Brian and I went back out, launching from the resort marina. We originally intended to paddle the four miles out to the Alligator Reef Light. We made it about two miles off shore and were in 3 foot swells. They were nice rhythmic rollers but, to be safe we turned back towards shore. With the wind at our backs blowing us back towards shore we made great time surfing towards the south end of the Islamorada Key.
We did a house envy tour. This house belongs to the same people who own the resort we are staying in. It also can be rented. Do you hear my brain ticking? The cogs are turning? A trip with my paddle-buddies brewing? Looky here:
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| The house has a pool, pool bar and cabana, as well as tennis courts |
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| The house also has an enclosed salt water pool and man-made beach |
Leaving the house and island behind we went under the bridge into the Gulf side. The water pushed us under the bridge and into the Gulf with some force. The tides around here are to be respected. Not quite as swift and fierce as the tides in Eastport Maine, but quite worthy of respect, none the less.
We returned to Horseshoe Key. My heart was full of joy at the sight of the birds hovering over the island. It was just Brian and I and we were quiet. The birds were draped heavily from every mangrove. My camera was just about useless but I got a few shots that were okay:
I understand the frigate birds, with their impressive swallow tails and either white heads or black with red throat pouches, are poachers. They steal other birds' catches and eat other birds' young. Still, they were so beautiful to watch. They look like pterodactyls in the sky. Surfing the airwaves and barely flapping their narrow vee-shaped wings.
We ran into this Man O'War on our way back to the bridge. It was being pushed through the opening by the same force that tried to push us back as we (or at least I) paddled hard underneath the bridge.
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| And then we were back in the marina, one last time |
Mike et al had recieved an invite to paddle with the Burnams and Collins on Saturday. I extended my stay at the resort to include Saturday night, as did Brian. No way I was gonna miss that!
Saturday was perfect, perfect temp, perfect clarity, perfect companions. Again, I need a thesaurus.
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| saddling up |
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| gathering on the water, oh, and a blimp! |
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| First part of our key hopping would be over to these |
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| Frank |
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| a made-made channel through one key |
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| water got a little rougher |
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| Kathy |
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| Kathy and Frank |
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| me trying to get sun on my blindingly white shins |
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| going around Sawyers Key |
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| packing up, calm water |
Back at the launch on Blimp Road, not kidding, this paddling vacation came to a sweet end. We rode back to the Collins' house before we turned north, for dinner, packing, a few hours rest before tomorrow's long drive.
Sunday morning, 05:45:
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On the road again
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I napped an hour twice at rest stops, once at 10:30 am and then again at about 10:30 pm.
Later on facebook I posted "
Exactly 21 hours and 1117 miles later, I'm in my driveway. Yay."
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| Where to next, boss? |
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