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 – 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 Daily Dose – Wheels, paddles, a boat and the lunatics on the Grass!

Exploring the Slough and Sawgrass Prairies

of Shark Valley.

.

(tap or click pic to read)

Pedal and Paddle at Shark Valley: The kayak and the wheel, a symbiotic relationship.
Kayaking at Shark Valley – A visit to Seagrape Hammock, aka Willoughby Key!

.

The lunatics are on the Grass,

Got to keep those loonies off the trail!

.

Everglades exploration and photography in the style of the classic 1898 book “Across the Everglades“, by Hugh L. Willoughby.

This is a story of a “pedal and paddle” visit to a small tree island hammock in the Everglades “River of Grass”. We used bicycles, a trailer and a tandem SOT kayak to ride down the tram road and paddle through the grass to the island. The Shark Valley tower happens to be only a short distance from this tree island called  “Seagrape Hammock” in the middle of the Shark River Slough. Hugh L. Willoughby wrote about the island in his classic 1898 book – “Across the Everglades” and dubbed it “Willoughby Key”. He kept excellent records and published the accurate coordinates in his book, so we know for a fact that it is Seagrape Hammock.

He actually liked this island so much that he camped there twice!

Why go to Seagrape Hammock? Well there’s the historical connection already mentioned that gives us a window into the Everglades of old circa 1898. At that time, the Everglades were largely still untouched and pristine. The Seminole Native Americans were still able to live a largely traditional subsistence way of life. The Everglades were clean, bountiful and unfettered. However within a generation afterwards, the irreversible system wide alterations and damage to the Everglades ecosystem would begin. So Willoughby’s descriptions are among the last of the real Everglades as they had existed for millennia prior!

I had been fascinated with this tree island ever since sighting it during a trip down the Shark River slough in 2012. But on that trip we passed close within a mile, although couldn’t take the time for the detour. On this trip we succeeded and I had plenty of time to explore and photograph the Seagrape Hammock tree island!

Geographically, Seagrape Hammock is situated roughly halfway in between the Cypress strands of Big Cypress to the west and the higher (now developed) Pineland ridge to the east.

.

“Shark Valley with a Twist!”

.

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/everglades-national-park/sloughs/kayaking-at-shark-valley-a-visit-to-seagrape-hammock-aka-willoughby-key/

https://awakenthegrass.wordpress.com/trips/land/everglades-hiking-with-an-altitude-exploring-the-slough-and-sawgrass-prairies-of-shark-valley/

.

.

.

! Bless UP

.

.

© 2021 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!

🙂

Valentine’s Day encounter in the Everglades – Is this Love?

It’s Friday, I’m in Love!

.

( Click pic to begin journey)

“There she was!” – Happy Valentine’s Day!
CLICK for: ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

.

ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

.

.

.

You may also like the PERFECT DOLL series from PlasticWorlds.com

“Perfect Doll” series from PlasticWorlds.com

.

.

.

Enjoy!

.

.

.

It’s Friday, I’m in Love – BLESS!

.

.

© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.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!

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, no barbie, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!

…

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!

🙂

 

Was Valentine looking for Love in all the wrong places?

“Valentine’s encounter at Shark Point.

A day dream in the Everglades?”

.

(click pic to enter)

Valentine really thought he knew, but was he just looking for Love in all the wrong places?
ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

.

.

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/art-of-a-dream-everglades-valentines-encounter/

.

.

.

! BLESS – You’re in Love

.

.

© 2018 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!

Valentine’s encounter in the Everglades – pics or it didn’t happen!

Was it really all just a day dream fantasy?

You’re in Love!

.

(Click pic to enter)

“Valentine’s encounter at Shark Point – a day dream in the Everglades?”
CLICK for: ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

.

ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

.

.

You may also like the PERFECT DOLL series from PlasticWorlds.com

“Perfect Doll” series from PlasticWorlds.com
Possibly NSFW – but you decide which is art or which is just an illusion!

.

.

.

Enjoy!

.

.

.

You’re in Love – BLESS!

.

.

© 2017 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.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 premature Valentine’s Day encounter in the Everglades!

Was it over before it began? You’re in Love!

.

A day early, was it over before it began? Happy Valentine’s Day!
CLICK for: ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

.

ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

.

.

.

