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, September 17, 2016

Emerson Point North Part 2

I finally had the time, favorable tides and good weather and  to complete  my paddle to the north side of Emerson point Preserve , that was cut short last time due to a threatening thunderstorm.

De Soto National Memorial behind me.
The river crossing was uneventful other that there seemed to be Sargasso Sea levels of aquatic vegetation floating in the water and getting into my kayak.
The "Sargasso Sea" on the Manatee River
Rounding Emerson Point I'm headed straight for the Mangrove tunnel entry on the north side of the park.
From Emerson Point it is  about a mile paddle the the very north end of the peninsula and a distinctive lone mangrove tree.




  Other than lots of mullet jumping and shorebirds wading I didn't see much in the way of wildlife. 










From this tree is about half a mile to the mangrove tunnel entrance.




Unfortunately, said tunnel entrance is not well marked at all.  If I didn't know it was there I could easily have paddled past it.






The entry is just past this islet covered in pelicans.























I'm not sure if this small white buoy is supposed to be the tunnel marker, but it is the closest thing to any navigational aid that I found.

The center of the Skyway Bridge bears due North (magnetic) from the tunnel.

If you can spot the Handrail on the pedestrian path you are close.





 Around the mangroves to the east there is a low bridge and the entry to the mangrove tunnel.

 

Duck!

 The tide was coming in and I  could just drift and steer on my way in.  One of the few times other than transport, that using a short kayak comes in useful.


The way back was a bit more of a slog against the current.



I'm not quite sure how I managed this effect, I think the tip of my kayak  got caught and I was spinning, but I kinda like the effect.







A break while I paddle back.




Emerson Point Preserve - Manatee County



DESO

#FLNPS100PaddleChallenge and #FindYourPark




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