The Daily Dose – Greeting a great full moon rising over Florida Bay!

Observing sunspots and the full moon

from a tiny island.

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(tap or click pic to read)

Good evening universe!
The super full moon camping experience at Little Rabbit Key, now with Sunspots.

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The particular full moon in this story was a once or twice in a lifetime experience. The supermoon appeared 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual as it was closest to the Earth since 1948. Moreover, the next really impressive supermoon like this one won’t occur until 2034!

However it doesn’t have to be a supermoon to experience

the magic of a full moon night!

To fully appreciate full moon camping it is worthwhile to paddle out to one of the more remote backcountry campsites in the Everglades. This story starts by paddling out to Little Rabbit Key which is centrally located in Florida Bay.

I find great comfort resting under the moonlight

while watching it ride across the night sky.

“A Trip to the Moon!“

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The SMC Pentax 1000mm reflex lens really makes photographing the moon and the sun worthwhile, especially with an APS-C sensor cam. Getting focus spot on can be tricky, but the reflex design really shines in this application. Note that a special solar filter must be installed over the lens to prevent permanent damage to eyes and sensors! It’s called a Baader safety film and made of a coated mylar. When paired with the versatile Pentax Q camera, I can image at a 5600mm equivalent reach of the moon or the sun.

See the story for examples!

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Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/the-supermoon-of-2016-and-the-full-moon-camping-experience-at-little-rabbit-key/

Revised and updated for your reading pleasure!

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

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With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Daily Dose – Paddling in the zone on Florida Bay!

The Florida Bay Mental Health Plan.

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(tap or click pic to read)

Focus on the moment is important!
Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay – Kayaking, Camping and Nice Dreams!

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Getting into the zone is important for enjoyable and efficient distance paddling by focusing on the moment.

The repetitive, rhythmic paddling motion really helps with that and by letting go of the past and the future allows one to be mindful of the present.

The present is kayaking in as beautiful a place as the wide open expanses of the marine wilderness of Florida Bay!

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Taking care of mind, body & soul!

Every paddle is like a new beginning and always somewhat different,

it’s the eternal freshness of a constant new beginning.

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Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/chickees-and-keys-in-florida-bay-kayaking-camping-and-nice-dreams/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

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With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Daily Dose – The sky is calling!

An invitation from the darkness

outside the world of people.

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(tap or click pic to read)

“The sky is calling collect”, will you accept the charges?
ART of Darkness – Camping with the Stars! Part III

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Our ancestors have lived in the darkness for many thousands of years. It is only in the last 100 years that people have lost sight of the Milky Way and the stars..

“We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and by the depth of our answers.”

― Carl Sagan, Cosmos

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Remote camping under the Milky Way is a beautiful experience

not soon forgotten.

Accept the call and enjoy the dark Everglades nights!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/art-of-darkness-camping-with-the-stars-part-iii/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

🙂

The Daily Dose – Hoppy Holidays to you!

The Everglades can be unpredictable.

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(tap or click pic to read)

Sometimes paddling the Everglades is as unpredictable as the mythical Florida Man.
Let’s take a Ranger-led Pour of the Everglades!

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It’s good to end up on a hoppy note*,

so please be safe this Holiday season!

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Raise a toast:

CHEERS!

Salud!

Na zdraví!

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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.

Please do not Paddle Under the Influence (PUI)

nor

Kayak While Intoxicated (KWI) !

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/lets-take-a-ranger-led-pour-of-the-everglades/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

🙂

The Daily Dose – Sixty miles across Florida Bay, paddling Flamingo to Long Key (r/t).

‘Slow it down’ brothers and sisters!

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(tap or click pic to read)

Watching my kayak slowly drift away from me on the flats of central Florida Bay.
Across Florida Bay: Flamingo to Long Key Roundtrip Adventure!

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Know where?

Nowhere and now here!

Across Florida Bay is about 25 – 30 miles each way, so it’s possible to do this roundtrip in two days. However, chances are you might get stranded on one of the flats banks because the tide models inverse about half way through to the Keys. Also, you might just miss out on all those little things along the way, so my advice is to ‘slow it down’ brothers and sisters!

You are truly in ‘the middle of nowhere’ out on Florida Bay!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/across-florida-bay-flamingo-to-long-key-roundtrip-adventure/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

🙂

The Daily Dose – Fresh from the Johnson Key chickee on Florida Bay!

