The last functioning beacon atop Alligator Reef Lighthouse. Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History!
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!
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!
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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!
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!
Up close with the oldest standing screw pile lighthouse in the nation!
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(tap or click pic to read)
Silently gliding towards Carysfort Reef Lighthouse in my vintage Shearwater surfski. Carysfort Reef Lighthouse – paddling into upper Keys nautical history!
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You can’t actually see Carysfort Light from the seat of the kayak when you first set out.
Carysfort Reef Lighthouse is the oldest of all the Keys offshore lighthouses constructed in the 19th century that is still standing. It became operational in 1852 and replaced the lightship “Florida” which was tending that duty with limited success. It was also the first to use the iron screw pile construction method that has proven to stand the test of time.
Carysfort Reef and lighthouse are named after the H.M.S. Carrysford (note change in spelling) which ran aground on the reef on October 23, 1770. However this reef also carries the distinction of being the site of the oldest recorded shipwreck in North America, that of the H.M.S. Winchester on September 24, 1695. The wreck was not discovered until 1938, and further salvage into the 1950s yielded many artifacts including several of her cannons and many valuable artifacts.
Carysfort Reef Light is the longest serving of all the Keys lighthouses, having been in continuous operation from 1852 to 2014.
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!
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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!
Stay hydrated at Alligator Reef Light, and please don’t panic! Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
In South Florida we have several lighthouses – celebrate by visiting one. Some are on land and accessible to everyone, others are out at sea over the Florida Keys reef chain. They are just a small subset of all the lighthouses in Florida!
Presented here in order from north to south, starting with Jupiter Lighthouse and ending with Sand Key Lighthouse. You can take a virtual peek or an extended tour of the one’s that I have paddled out to.
These lighthouses were beacons in their day and
today remain beacons in time as integral parts of South Florida history!
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(click on any pic for more!)
Jupiter Inlet – the Red Lighthouse kayak paddle.
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Kayaks at Hillsboro Lighthouse at the inlet. Note the difference in water quality and spot the Blimp! 😮 Click for interactive 360 aerial panorama.
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Cape Florida lighthouse on Key Biscayne at Bill Baggs State Park, aerial seagull’s eye view. Click for interactive panorama!
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Kayaking the Biscayne Bay triangle: Cape Florida – Fowey Rocks – Soldier Key!
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Boca Chita – kayaking to a Fantasy Island on Biscayne Bay! (This is a decorative lighthouse, but worth seeing nonetheless.)
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Carysfort Reef Lighthouse – paddling into upper Keys nautical history!
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Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History!
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Sombrero Reef Lighthouse – visiting the tallest of the reef lights via kayak!
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Lower Keys paddling to American Shoal Lighthouse on the edge of the Gulf Stream!
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Sand Key Lighthouse – kayaking to the “southern star” of the offshore Keys reef lights!
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Then there are also a few more historic lighthouses like the Key West lighthouse , and two more in the Dry Tortugas that I hope to visit soon! 🙂
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!
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!
This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No skeleton, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!
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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!
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!
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!
From the interior EVERGLADES to FLORIDA BAY and the KEYS, TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS, BIG CYPRESS & Beyond!
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Let’s start with a Ranger-led Pour*!
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Each pic is clickable for a story or link.
Starting with a Ranger-led pour makes me feel hoppy!
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Yes, the Ranger leads a fine pour! Even if this is a smaller, American-sized beer~ ouch
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The pour may be over, but the tour is just about to start. La Dolce Vita!
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A behind the ART scenes Snapshot. Is it ART or is it bird shit? CLICK for story!
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Camp trifecta – Canoe Paddler vs 420 vs Kalik. Camping on the Johnson Key platform in Florida Bay CLICK for story!
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Oh snap, the flash went off! Harvest moon, Super moon, Blood moon and High Tides of the final tetrad Eclipse of 2015! CLICK for story!
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Dinner with Sweetwater beer and sunset. Tasty & Quick Cooking CLICK for story!
