The Time-release Dose – On the slough, somewhere between hiking and paddling!

From Pahayokee Overlook to “Main Street”

on the

Shark River Slough .. aka the

“River of Grass”.

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(tap or click to read)

Here’s looking at Euclid! 😉
Pahayokee Overlook to Main Street – Probing into the middle of Shark River Slough.

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“Too deep for walking and too shallow for boating”.

 There is a well known airboat trail known as “Main Street” which runs the length of the largest slough inside of Everglades National Park. This path is not open to the general public for airboating, however it does enable paddlers to transit the length of the famed “River of Grass”. The Shark River Slough runs from the Tamiami Trail down to Bottle Creek at the south end, where navigable water leads eventually connect to the Canepatch backcountry campsite. The purpose of this trip was to to try and connect to Main Street from the Pahayokee Overlook, as a shorter alternate route to get to Canepatch!

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Full story at:

Pahayokee to Main Street – Probing into the middle of Shark River Slough.

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! BLESS

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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 Time-release Dose – Paddling in the Rain!

I’m happy again…

Just Paddlin’ in the Rain!

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(tap or click pic to read)

Wet surfski workout session paddling through Port Everglades in Ft Lauderdale.
Paddling in the Rain, Just Paddlin’ and Campin’ in the Rain .. sing along!

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(** Cue music **)

Sing along to the music, ya’ll can paddle if you want to ..

Sing along .. Paddling in the Rain, Just Paddlin’ and Campin’ in the Rain!

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Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/paddling-in-the-rain-just-paddlin-and-campin-in-the-rain-sing-along/

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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!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Time-release Dose – Immersive panoramic views of our Kissimmee–Okeechobee–Everglades (KOE) ecosystem.

The Everglades with people in it!

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(tap or click pic to read)

High up in the canopy on a tree island in the Everglades interior, above the matrix.
Everglades and KOE Aerial VR Panoramas.

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Revised and updated for your viewing pleasure!

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Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/360-vr-panoramas/everglades-koe-aerial-vr-panoramas/

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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!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Time-release Dose – “Watch out for them airboaters, they’re all drunks!”

That’s what the good natured airboat operator

quipped as he pulled into the hammock camp.

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(tap or click pic to read)

Miami adventurer Leah stands up in her sea kayak and surveys the sea of grass.
Grass Paddling in the East Everglades Expansion Area – History, Gladesmen & more Grass!

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The airboater was quite surprised to see a bunch of canoeists and kayakers already there at the dock, including (then) Everglades National Park Superintendent Dan Kimball!

Out on this sea of grass, it’s important to be able to stand up and see over all the tall grass! This is easy in a canoe, but much harder in a narrow sea kayak. Fortunately, the shallow depth and extensive vegetation cradle the hull and make this easier. Using the paddle as a support pole also helps.

The biggest challenge to paddling a long sea kayak in the grass is that you have to pick your line exactly and stick with it! The long kayak acts a lot like a knife blade – easy to push through the vegetation, but nearly impossible to turn sideways from a dead stop. It really helps to keep constantly moving, and you need to edge the boat because the rudder or rudder strokes are useless and unworkable in the grass. The few times I got off track I had to back up like a semi truck (beep beep .. beep beep) and start my line up again!

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Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/grass-paddling-in-the-east-everglades-expansion-area/

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!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Daily Dose – “FEDERAL LAW FORBIDS SALE OR REUSE OF THIS BOTTLE”

Take this bottle!

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(tap or click pic to read)

I spotted what at first looked like a junk plastic bottle from a distance.
Post Hurricane Irma high water paddling in the Everglades!

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I found this pint size flask bottle in the Everglades near Sweet Bay Pond, very close to where the old Ingraham Highway made a sharp 90 degree turn due south towards Flamingo.

The embossed text on it reads:

“FEDERAL LAW FORBIDS SALE OR REUSE OF THIS BOTTLE”

It pertains to a Federal law that went into effect in 1935 and was on the books until 1964.

The law was intended to prevent illegal distillers from refilling legitimate bottles with their moonshine!