Is it ART or is it bird shit?

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(tap or click pic to read)

We may have even cracked the code!
Is it ART or is it bird shit?

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Just in time for

Art Basel and Miami Art Week.

Seabirds do a lot of “business” out on the Johnson Key chickee. The bird guano bears a striking resemblance to (fictional) Cirth script based on actual Runic alphabets of old Europe.

Are they sending us coded messages?

If you go for a visit, BYOT – Bring Your Own Tarps!

😮

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/is-it-art-or-is-it-bird-shit/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

🙂

The Daily Dose – She ain’t exactly pretty, She ain’t exactly small.

Wanna tell you a story

About a kayak I know

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(tap or click pic to read)

Rosie is not like Barbie, but they both like kayaking. 😮
A tribute to Rosie and all the plus sized kayaks out there – she’s a whole lotta Kayak!

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“Rosie”

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

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

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Whole lotta Rosie,

She’s a whole lotta kayak!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/a-tribute-to-rosie-and-all-the-plus-sized-kayaks-out-there-shes-a-whole-lotta-kayak/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

🙂

The Daily Dose – A real close up look at what’s been itchin’ ya!

I bet most people have no idea what

no-see-ums actually look like,

so here you go!

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(tap or click pic to read)

“You keep on knocking, but you can’t come in!”
Of Bugs and Men, Chapter 1 – Noseeums.

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I termed this story “Of Bugs and Men”, though they will bite anyone with equal opportunity. They do not discriminate, and to them we are all gender neutral.

The only exception might be first time virgin campers of the Everglades which noseeums consider a delicacy! 😉

As with mosquitoes, only the females feed on the blood of vertebrates, which they need for their eggs to mature. They can also easily fly for a couple of miles and will be lured in by the CO₂ that we all exhale. So unless there’s a strong breeze or you are on an offshore sandbar island, chances are you will encounter them.

They will find you or your tent!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/humor/of-bugs-and-men-chapter-1-noseeums/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

🙂

The Daily Dose – Across Florida Bay, Miami to Flamingo via Short Key.

Miami (Black Point) to Flamingo is approximately

a 70 mile one way trip via Short Key

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(tap or click pic to read)

Kayak group camping on Short Key in Barnes Sound.
Miami to Flamingo across Florida Bay via Short Key.

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Adventures across Biscayne Bay, Barnes Sound, Blackwater Sound and Florida Bay.

A multi-day paddle trip so that we could really enjoy ourselves out there in the wide open expanses!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/miami-to-flamingo-across-florida-bay/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

🙂

The Daily Dose – This one is all about the feet and their impact on paddling dynamics.

Being mindful of your feet as the

foundation for your paddling posture

will yield many benefits over time!

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(tap or click to read)

Don’t let your feet get angry ..
Your feet are the key to proper paddling posture!

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Many paddlers don’t seem to think much about their feet unless they happen to step wrong on something. The focus always seems to be more on their arms, their hips and their paddles. But the foot is an important and integral part of kayaking and all paddling in general. Along with the hips and thighs, the feet position a paddler in or on top of their craft and provide an anchor point for optimum paddling motion.

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/your-feet-are-the-key-to-proper-paddling-posture/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

🙂

The Daily Dose – When you want to get away ..

Permanently?

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Everglades humor kayakfari kayak funny office paddle
Out of the office ..

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Get out of the office!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/humor/out-of-the-office/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

🙂

The Daily Dose – My handmade deflector dish ‘Hecho en México’!

Captain’s Blog supplement:

Stardate 99354.36

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Deflector beam dish in operation on the Banana Boat at East Cape, Everglades National Park.
Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay – Kayaking, Camping and Nice Dreams!

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After re-routing the main plasma conduit through the secondary auxiliary power circuits and bypassing the flux capacitors, my deflector dish is now fully operational! 😉

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/chickees-and-keys-in-florida-bay-kayaking-camping-and-nice-dreams/

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/a-kayakers-tribute-to-the-humble-and-versatile-sombrero/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

🙂

The Daily Dose – Starshine and light pollution from the South Florida Megalopolis.

Scenes from

Outside the world of people.

Low clouds over Florida Bay delineate the stars and light pollution emanating from the Miami metropolitan area.