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Here’s an Urquell tribute to a pilsner I know .. the full size 0.5 litre Euro bottle. She’s a whole lotta Kayak – A tribute to Rosie and all the plus sized kayaks out there! CLICK for story!
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Nothing but Rampant sunshine! The hold up at First National Bank in Florida Bay CLICK for story!
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Sometimes I just feel like bringing the Pub to Florida Bay. Across Florida Bay: Flamingo to Long Key round trip Adventure CLICK for story!
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Is it Red Bull that gives you wings? Red Bull Flugtag Miami – Paddling to a downtown kayak, boat & plane party! CLICK for story!
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Here’s to Stiltsville. Cheers! Kayak Miami: Stiltsville Village in Biscayne Bay CLICK for story!
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“Bitte ein Bit“ ART of Cape Romano – The curious inhabitants of Australopithecine Island CLICK for story!
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Just a Sunday Nooner on Florida Bay. Little Rabbit Key – a camping jewel in Central Florida Bay CLICK for story!
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Budweiser can found on tree island hammock with a design circa 1999 – please pack out all your trash! Grass Paddling in the East Everglades Expansion Area – History, Gladesmen & more Grass! CLICK for story!
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The message in this bottle says: Please don’t litter! Whiskey Creek & John U Lloyd State Park in Dania CLICK for story!
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A toast to Totch Brown and all Gladesmen! Camping Hell in the Ten Thousand Islands CLICK for story!
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When a Trippel turns into a triple, but certainly NOT a tripple! Winter birthday triad on Florida Bay with the ‘Banana Boat’! CLICK for story!
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On Cloud Nine at the beach at Bahia Honda. Bahia Honda State Park – Kayaking through history along Florida’s lower Keys! CLICK for story!
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The Florida Bay Mental Health Plan.. 🙂 Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay – Kayaking, Camping and Nice Dreams! CLICK for story!
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Please don’t panic, it’s organic! Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History! CLICK for story!
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You’ll not see nothing like this mighty grin after being out in the Everglades!
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Raise a toast:
CHEERS!
Salud!
Na zdraví!
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Wishing you Hoppy Holidays*!
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Bless!
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*Please drink responsibly! It’s OK to have a beer or two on the water, but it is against the law to be inebriated in your watercraft.
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!
This one is all about the feet, many various feet. So follow along – each pic is clickable for a related story!
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Most paddlers don’t think much about their feet. They tend to focus more on their arms, their hips and their paddles. But the foot is an important and integral part of kayaking and any paddling in general. Along with the hips and thighs, the feet anchor a paddler in or on top of the craft. Foot protection and footwear come in many forms and styles. As with distinctive paddling hats, footwear also sets paddlers apart!
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All toes on board at Whiskey Creek in Dania Beach, Florida. CLICK for story!
The feet will let you know when there is a problem or a mismatch with foot pegs or foot pads. Whether fixed, adjustable or sliding, a properly customized fit ensures maximum control and comfort while on the water. In a sit on top you’ll always be looking at your feet. In a traditional kayak, you might not see them but you’ll be feeling and using them – or should be! Sea Kayaks and traditional sit inside kayaks usually have adjustable foot bars or foot pegs. Most sit on top style kayaks have several fixed molded in foot braces. In either case you want to adjust your foot position so that your feet are pushing your butt back into the seat. This will help to keep your lower back straight and in a slightly forward leaning position.
I often see paddlers sit in their boat and immediately lean back as if at home in a recliner. You never want to be leaning back into the backrest unless you’re taking a break! Otherwise you’ll be in the wrong position for actual paddling and harmfully compressing your spine! You may need to readjust or re-position your seat straps to accomplish this. The lean forward position is not only good for paddling, it’s also really good for your lower back.
The feet are the key for proper paddling posture!
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Counting toes and bugs while camping in Hell! CLICK for story!
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!
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!
kayakfari ( kayak .. far .. i ) 