This is a vintage bottle from the post-Prohibition era!

So it’s not quite a cultural artifact, and whether or not it was part of a clandestine moonshine operation or just somebody’s personal refuse we shall never know. But there were many moonshine operations in the Everglades for years even after the end of Prohibition!

High water paddling and poling

the interior Everglades prairies on the

“Pa-Hay-Okee”.

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Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/everglades-national-park/interior/post-hurricane-irma-high-water-paddling-in-the-everglades/

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Real liquor still site hidden deep in the Everglades’ 10000 Islands:

ART at Liquor Still Bay – hidden history in the Everglades

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Crossing paths of Gladesmen, Gator hunters, Outlaws & Moonshiners: An invitation to paddling forgotten trails of the Everglades!

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Grass Paddling in the East Everglades Expansion Area – History, Gladesmen & more Grass!

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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!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Daily Dose – Something is missing in this picture!

What’s missing can be seen literally

from a mile away.

Hint: It’s should be in the middle of the chickee!

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(tap or click pic to read)

Birds hang out on the Johnson Key Chickee roof all the time. In fact most of the structure can be covered in guano at times. Always bring several tarps!
Hurricane Irma impacts on the Johnson Key Chickee in Florida Bay.

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OK, it’s simple – the Porta Potty is gone with the wind. The strong wind from Hurricane Irma, that is – never to be seen again! This picture was taken just after the hurricane and before the Johnson Key Chickee was reopened for camping. Note the birds, indicating that it is somewhat covered in bird guano. But sometimes all is not as it may seem!

See:

Is it ART or is it bird shit?

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This 12 mile round trip also served as “sea trials” to see how my customized Trident 11, aka “Pa-Hay-Okee” would handle actual open water conditions. As it were, that particular day was a lil windy, with a brisk cold front bringing cool north winds of about 15 – 18 knots. I got to paddle my little boat six miles downwind and six miles back upwind! I have to say, that while no sea kayak, this boat handles and tracks reasonably well for a short 11.5 foot SOT kayak. She responds well to limited edging (by her width) and picks up swells to ride easily. I used a wing paddle exclusively and it was a good combination. I just had to watch out a little for the “catch”. I also gained good insight into what casual paddlers in sit on top kayaks (or other short boats) would face when paddling in open water conditions like this!

Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/hurricane-irma-impacts-on-the-johnson-key-chickee-in-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!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Daily Dose – More aerial panoramas from Shark River slough of the Everglades.

Paddling adventures on the

“River of Grass”.

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(tap or click pic to read)

Sea Kayaking on the “River of Grass” at Shark Valley in the Everglades.
CLICK for interactive panoramas!

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“Harmlessly paddling the time in the grasslands away,

eyeing a certain viewpoint from the air*.

You’d better watch out, there may be Gators about!”

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https://roundme.com/@kayakfari

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(* – note that no drones were used. Things are not what they seem!)

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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 – Paddling down the River of Grass in the heart of the Everglades.

Adventures on the endless

“River of Grass”!

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(tap or click pic to read)

Paddling down “Main Street” in the middle of Shark River Slough in the Everglades.
Kayaking the River of Grass – a Shark River Slough Expedition.

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Out here, you hear EVERYTHING! There is silence here, but more often than not, we would hear distant rumbles and the sounds of machines.  Airboats  from the “Everglades Ecotours” tourist rides just east and north of the park, the buzz of many small and private planes flying and training overhead .. airliners on final approach to MIA. The Shark River Slough feels remote, but is not nearly as quiet as the Taylor Slough.

Paddling in this upper section of the Park is true grass paddling, a seemingly endless realm of water and grass punctuated only by tree hammocks of various sizes. Many of the larger ones were used in the past by native Indian tribes, and later by Gladesmen as hunting camps, etc.  On our route we came within just a few miles SE of the Shark Valley tower, and we could see it’s distinct shape in the distance.

On the critical section where we would come to intersect what is called “Main Street”, which is a well defined airboat trail that runs down the middle of the slough.