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Eerie beauty reflecting the darkness of Everglades National Park.
ART of Darkness – Camping with the Stars! Part II

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This is the light pollution arising from the lighting needs of millions people living in urban South Florida. The core density of these lights is about 75 to 100 miles away in this photograph. It’s a kind of “permanent dawn” on the horizon that also serves as a navigational aid out in Everglades National Park. Most of the time this is a kind of unavoidable annoyance that destroys the full darkness and wipes out stars.

Sometimes though the glow can be beautiful,

and then becomes it’s own subject! 😮

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More from the darkness here:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/art-of-darkness-camping-with-the-stars-part-ii/

and here

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/art-of-darkness-camping-with-the-stars-part-iii/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

🙂

The Daily Dose – Security cam footage from the Johnson Key chickee outback condominium?

Camping with a tiny bit of social commentary on

security, privacy and

the freedom to get away from it all.

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“Documenting the documenting!”
Security cam footage on an Everglades backcountry chickee? 😉
Camping on the Johnson Key platform in Florida Bay.

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Ok, so this isn’t really security cam footage – it’s a self portrait from the Johnson Key chickee in Florida Bay. However the scenario is not really that far fetched, and the technology is certainly ready. As a society, we have been edging closer and closer to a total surveillance society for decades. Parts of the world are already there, but the same trend is evident throughout the world, including the USA. Some of this is due to the possibilities presented by new technologies, part of it is in response to the new tech and part is just plain naivete and greed. A lot has to do with salesmanship in the name of more and better “security” and perceived “safety”. So somewhere soon, perhaps even now a clever company might “propose” to improve visitor safety with remote wireless monitoring systems.

But is this the right thing to do? Does more surveillance really make us much safer?

What privacy expectations can one have in the middle of nowhere?

Is there a broader shift underway in managing the backcountry Park user experience?

These, among others are tough questions that are not even really being asked nor debated.

Welcome to the machine as it rolls on  ..

and over individual liberties, freedom and privacy.

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In the meantime, keep on camping.

It’s the best way to disconnect from

the machine! 😉

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/camping-on-the-johnson-key-platform-in-florida-bay/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

🙂

The Daily Dose – South Florida’s stormy transition into fall.

Day or night, early fall weather can be a real wildcard for paddlers in South Florida!

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An unsettled afternoon in early fall at East Cape, Everglades National Park.
Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay – Kayaking, Camping and Nice Dreams!

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As the world turns, the season changes from the summertime afternoon squall pattern to regular cold fronts coming down from the northeast. Nestled in between there is early fall in South Florida which is still hot as summer but not nearly as predictable.

The nights especially can put on quite a show!

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“Detonation at Dawn”
Giant storm system over eastern Florida Bay just before 5am!
Available from Kayakfari ART Photography

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/chickees-and-keys-in-florida-bay-kayaking-camping-and-nice-dreams/

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/

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! 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!

🙂

Altitude adjustment – quality time on Biscayne Bay!

I always do a safety check before

taking off on a journey.

.

(click pic for story)

That one time I installed an altimeter on my kayak, just to be sure ..  🙂
Let’s take a Ranger-led Pour of the Everglades!

.

Because I like to end up on a hoppy note*!

.

Raise a toast:

CHEERS!

Salud!

Na zdraví!

.

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/lets-take-a-ranger-led-pour-of-the-everglades/

.

.

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.

Please do not Paddle Under the Influence (PUI)

nor

Kayak While Intoxicated (KWI) !

.

.

© 2017 – 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!

.

Fill up 2021 with paddling, camping and some very nice dreams !!

Sweet dreams are made like this!

Who am I to disagree?

.

Please excuse me while I enjoy the sky .. 😮
Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay – Kayaking, Camping and Nice Dreams!

.

More on paddling Florida Bay:

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

.

! Dulces sueños

.

.

! BLESS

.

.

© 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!

🙂

Saying goodbye to 2020 with a sunset over the Johnson Key chickee in Florida Bay.

Paddling off to

Johnson Key chickee and camping

on Florida Bay!

.

(click pic)

Engaging in tranquility on Florida Bay! 🙂
Camping on the Johnson Key platform in Florida Bay.

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“Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!”

.

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Camping on the Johnson Key platform in Florida Bay.

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More on paddling Florida Bay:

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

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.

ART of Darkness – Camping with the Stars!

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! BLESS

.

.

© 2020 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!

