Paddling tales of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and upper Keys History.

From the top: There are no alligators,

just a pretty reef and a tall light!

.

(tap or click pic to read)

The last functioning beacon atop Alligator Reef Lighthouse.
Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History!

.

Alligator Reef Lighthouse

The shallow reef and light were named after the USS Alligator which shipwrecked there in November of 1822, although it would be another fifty years until the light was built in 1873! It is a beautiful and sturdy Victorian era tower, standing 136 feet tall, and has survived several major hurricanes and was an operational lighthouse/beacon until the summer of 2014!

For this trip I chose the “Mojito”, an RTM Disco sit on top kayak. This is probably the nicest handling inexpensive plastic kayak for paddlers under 175 lbs. Granted, it’s a very wet ride, but this is actually a plus in the tropical heat. With the addition of thigh straps, it responds much like a proper sea kayak and is great to learn and practice kayaking and rescue skills. It’s also easy to roll and an excellent surf/play boat for South Florida waters!

I hope you enjoy the fine views from the top!

.

.

Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/alligator-light-reef-lighthouse/

.

.

.

! Bless UP

.

.

© 2022 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Time-release Dose – A Declaration of Independence from Land!

Seeking Higher ground and

Faith in Numbers in the Lower Keys!

.

(tap or click pic to read)

“Higher ground.”
Exploring a Higher Ground in the Lower Keys! Part I.

.

Part I : Camping on a sandbar shoal and paddling the Barracuda, Marvin  and the Snipe Keys.

What’s real nice about a sandbar is that since it is surrounded by water and there’s no vegetation, there are absolutely no bugs to deal with. On the flip side, it gets hot under the summer sun, so it helps to bring your own shade in the form of an umbrella or a Sombrero.

If you decide to work on your tan, don’t forget to flip over.

You wouldn’t want to go home half baked!

As luck would have it, this summer trip occurred near the full moon and the tidal ranges were at the extremes for the Keys! The little sandbar shoal was just about underwater during the daytime high tide, and conversely the daytime low left the seabed exposed almost as far as the eye could see. The “top” of this shoal was smaller than a typical living room. The shape of the high ground “living room” was an interesting contoured triangle type shape that is often found repeated in nature.

Summertime kayaking and exploration of the

lower Keys backcountry.

.

Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/higher-ground-in-the-lower-keys-and-faith-in-numbers/exploring-a-higher-ground-in-the-lower-keys/

.

.

.

! Bless UP

.

.

© 2022 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Time-release Dose – There are no alligators, just a pretty reef and a tall light!

Paddling tales of Fishes, Wreckers,

Pirates and Keys History!

.

(tap or click pic to read)

Stay hydrated at Alligator Reef Light, and please don’t panic!
Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History!

.

The reef and light were named after the USS Alligator which shipwrecked there in November of 1822, although it would be another fifty years until the light was built in 1873! It is a beautiful and sturdy Victorian era tower, standing 136 feet tall, and has survived several major hurricanes and was an operational lighthouse/beacon until the summer of 2014!

For this trip I chose the “Mojito”, an RTM Disco sit on top kayak. This is probably the nicest handling inexpensive plastic kayak for paddlers under 175 lbs. Granted, it’s a very wet ride, but this is actually a plus in the tropical heat. With the addition of thigh straps, it responds much like a proper sea kayak and is great to learn and practice kayaking and rescue skills. It’s also easy to roll and an excellent surf/play boat for South Florida waters!

I hope you’ve enjoy the fine views from the top!

.

.

Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/alligator-light-reef-lighthouse/

.

.

.

! Bless UP

.

.

© 2022 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Time-release Dose – Seeking Higher ground and Faith in Numbers in the Lower Keys.

Summertime kayaking and exploration of the

lower Keys backcountry.

Part I

.

(tap or click pic to read)

“Higher ground.”
Exploring a Higher Ground in the Lower Keys! Part I.

.

Camping on a sandbar shoal and paddling the Barracuda, Marvin  and the Snipe Keys.

One great aspect of a sandbar is that since it is surrounded by water and there’s no vegetation, there are absolutely no bugs to deal with. On the flip side, it’s hot under the summer sun, so it helps to bring your own shade in the form of an umbrella or a Sombrero. If you decide to work on your tan, don’t forget to flip over.