This trail would takes us all the way into Bottle Creek on the southern edge of the slough!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/kayaking-the-river-of-grass-a-shark-river-slough-expedition/

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/2017/03/16/paddling-and-exploring-south-floridas-wilderness-the-sloughs-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 – A new way of fishing the Everglades, Ten Thousand Islands, Florida Bay and the Keys.

Fishy fisheye tales from the Everglades!

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(tap or click pic to read)

“Moonlight Serenade”
On the fine ART of living in a lens Bubble!

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Fisheye tales are 360 x 180 lens bubbles sustainably gathered in South Florida’s varied ecosystems. 😉

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/on-the-fine-art-of-living-in-a-lens-bubble/

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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 – ‘Pa-Hay-Okee’ is a modern plastic take on a ‘Glades Skiff’ type backcountry boat.

This one may seem like a basic plastic SOT kayak, but is actually a very versatile backcountry boat.

It’s the boat to have in

the grass and on the slough! 🙂

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Pa-Hay-Okee is a customized Ocean Kayak Prowler 11T (Trident).
In the Everglades backcountry being able to stand in your boat is essential to know where you’re going.
Seen here on “Main Street” in the middle of the Shark River Slough, i.e. the “River of Grass”.

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The Trident 11 does great in the grass!
Pictured with a short and stout “storm paddle” Greenland style stick. I could go into battle with this one!

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Stretching out on my Pa-Hay-Okee in a sea of Periphyton
While it may look gross, it does not smell, isn’t slimy and is actually an indicator of a healthy ecosystem!
Periphyton rinses off easily when wet, but sticks like crazy once it dries!!

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The Trident 11 is the boat to have when the water runs out .. 😉
I find it pairs well with wooden paddles and the center hatch is excellent for ease of access.

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/everglades-national-park/interior/post-hurricane-irma-high-water-paddling-in-the-everglades/

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Pa-Hay-Okee on wheels during a short portage.
This type of kayak lends itself well to short range backcountry off trail exploration and photography.
Post Hurricane Irma high water paddling in the Everglades!

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Now that fall season in South Florida is just around the corner, it’s time to dust off Pa-Hay-Okee – my Trident 11 kayak.

This is not a review or a product endorsement, just passing on some knowledge of using and customizing this craft. The boat is certainly no speedster, nor a high performance play boat, but a versatile little boat well suited for interior Everglades exploration. I consider this my plastic equivalent of a classic “Glades Skiff” boat (more or less). For someone about my size (6’2″ and 160 lbs) it’s pretty much an ideal boat. Stable enough to stand on and paddle standing up (SUP style), with plenty of room for lots of gear inside, very comfortable and short enough and nimble to turn on a dime. The center access hatch is a dream for photography and lightweight at 55 lbs to solo carry, car top and push/pull come what may. Mine happens to be in the camo colors theme and is also rigged up for some fishing should I ever decide to do that as well!

Prowler 11T dimensions:

11′ 5″ long x 30.5″ wide
Weight: 54 lbs
Capacity: 350-400 lbs

Note that this one is a slightly older generation model which is actually better than the newest models which are unfortunately 15-20 lbs heavier due the all the new fancy seating and other gizmos. If you find a clean example get it, then you can customize it to your liking without having to lug around a 70+ lb boat!

As previously stated, the Prowler 11T / Trident 11 is a great fishing and hunting boat – and this includes photography, which is like a form of hunting. Or at least the stalking part. 😉

I normally consider my photography to be a victimless crime and I usually get away with it!

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The Trident 11 can handle open water too and remains reasonably dry on the inside. It’s speed is nothing to write home about, but on par for a short 11 foot SOT.
Hurricane Irma impacts on the Johnson Key Chickee in Florida Bay.

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/hurricane-irma-impacts-on-the-johnson-key-chickee-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!

🙂

Three aerials from Shark Valley and slough – high water paddling the flooded Everglades.

When the Glades were flooded ..

Shark Valley and slough aerial panoramas from the Everglades!

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Click on each image for a large interactive version, enjoy!

Kayaking the flooded prairies of Shark Valley aerial view, Everglades.
You can make out the Hwy 41 entrance and Miccosukee Tribe Firehouse and HQ on the horizon!

