The Time-release Dose – Where the people aren’t, the ultimate luxury!

Take a break on Florida Bay,

it’s

“Where the People Aren’t”.

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(tap or click pic to read)

Pit stop on a tiny island day use area, Everglades National Park.
Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay – Kayaking, Camping and Nice Dreams!

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A tropical marine wilderness just

outside the world of people.

Florida Bay is a large body of water bordered by Everglades National Park to the north, and Florida’s Keys along with the Gulf Stream ocean current to the south. Covering over 800 square miles, it forms a roughly triangular shape about 40 miles wide from east to west. From north to south, it tapes out from six miles in the east to 25 miles on it’s western edge with the Gulf of Mexico. Almost all of the ‘Bay, as it is called locally, is a part of Everglades National Park, and has been protected since the Park’s inception in 1947. Within it’s boundaries, there are about 100 small islands or keys. Very few of these have any actual dry land; most are just clumps of mangroves and mud barely standing above sea level.

However there is an irresistible allure to those keys hovering on the horizon as if mirages, but they are real places!

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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!

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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 – Test paddling my new wing paddle with a 27 mile Florida Bay day trip.

On this trip, I wanted to paddle a good 27 miles with

my new blade for a thorough testing!

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(tap or click pic to read)

Paddling RGB with my new Orka Super Flex wing paddle in the late afternoon sun.
K1 trainer and wing paddle test with a 27 mile day paddle on Florida Bay.

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My new wing paddle proved to be a great paddling tool,

but the trip was a real pain in the arse.

So I decided to do another extended day trip on Florida Bay. As with most of my own trips there is always an “experimental” factor involved, whether it be new paddling or camping gear, photographic lens, etc. On this trip the experiment as it were would be a brand new wing paddle I acquired – an Orka paddles “Super Flex” model. This is a tear drop wing paddle loosely grouped in the so called “Gamma” shape, after a famous paddle design from Jantex. It’s a nicely finished paddle, feels stout and slightly heavier than Jantex or Brača – but also half the price!

What attracted me to this blade is the versatility of the design. It generates it’s power peak in mid-stroke and has a very smooth entry and exit. The catch is strong, but not overwhelmingly technical. It almost doesn’t care how you handle it and seemingly auto-corrects any sloppiness. Of course good technique never hurts! Also the blade is speed sensitive, so that the faster your cadence, the more power (lift) it generates. There is almost no cavitation! Mine came as a adjustable 210-220cm, which I found too long for my anatomy and style of paddling. So I cut off the ferrule and shortened it down to a 204cm. With a heat gun I was then able to cleanly separate the metal locking ferrule and re-epoxy it back on to the shortened paddle shaft

This was a full day of paddling, taking about 6 hours of paddling to cover the 27 miles with two one hour breaks in the mix. The Super Flex is versatile enough to quickly catch swells and for sprinting, yet smooth enough for all day paddling without hurting me.

Fitness, Adventure and Art on Florida Bay!

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Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/fitness/k1-trainer-and-wing-paddle-test-with-a-27-mile-day-paddle-on-florida-bay/

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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 – 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!

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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.

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(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!”

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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!

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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!

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

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Full story coming soon on this

photography and adventure paddling trip!

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Read KayakTed’s account here:

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

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Bless UP!

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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!

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With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

Exploratory coastal fitness paddling with a K1 trainer on Florida Bay!

On Easter 4/20,

I introduced my K1 trainer kayak “RGB” to the Everglades and Florida Bay!

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(Click pic to enter)

I am the man who hides behind a mask. (from the sun, not my kayak) 😉
Easter 4/20 exploratory coastal fitness paddling a K1 trainer on Florida Bay.

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24 miles of coastal fitness paddling on Florida Bay.

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/fitness/easter-4-20-exploratory-coastal-fitness-paddling-a-k1-trainer-on-florida-bay/

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! BLESS

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© 2019 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!

…

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!

🙂

 

Paddling Florida Bay – “Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay” published in Sea Kayaker magazine’s final issue!

FEATURED:

Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay

link above to online version by Flex Maslan (aka “kayakfari“)

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After an incredible 30 year run and service to sea paddlers around the world, Sea Kayaker magazine publishes their final issue for Feb/March 2014.
Always a great read, it has been an honor to work with the magazine and have my story featured – “Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay” published!

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An honor and a personal dream realized – and also an end of an era

for sea paddlers comes with the

final issue of Sea Kayaker magazine Feb/March 2014.

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After an incredible 30 year run and service to sea paddlers around the world, Sea Kayaker magazine publishes their last issue for Feb/March 2014 with a reproduction of the fun cover art of their very first issue – two ends of time, neatly tied!
As the sport’s  premier publication, Sea Kayaker has been at the forefront literally since the beginning of the sport, influencing  thousands of paddlers over nearly 30 years! It has always fired up my imagination with excellent travel articles to locations near and far. Each issue also always brought a healthy dose of reality in the “Safety” section. Sea Kayaker has had huge impact on the sport of sea kayaking with emphasis on education, training and safety with the publication of many books, such as the excellent “Deep Trouble” series! The list goes on .. and includes boat design & outfitting, providing a feedback loop to manufacturers from real world SK testing!

It has been an honor to work with editor Christopher Cunningham and staff to have my story featured – “Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay” published.

Thank you Sea Kayaker!

For all you’ve done for the sport!

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Get your copy today, this one is sure to become a classic!

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Final issue of Sea Kayaker

To purchase this issue or other back issues:  http://seakayaker.us/

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RIP – Sea Kayaker Magazine – you will be missed!

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! Bless UP

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© 2014 – 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!

🙂

Florida Bay Forever: A Story of Water from the Everglades to the Keys.

If you love Florida Bay and the Keys,

you will want to get a copy of this beautiful book!

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“Florida Bay Forever” – Everglades Foundation book edited by Dan Burkhardt.
Cover photo by Rob O’Neal

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This book was edited by Dan Burkhardt of the Everglades Foundation to celebrate their 20th Anniversary, with a foreword by Jimmy Buffett. Following the path of the water, it is well written and a excellent resource for years to come with amazing images by the area’s most renowned photographers. Did I mention that some of my photography is in it too? Alas my name was misspelled in the book, so I am credited as Flex Maslin whereas my last name is actually Maslan. C’est la vie..

http://www.evergladesfoundation.org

You can order directly from the publisher at:

https://www.acclaimpress.com/books/florida-bay-forever/

or on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Florida-Forever-Story-Water-Everglades/dp/1938905385

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This beautiful aerial image of paddling down the Shark River Slough is featured in the book as a two page spread!
Kayaking the River of Grass – a Shark River Slough Expedition.

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To read more about paddling on Florida Bay, check out:

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

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

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! Bless UP

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© 2013 – 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!

🙂