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!
…
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!
Christ faces due east embracing all kayaks on the surface above with open arms! Kayaking to Dry Rocks Reef – a Pilgrimage to find the “Christ of the Abyss” off Key Largo!
.
There’s no question that Jesus has a powerful draw – spiritually, figuratively and literally. Six miles offshore from Key Largo lies the “Christ of the Abyss”, a submerged nine foot tall bronze statue of Jesus Christ. It’s a very popular draw for tourists, snorkelers, divers and boaters. It’s one of the most popular snorkel and dive destinations in the Keys and certainly inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The “Christ of the Deep” as it’s also called is also a part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and as such special regulations apply.
The statue is actually one of three worldwide that are underwater. It is in fact the third casting from the same mold and was commissioned for Italian dive equipment manufacturer Egidio Cressi, who then donated it to the Underwater Society of America. The Society, in turn presented the sculpture to the then newly formed John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo in the early 1960’s.
Alt Jesus Study is a non-religious but spiritual look at the meaning of sacrifice, rebirth, fertility and duality. Exploration of symbolism and culture as represented in the forms of Jesus and northern hemisphere Western Mythology.
Well, one reason is that because it’s there and it is doable. Another is that a trip like this really does feel like a Pilgrimage of sorts to see something unique and special. I’m not particularly religious, but there was certainly a nice spiritual aspect to this endeavor.
Finally, as a photographer, I really wanted to capture all of this!
.
NOTE:
This is a 13 mile round trip paddle out to sea in OPEN WATER
so plan accordingly and paddle within your limitations!
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!
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!
Christ faces due east embracing all kayaks on the surface above with open arms! Kayaking to Dry Rocks Reef – a Pilgrimage to find the “Christ of the Abyss” off Key Largo!
.
There’s no question that Jesus has a powerful draw – spiritually, figuratively and literally. Six miles offshore from Key Largo lies the “Christ of the Abyss”, a submerged nine foot tall bronze statue of Jesus Christ. It’s a very popular draw for tourists, snorkelers, divers and boaters. It’s one of the most popular snorkel and dive destinations in the Keys and certainly inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The “Christ of the Deep” as it’s also called is also a part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and as such special regulations apply.
Well, one reason is that because it’s there and it is doable. Another is that a trip like this really does feel like a Pilgrimage of sorts to see something unique and special. I’m not particularly religious, but there was a nice spiritual aspect to this endeavor! Finally, as a photographer, I really wanted to capture all of this.
This “Christ of the Abyss” statue is actually one of three worldwide that are underwater. It is fact the third casting from the same mold and was commissioned for Italian dive equipment manufacturer Egidio Cressi, who then donated it to the Underwater Society of America. The Society, in turn presented the sculpture to the then newly formed John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo in the early 1960’s.
Truth is I first found Jesus way back in 1982,
and Jesus was younger then too!
.
NOTE:
This is a 13 mile round trip paddle out to sea in OPEN WATER
so plan accordingly and paddle within your limitations!!
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!
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!
.
Let’s start with a Ranger-led Pour*!
.
Each pic is clickable for a story or link.
Starting with a Ranger-led pour makes me feel hoppy!
.
Yes, the Ranger leads a fine pour! Even if this is a smaller, American-sized beer~ ouch
.
The pour may be over, but the tour is just about to start. La Dolce Vita!
.
A behind the ART scenes Snapshot. Is it ART or is it bird shit? CLICK for story!
.
Camp trifecta – Canoe Paddler vs 420 vs Kalik. Camping on the Johnson Key platform in Florida Bay CLICK for story!
.
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!
.
Dinner with Sweetwater beer and sunset. Tasty & Quick Cooking CLICK for story!
.
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!
.
Nothing but Rampant sunshine! The hold up at First National Bank in Florida Bay CLICK for story!
.
Sometimes I just feel like bringing the Pub to Florida Bay. Across Florida Bay: Flamingo to Long Key round trip Adventure CLICK for story!
.
Is it Red Bull that gives you wings? Red Bull Flugtag Miami – Paddling to a downtown kayak, boat & plane party! CLICK for story!
.
Here’s to Stiltsville. Cheers! Kayak Miami: Stiltsville Village in Biscayne Bay CLICK for story!
.
“Bitte ein Bit“ ART of Cape Romano – The curious inhabitants of Australopithecine Island CLICK for story!
.
Just a Sunday Nooner on Florida Bay. Little Rabbit Key – a camping jewel in Central Florida Bay CLICK for story!
.
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!
.
The message in this bottle says: Please don’t litter! Whiskey Creek & John U Lloyd State Park in Dania CLICK for story!
.
A toast to Totch Brown and all Gladesmen! Camping Hell in the Ten Thousand Islands CLICK for story!
.
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!
.
On Cloud Nine at the beach at Bahia Honda. Bahia Honda State Park – Kayaking through history along Florida’s lower Keys! CLICK for story!
.
The Florida Bay Mental Health Plan.. 🙂 Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay – Kayaking, Camping and Nice Dreams! CLICK for story!
.
Please don’t panic, it’s organic! Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History! CLICK for story!
.
You’ll not see nothing like this mighty grin after being out in the Everglades!
.
Raise a toast:
CHEERS!
Salud!
Na zdraví!
.
.
Wishing you Hoppy Holidays*!
.
.
.
Bless!
.
*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!
.
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!
😉
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!
.
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 ) 