You may also like the PERFECT DOLL series from PlasticWorlds.com

“Perfect Doll” series from PlasticWorlds.com
Possibly NSFW –  but you decide which is pr0n, which is art or which is an illusion!

.

.

.

Enjoy!

.

.

.

You’re in Love – BLESS!

.

.

© 2016 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.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!

Early summer day hike to Tarpon Lake in the Big Cypress Addition Lands.

The next step beyond paddling is just swimming, so ..

Awakenthegrass

C’mon in, the water’s fine, but beware the Water Goblin!

(click pic)

It was smiles all around!*  😉

.

.

Enjoy!

.

! BLESS

View original post

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!

🙂

Friday the 13th Pre-Valentines Day dreaming and paddling in the Everglades!

.

ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

.

He went kayaking in the Everglades.

He was a day early!

(click pic to enter)

ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

.

Was she real?

.

.

Happy Valentines Day!

.

Enjoy!

.

.

.

You may also like the PERFECT DOLL series from PlasticWorlds.com

“Perfect Doll” series from PlasticWorlds.com
Possibly NSFW, but you decide which is pr0n, which is art or which is an illusion!

.

.

.

BLESS the Women!

The curious case of George and the Australopithecine Island Village at Cape Romano!

Long live George and the Australopithecine dream!

(click pic to enter)

ART of Cape Romano – The curious inhabitants of Australopithecine Island

.

George was king!

.

.

Enjoy!

.

.

.

CLICK Australopithecine Blessings!

 

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)

The surreal digital art and photography of Flex Maslan at Moksha Roots Live!

.

SURREAL DIGITAL ART and aerial panoramic photography from the Everglades by Flex Maslan.

.

Honored and very pleased to be one of two featured artists at this month’s Art Exhibit at Moksha Family Arts Collective in North Miami.

Presented by 7th Circuit Productions.

Friday, June 20th, 2014   :  8-10pm

.

On display will be several large format and aerial panoramic prints from kayakfari.com along with the surreal “Extreme Birdwatching“ series from decoratedreality.com .

Nothing like seeing art in person!

(click pic & join faceBook invite)

The surreal digital art and photography of Flex Maslan at Moksha Roots Live!

.

ART OPENING & JAM STARTS @ 8pm

FREE ADMISSION BEFORE 10:00pm

.

7th Circuit Productions / Moksha Gallery

228 N.E. 59th. ST.

MIAMI, FL 33137

305-757-7277

.

See YOU there!

.

.

.

(Please ignore any ads you might see below)

Everglades Hiking with an Altitude: Exploring the Slough and Sawgrass Prairies of Shark Valley!

.

From AwakentheGrass.com :

.

(click pic)

Everglades Hiking with an Altitude!

.

.

.

(Please ignore any ads you might see below)

7th Annual Everglades Awareness Benefit Concert and Environmental Arts Exhibit

.

I am honored to be a part of this incredible Everglades Environmental Arts Exhibit and Everglades Benefit Concert today in North Miami.

Enjoy performances by by S Florida’s best bands, Spoken Word Performance Artists, Dancers, Live Artists, Speakers and many excellent art works by local and internationally known Visual Artists!!

Learn about the many challenges facing South Florida’s vast wilderness and how it affects you and your life in the city! Find out what is being done, and what is not being done to protect and restore our unique wetlands that lie just beyond all those canals an levees.

Awareness starts with each individual!

.

.

http://www.mokshafamily.org/7th-annual-everglades-awareness-benefit-concert-may-10-2014-at-7th-circuit-productions/

.

See YOU there!

.

.

.

(Please ignore any ads you might see below)

Tamiami Trail to Alligator Alley The HARD Way – Through Hiking the Big Cypress National Preserve.

.

From AwakentheGrass.com :

Through Hiking The Big Cypress National Preserve: Tamiami Trail to Alligator Alley ADVENTURE!

.

(click pic)

Hiking Florida’s Winter Wonderland in Big Cypress!

.

.

.

(Please ignore any ads you might see below)

Among The BIG Cypress: Soft mud & green magic at Roberts Lakes Strand!

.

From AwakentheGrass.com :

An Emerald Hiker’s Eden at Roberts Lakes Strand in Big Cypress

.

(click pic)

Emerald Eden at Roberts Lakes Strand.

.

.

.

(Please ignore any ads you might see below)