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, September 18, 2016

Robinson Preserve, Again.

Robinson Preserve is quite popular with kayakers in the area.  The park has several miles of internal paddle trails, entry into the surrounding bays and river and the best launching access of any spot in the county.
Gentle slope of hard packed sand.

A concrete drop off/pickup lane.

A washing facility with hoses!


















With the tide coming in its a fairly easy paddle going up river to De Soto NM.



A half mile of paddling gets one to the tower.  Unlike Emerson point the paddle trails at Robinson are well marked.








I landed at the tower and climbed to the top. A clear, calm , sunny morning.


 





 From the tower lagoon I headed north  and then west to the outlet into the Manatee River.

 
To get to the outlet you paddle past and under the boardwalk

 
What is this sign ahead?
 In an overabundance of caution the County has installed a warning sign, before you reach the river.

Although its is not the dead calm of the internal paddle trails. the current is hardly a white water rapid.
CAUTION -Strong currents ahead at paddle outlet-Know your skill level

 









Outlet into the Manatee River
From the outlet at Robinson its about a mile paddle up river to get to De Soto.







It was a pretty calm day on the river, but I did manage to catch some heavy wake.

I paddled around the cove for a bit, and nothing caught my eye so I headed back to Robinson.

In the cove and headed back.

At this point I need a bit of a break and landed by the Tabby House ruins.



















My legs stretched a bit I , returned to paddling down river.  Said High to the Park Ranger who was leading a group on a tour.










The current was with me as I made my way back into Robinson.  It was more a matter of steering than paddling I sat back and enjoyed the free ride.






Robinson Preserve

DESO

#FLNPS100PaddleChallenge and #FindYourPark


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