You wouldn’t want to go home half baked!

As luck would have it, this summer trip occurred near the full moon and the tidal ranges were at the extremes for the Keys! The little sandbar shoal was just about underwater during the daytime high tide, and conversely the daytime low left the seabed exposed almost as far as the eye could see. The “top” of this shoal was smaller than a typical living room. The shape of the high ground “living room” was an interesting contoured triangle type shape that is often found repeated in nature.

The graceful curve reminded me somewhat of the pediment shapes commonly seen in Neoclassical architecture!

.

Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/higher-ground-in-the-lower-keys-and-faith-in-numbers/exploring-a-higher-ground-in-the-lower-keys/

.

.

.

! Bless UP

.

.

© 2022 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Daily Dose – Once upon a time at “Flugtag” in Miami.

What the Flugtag are you doing down there?

.

(tap or click pic to read)

Is it Red Bull that gives you wings??
Red Bull Flugtag Miami – Paddling to a downtown kayak, boat & plane party!

.

The Red Bull Flugtag are a series of summer events held in cities around the world where teams compete to build and “fly” outrageous and often whimsical home made flying machines in front of large, live audiences.

The local edition was held for four years in Biscayne Bay, just off Bayfront Park in downtown Miami, Florida. It brought out upwards of 100 000 people, and the best way to see and enjoy it was from the water on your kayak, canoe or SUP!

.

Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/urban-paddling-in-south-flaariduh-florida/red-bull-flugtag-miami-paddling-downtown-kayak-boat-plane-party/

.

.

.

! Bless UP

.

.

© 2022 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

Seeking Higher ground in the Lower Keys and Faith in Numbers!

Part Three:

Temporary tidal space and Faith in Numbers!

.

Summertime kayaking and camping in the lower Keys backcountry on a temporary sandbar base location. 

.

(click to enter)

“Red tent, Blue tent”
Higher ground in the Lower Keys and Faith in Numbers!
Part Three: Temporary tidal space and Faith in Numbers!
CLICK for story!

.

You take the blue tent, the story ends here. You wake up on your thermarest and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red tent, you stay in wonderland, and we’ll just see how deep that rabbit hole goes.

This is your last chance!

.

.

.

Happy Paddling – Enjoy!

.

.

.

BLESS!
“Red tent, Blue tent”

 

Seeking Higher ground in the Lower Keys and Faith in Numbers!

Part Two:

A Lower Keys Roundabout!

.

Summertime kayaking and exploration of the lower Keys backcountry from a sandbar base location. Featuring kayak photography and paddling and snorkeling Marvin Key and the Snipe Keys!

.

(click to enter)

Higher ground in the Lower Keys and Faith in Numbers!
Part Two: A Lower Keys Roundabout!
CLICK for story!

.

The Keys are a paradise world of delicious blue-green aquamarine colors and hues.

.

Select images available from Kayakfari ART Photography!

.

.

Happy Paddling – Enjoy!

.

.

.

BLESS ! Yes – Roundabout

 

Johnson Key Chickee camping platform in Florida Bay – an outback condominium!

.

Camping on the Johnson Key platform in Florida Bay!

.

An outback open water condominium six miles from ordinary!

.

(click any pic to enter)

Happy face aerial 360 x 180 view of the Johnson Key chickee.

.

Hatching the plans to take over the world, or at least this chickee!

.

They’re all here .. First Contact!
Alien visitors about to make first contact on the Johnson Key chickee!

.

Kayaking, camping and nice dreams!

.

Selected images available from Kayakfari ART Photography!

.

.

Happy Paddling – Enjoy!

.

.

.

! BLESS

.

.

.

© 2015 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:: The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

Seeking Higher ground in the Lower Keys and Faith in Numbers!

Part One:

Exploring a Higher Ground in the Lower Keys!

.

Summertime kayaking and exploration of the lower Keys backcountry. Featuring a sandbar shoal, and paddling the Barracuda Keys, Marvin Key and the Snipe Keys!

.

(click pic)

Higher ground in the Lower Keys and Faith in Numbers!
Part One – Exploring a Higher Ground!
CLICK for story!