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Sea kayaking at Shark Valley, totally flooded tram road aerial view, Everglades.
This one you can just make out the tower on the horizon if you zoom in!

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Lunch on “Main Street” in the middle of Shark River Slough (aka River of Grass), Everglades aerial.
Google this: 25°30’22″N 80°48’58″W

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More high water

exploratory paddling from the ‘Glades

coming soon!

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For those wondering about my aerial photography inside Everglades National Park, please note that there is no drone involved, it’s all done with poles!

A Kayak Aerial Photography Method – a behind (and above) the scenes look!

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! BLESS

.

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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!

🙂

Same spot – flooded Shark Valley high water paddling vs dry season hiking in the Everglades.

Wet Slough, Dry Slough at

Shark Valley in the Everglades!

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The fall of 2020 has presented record high water levels in the Everglades, enabling some unique paddling and photographic opportunities. At Shark Valley for instance, everything was underwater and I took advantage of this to kayak across the slough and prairies adjacent to the tram road down to the ‘Jetsons’ tower at the end. The two aerial views presented here are roughly from the same location about half a mile east of the tower in one of the deeper pockets of the ‘valley’.

The first panorama is from early December of 2020, the second from a previous slough hike during an extreme dry spell.

Click on each image for a large interactive version, enjoy!

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Paddling the extreme high waters flooding the Shark Valley tower, December 2020.

vs

Extreme dry conditions hiking at the Shark Valley tower, Everglades National Park.

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That’s over a two foot vertical difference in water levels as

measured by the G-620 gauge at the Shark Valley tower!

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See the “dry season extreme”:

Everglades hiking with an Altitude – exploring the Slough and Sawgrass prairies of Shark Valley.

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Check back for more high water

exploratory paddling from the ‘Glades!

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For those wondering about my aerial photography inside Everglades National Park, please note that there is no drone involved, it’s all done with poles!

A Kayak Aerial Photography Method – a behind (and above) the scenes look!

.

.

! BLESS

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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!

🙂

Connecting Pahayokee Overlook to the Shark River Slough – more high water paddling in the Everglades on the “Pa-Hay-Okee”.

Grass paddling to “Main Street”

on the

Shark River Slough

aka “River of Grass”!

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 With the historic high water levels in the Everglades, more and more trips are now accessible to paddle craft. During the 2020 Holiday season, seven paddlers took advantage to kayak from the Pahayokee Overlook vicinity to the center of the Shark River Slough.

There, a well known airboat trail known as “Main Street”, runs the length of the slough inside Everglades National Park. This path enables paddlers to transit the “River of Grass” from Tamiami Trail down to Bottle Creek, which eventually leads to the Canepatch backcountry campsite. On the north end, connecting routes include Shark Valley and the L-67 canal for possible access.

This trip was seven years in the making. A previous attempt to connect only reached about half way due to much lower water levels at the time! More discussion on this here at the EEN site.

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Paddling from dawn to dusk in the style of “Invitational” paddles of the past decade, we dubbed this one as the “2020 Everglades Exploration Network Invitational“! 🙂

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Happy Christmas everyone!!

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Google this: 25°30’22″N 80°48’58″W

Click pic for interactive 360 panorama:

The magnificent seven down on Main Street in the middle of Shark River Slough in the Everglades.
“Main Street” is a navigable airboat trail which runs length of the Shark Slough inside ENP.
In this aerial photo you can see it disappearing into the distance due NE!

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https://roundme.com/tour/664930/view/2106991/

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Following the further voyages of the

“Pa-Hay-Okee”

which is my customized

Ocean Kayak Trident 11 kayak, a versatile SOT craft for the back country paddler! I can paddle it as a kayak, standing SUP style or pole it. She turns on a dime and the center hatch allows easy access to photo gear.

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Previous attempt paddling from Pahayokee Overlook to Main Street:

Pahayokee to Main Street – probing into the Shark River Slough.

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Stay tuned for more high water

exploratory paddling in the ‘Glades!