🙂

“Of Bugs and Men” – Everglades camping and Noseeums!

A real close up look at

what’s been itchin’ ya!

Skin on the inside, bugs on the outside – the way it shoud be.

.

(click pic to enter)

It’s only fine mesh screening that separates the skin from no-see-ums!!
Of Bugs and Men, Chapter 1 – Noseeums.

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“You keep on knocking, but you can’t come in!”

.

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/humor/of-bugs-and-men-chapter-1-noseeums/

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.

Bless UP – Can’t come in!

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.

.

© 2020 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!

🙂

Crazy from the heat paddling around the Cape Sable ‘Capes’!

Everglades coastal kayaking series:

Paddling an alternate Cable Sable loop

near the end of the hot and wet season!

.

How it begins – but will the Sombrero be enough?!

.

Full story coming soon on this

photography and adventure paddling trip!

.

Read KayakTed’s account here:

https://www.tripline.net/trip/Hell_in_the_Glades_2020_Cape_Sable-0337456215601017822AA36453111954

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.

Bless UP!

.

.

.

© 2020 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!

🙂

Out of the office .. Permanently?

((( Humor )))

You feel you want to get away ..

.

Out of the office .. Permanently?
CLICK for more!

.

.. you know you want to.

Get out of the office!!

.

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/humor/out-of-the-office/

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.

.

© 2017 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!

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.

.

! Bless – BREATHE

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Attitude adjustment – Extra time out on Florida Bay!

From the interior EVERGLADES to FLORIDA BAY and the KEYS, TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS, BIG CYPRESS & Beyond!

.

Sometimes a lil extra is needed,

but it’s always good to end on a hoppy note*!

.

(Click pic to enter!)

Let’s take a Ranger-led Pour of the Everglades!
CLICK for story!

.

Raise a toast:

CHEERS!

Salud!

Na zdraví!

.

.

.

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.

Please do not Paddle Under the Influence (PUI)

nor

Kayak While Intoxicated (KWI) !

.

.

© 2017 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!

.

The Supermoon of 2016 is the perigee-syzygy for you and me!

Full moon photography fever, camping and sunspots.

It’s the Supermoon of 2016!

.

(click pic)

CLICK for story:
The Supermoon of 2016 and the full moon camping experience at Little Rabbit Key.

.

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/the-supermoon-of-2016-and-the-full-moon-camping-experience-at-little-rabbit-key/

.

.

Enjoy!

.

.

.

! Bless

.

.

© 2016 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com / decoratedreality.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!

 

Take a Ranger-led Pour of the Everglades!

 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!

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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!

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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!

.

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!

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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!

.

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.

Please do not Paddle Under the Influence (PUI)

nor

Kayak While Intoxicated (KWI)!

.

.

© 2015 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com / decoratedreality.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!

.

ART or bird shit ?

In honor of the upcoming Art Basel week Miami,

presenting:

“Is it ART or is it bird shit?”

.

(click pic to enter)

“As it was written”
Kayakfari ART Photography – Is it ART or is it bird shit?

.

Coming to you fresh from the Johnson Key chickee in Florida Bay!

.

But is it ART or bird shit ?

.

(That is the question!)

.

.

.

Bless!

.

.

© 2015 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com / decoratedreality.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!

 

High tides at the Johnson Key chickee – following the 2015 supermoon lunar eclipse!

.

Bloody high tides, Celestial alignments, Photography & Apparitions of the super Eclipse of 2015!

.

(click pic)

Harvest moon, Super moon, Blood moon and High Tides of the final tetrad Eclipse of 2015!
CLICK for story!

.

Harvest moon, Super moon, Blood moon and High Tides of the final tetrad Eclipse of 2015!

.

.

Enjoy!

.

.

.

The Water Goblin!

.

.

© 2015 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com / decoratedreality.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!

 

Keep your feet firmly in the kayak and stay limber!

.

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!

Kayaking Whiskey Creek & John U Lloyd State Park.

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I spy camel toe booties at Alligator Light Reef!
CLICK for story!

Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef in the upper Keys.

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Footwear for kayaking to an Everglades tree island hammock.
CLICK for story!

Grass Paddling in the East Everglades Expansion Area.

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Camo bugsuit with sandals could result in camo-toe! 😉
CLICK for story!

Full moon paddling on the historic Miami River.

.

