challenge Selfie.