.

The Keys are a paradise world of delicious blue-green aquamarine colors and hues.

.

Available from Kayakfari ART Photography!

.

.

Happy Paddling – Enjoy!

.

.

.

BLESS ! HIGHER GROUND

 

Kayaking Marvin and Snipe Keys – Florida’s lower Keys backcountry paddling panoramas!

.

A panoramic kayak visit to Marvin Key and Snipe Key in the lower Keys backcountry.

.

(click pics)

Aerial birds-eye view panorama of kayakers on the beach at Marvin Key in the lower Florida Keys backcountry.
CLICK for interactive panorama!

.

Summertime paddling and exploration of America’s Caribbean paradise!

.

Aerial Cormorant’s- eye view panorama of kayakers snorkeling in the mangrove tidal creeks of the Snipe Keys, Florida Keys backcountry.
CLICK for interactive panorama!

.

Full story:

Higher ground in the Lower Keys and Faith in Numbers!

.

.

.

More interactive panoramas:

Aerial and VR Panoramas from Kayakfari.com

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/360-vr-panoramas/

.

Kayakfari ART photography

.

.

Happy Paddling – Enjoy!

.

.

.

Feel the Pressure Drop
BLESS!

 

Kayakers on a sandbar shoal – Florida’s lower Keys backcountry paddling panoramas!

.

A panoramic kayak visit to a sandbar shoal in the lower Keys backcountry.

.

(click pics)

A 360 aerial Seagull’s eye view panorama of kayakers on a sandbar shoal near the Baracuda Keys, Florida Keys backcountry.
CLICK for interactive panorama!

.

Two fine views from a temporary tidal space in America’s Caribbean paradise.

One from above, one from the ground!

.

A crab’s eye view panorama from ground level on a sandbar shoal near the Baracuda Keys, Florida Keys backcountry.
CLICK for interactive panorama!

.

Full story:

Higher ground in the Lower Keys and Faith in Numbers!

.

.

.

More interactive panoramas:

Aerial and VR Panoramas from Kayakfari.com

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/360-vr-panoramas/

.

Kayakfari ART photography

.

.

Happy Paddling – Enjoy!

.

.

.

Feel the Pressure Drop
BLESS!

 

Kayaking to historic Alligator Reef Lighthouse in Florida’s Upper Keys!

.

Florida Keys’  unique paddling, swimming and snorkeling destination. Revised and updated!

.

(click pic)

Alligator Light, summer of 1982.
Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History!

.

“I have seen the Light, have you?”

.

.

.

This one for all the divers..
Bless!

 .

.

© 2015 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved.

…

DISCLAIMER:: The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

She’s a whole lotta Kayak – A tribute to Rosie and all the plus sized kayaks out there!

Here’s a tribute to a kayak I know ..

She ain’t exactly pretty
She ain’t exactly small
Eleven’eleven, thirty’four, sixty’one lbs
But you could say she’s got it all ..

Rosie, she’s a whole lotta Kayak!

.

(click each pic for a story!)

Snorkeling in Biscayne Bay, Rosie is like a personal sized dinghy!
CLICK for story!

.

We all love to see the sleek, fast and sexy boats. There are times however when a shorter “plus size” sit on top style kayak fits the bill! This is a humorous-musical ode to mine, which I shall call “Rosie”. She’s an Ocean Kayak Peekaboo, and yes, she’s been used and abused, and generally not pampered. With a shallow-vee and nearly flat hull, she’s the ultimate in stability on flat water! She has a large viewing port, and a jump seat in the front meant for a small child. She could carry two light adults in a pinch, but isn’t rated for it. I personally like to ride Rosie Standing UP style for visibility and photography. The downside to all this stability and generous girth is speed. She will cruise with a 230cm kayak paddle at a little over two knots, less when paddling SUP style. She does respond well to leaning and will turn on a dime with practice. Her long tracking keel does it’s job but will tend to catch on roots and grasses when backing up. Rosie can carry a lot of gear for camping, she likes to go snorkeling, she likes taking her time on flat water and she’s an excellent platform for standing.

I don’t always ride Rosie, but when I do we’re in love!  😉

.

Entering a lush mangrove canopy atop Rosie.
CLICK for story!