Attitude may be everything, but still, you wouldn’t like me when I’m hungry!
CLICK for story!

Attitude IS Everything, Kayaking IS Anger management!

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The view from within, the feet on the pedals!
Putting up a shelf – creating underdeck storage space inside the kayak cockpit!
CLICK for story!

Putting up a shelf – creating underdeck storage space inside the kayak cockpit!

.

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.

.

Great video on proper foot positioning from Nigel Foster via Paddling.net

.

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!

Camping Hell in the Ten Thousand Islands.

Black Everglades muck on the feet in the Ten Thousand Islands.
CLICK for story!

.

Pulling the feet out in Big Cypress.
CLICK for story!

Hiking among the Big Cypress.

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Ooops, looks like we got cheated. Somebody slipped in a hand! 😉
CLICK for story!

Kayaking the River of Grass – a Shark River Slough Expedition!

.

Therapeutic mud treatment of Florida Bay.
CLICK for story!

The hold up at First National Bank in Florida Bay.

Tip toeing over First National Bank in Florida Bay.
CLICK for story!

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My feet seeking Higher ground in the Lower Keys!
CLICK for story!

Higher ground in the Lower Keys and Faith in Numbers!

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Fins on the feet snorkeling at Little Rabbit Key in Florida Bay.
CLICK for story!

Kayaking and snorkeling at Little Rabbit Key in Florida Bay.

.

Odd pairing – washed up footwear and all that trash in Biscayne Bay.
CLICK for story!

All that trash – the ugly side of kayaking in Miami!

.

The feet will thank you for your attention. Choose footwear wisely!

Keep your eyes on the horizon, and your feet in the kayak!

.

Sand spurs love the feet. Ouch!
CLICK for story!

The best little Piano Bar in Miami!

.

Paddling in Miami with feet on the pegs and a walking stick.
CLICK for story!

Paddling to a Red Bull Flugtag downtown Miami kayak and boating party!

.

Snow boots keeping toes warm paddling in a Winter Wonderland of ice and sun.
CLICK for story!

Paddling in a Winter Wonderland of ice and sun on the Rio Grande in New Mexico.

.

Get up, stand Up on my feet paddling a kayak SuP style through a mangrove canopy.
CLICK for story!

She’s a whole lotta Kayak!

.

Kayak? Kayak shoes or kayak skis? Walking on water and a most painful split!
CLICK for story!

Trips, sea stories and Pics!

.

Bottoms up. Keeping her happy feet in the clouds! 🙂
That’s all I gotta say about that!

.

Keep your head above the water and let your feet lead the way!

.

.

Enjoy!

.

.

.

! BLESS

.

.

© 2015 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com / decoratedreality.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!

.

Day and night on the Johnson Key Chickee in Florida Bay.

.

Day and night spin around 360 panoramas from the Johnson Key chickee in Florida Bay.

.

“A sea of Tranquility in Florida Bay.”
Full spin-around view from the Johnson Key chickee platform in Florida Bay.
CLICK for full screen VR 360 Panorama!

.

Camping on the Johnson Key platform in Florida Bay!

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“Midnight chickee chilling on Florida Bay.”
Spin-around panoramic view in the still of the night from the Johnson Key chickee platform under a full moon.
CLICK for full screen VR 360 Panorama!

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.

Paddling there is like living inside a Dali painting:

.

Camping on the Johnson Key platform in Florida Bay!

.

.

Happy Virtual Paddling & Camping – Enjoy!

.

.

.

Midnite – 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!

🙂

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!

🙂

Kayaking – the Florida Bay Mental Health Plan!

.

 Focus is important:

Paddling in the zone on Florida Bay!

(click pic)

In the zone – proper focus on Florida Bay.
For illustration purposes only – your kayaking mileage may vary.
CLICK for Story!

.

Achieving and maintaining proper focus is important for safe and efficient distance paddling (or any kind of endurance sport). It really doesn’t hurt to be kayaking in as beautiful a place as the wide expanses of the marine wilderness of Florida Bay!

Early summer can be a great time to paddle. The seas are often flat and the afternoon monsoon thunderstorms haven’t regularly started up yet. The chickees are free and bug levels are still tolerable. Quality time spent outdoors is key to balance and good mental health. Cheers!

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There you have it, enjoy the paddling habit!

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! BLESS

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!

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(click each pic for a story!)

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

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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!  😉

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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!