(** Cue music **)

Sing along to the music, ya’ll can dance if you wan to ..

Stability to deploy a 23ft pole near a Cypress Dome in the Everglades.
CLICK for story!

(intro guitar riff)

Wanna tell you a story
About a kayak I know
When it comes to paddlin’
She steals the show

Aerial, dragon fly view paddling Rosie in the Everglades.
CLICK for story!

She ain’t exactly pretty
Ain’t exactly small
Eleven’eleven, thirty’four, sixty’one lbs
You could say she handles it all

This is what the Peekaboo is ALL about: STABILITY!
I can stand on one leg, on one side and she will NOT flip.
CLICK for story!

Never had a kayak
Never had a kayak like you
Carryin’ all the things and
Doin’ all the things that you do

StandingUP at the Paddle Up on the Himmarshee Canal event in Ft Lauderdale.
CLICK for story!

Ain’t no fast ride
Ain’t no skin and bones
But you give it all you got
Loaded up to thirty two stone!

Does this still count as paddling?
CLICK for story!

You’re a whole lotta kayak
A whole lotta kayak
Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta Rosie
And you’re a whole lotta kayak

Rosie is kinda like a heavy SUP board.
CLICK for story!

Honey you can do it
Carry me all day long
Only one who let me
Only one who let me stand up on

Rosie works as a versatile tender to the sailboat in the Ten Thousand Islands.
CLICK for story!

All through the night time
Right around the clock
To my delight
Rosie never flips!

Rosie’s claim to fame is her large viewing port.
The Peekaboo from underwater – Namaste Bitches!
CLICK for story!

She was a whole lotta kayak
Whole lotta kayak
Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta Rosie
A whole lotta kayak

Looking through the port, looking at you, looking at me!
Are these damsels in distress? CLICK for more!
www.plasticworlds.com

Whole lotta kayak
Whole lotta kayak
Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta Rosie
You’re a whole lotta Rosie
A whole lotta kayak

Rosie is not like a Barbie, but they both like to kayak.
CLICK for story!

Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta kayak!

The multi-versal Santa Sombrero and Rosie are a perfect match with the Czech connection!
CLICK for story!

(refrain – one more time)

She was a whole lotta kayak
Whole lotta kayak
Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta Rosie

A whole lotta kayak!

.

Blinded by the Light – on Biscayne Bay.
CLICK for story!

 .

Adapted from AC/DC  “Whole Lotta Rosie”  © 1977 J. Albert & Son (Pty) Ltd

Fair Use – Parody/humor.

.

Camping with Rosie on the Hell’s Bay Canoe Trail.
CLICK for story!

.

After all, it’s the fat bottomed kayaks that make the paddling world go ’round! 😉

.

.

Please enjoy this “cover” by Elvis Presley!

.

.

.

Whole lotta Rosie!
Bless her!!

 .

.

.

© 2015 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved.

…

DISCLAIMER:: The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

A view to a Chill – good morning from Little Rabbit Key in Florida Bay!

Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay – Kayaking, Camping and Nice Dreams! 🙂

.

(click pic)

A view to a Chill – good morning from Little Rabbit Key in Florida Bay!
CLICK for Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay.

.

Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay – Kayaking, Camping and Nice Dreams!

.

.

Enjoy!

.

.

.

Rabbit In The Moon

Poling around “The Cape” at East Cape Sable in the Everglades.

.

Kayak on “The Cape”, aerial view.
Cape Sable beach, Everglades National Park, Florida.

.

(click pic)

Not hanging out, but poling around on “The Cape”..

.

.

More paddling stories and great pics:

.

Go West to East Cape!

Go West to East Cape!

.

Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay – Kayaking, Camping and Nice Dreams!

Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay.

 .

.

Enjoy!

.

Try more interactive panoramas here:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/360-vr-panoramas/

.

.

.

i Tropical, Bless!

Paddling towards the Light – the historic Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

.

Florida Keys summertime paddling. C’mon in, the water’s fine!

(click pic)

Aerial view from the top!
From the book “Florida Bay Forever: A Story of Water from the Everglades to the Keys”

.

Have a great weekend everyone!

.

.

.

(Please ignore any ads you might see below)