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For those wondering about my aerial photography inside Everglades National Park, please note that there is no drone involved, it’s all done with poles!

A Kayak Aerial Photography Method – a behind (and above) the scenes look!

.

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! BLESS

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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!

🙂

Flooded Shark Valley high water paddling in the Everglades on the “Pa-Hay-Okee”.

Slough paddling adjacent to

Shark Valley in the Everglades!

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Usually the Shark Valley tram road on the north end of Everglades National Park is busy with hikers, bicyclists and tourists at this time of year. However the fall of 2020 has presented record high water levels in the Glades, enabling some unique paddling and photography opportunities throughout! At Shark Valley for instance, everything is underwater and because of this the entrance is currently closed to visitors. However the Park itself remains open to valid pass holders and is accessible by paddle craft. I took advantage of the unusually high water levels to kayak the slough and prairies adjacent to the tram road. I did not paddle on the tram road itself, and did not make use of any visitor services. I did make brief stops along the way and later had a random chance surprise meeting with a fellow Everglades explorer!

😮

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Aerial view paddling at Shark Valley next to the flooded tram road in December 2020.

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“Meeting of the minds on the slough”

Except for periodic overhead airplanes, it’s very quiet, especially since there’s nobody else out there – or so I thought! As I was sitting in the boat getting some underwater shots near the road, I heard a kind of “clank” sound nearby. This is a very distinct sound, that of a paddle hitting the side of a boat. I turn around, and lo and behold it’s a guy in a canoe poling towards me! Looking again I recognize the hat, and immediately thought it must be James Adams whom I’ve met once before briefly at Flamingo. I’ve known of James for years online as he’s done some epic exploits and trips in the Glades. Sure enough this one was no exception and he was on day six, paddling up the Shark River Slough from Flamingo some 60 miles away!

We chatted briefly on the side of the tram road and took some pics. Turns out he was continuing his paddle all the way up to Broward across Water Conservation Area 3, to Everglades Holiday Park. What a trip!!

Check out his site at: Florida Canoe Adventures.

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Aerial view of the Shark Valley tram road completely underwater as I have never seen it before!
This December 2020 afternoon also marked a random chance encounter with another intrepid Everglades explorer, James Adams of  floridacanoeadventures.com.
James had spent the past six days paddling and poling up the slough from Flamingo!

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Stay tuned for more high water

exploratory paddling in the ‘Glades!

.

Further voyages of the

“Pa-Hay-Okee”

which is my

customized Ocean Kayak Trident 11 kayak, a versatile SOT craft for the back country paddler! I can paddle it as a kayak, standing SUP style or pole it. She turns on a dime and the center hatch allows easy access to photo gear.

.

Previously on paddling at Shark Valley:

Kayaking at Shark Valley – A visit to Seagrape Hammock, aka Willoughby Key!

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See the “opposite extreme”

Exploratory hiking at Shark Valley in the dry season:

Everglades hiking with an Altitude – exploring the Slough and Sawgrass prairies of Shark Valley.

.

.

For those wondering about my aerial photography inside Everglades National Park, please note that there is no drone involved, it’s all done with poles!

A Kayak Aerial Photography Method – a behind (and above) the scenes look!

.

.

! 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!

🙂

High water paddling through a Slash Pine forest in the Everglades.

Usually these forests are dry or just muddy

and will not float any boat.

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It’s not often to have the chance to kayak through a slash pineland forest!
Record rainfall and late season storm activity has flooded the Everglades interior prairies, cypress and pine forests enabling some unique paddling opportunities!

.

With the record high water levels it’s now

possible to paddle among pines and paurotis! 🙂

.

Exploratory voyages on the

“Pa-Hay-Okee”

which is my

customized Ocean Kayak Trident 11 kayak, a versatile SOT craft for the back country paddler! I can paddle it as a kayak, standing SUP style or even pole it. She turns on a dime and the center hatch allows easy access to photo gear.

.

Previously on the high water paddling:

Post Hurricane Irma high water paddling in the Everglades!

.

Stay tuned for more high water

exploratory paddling in the ‘Glades!

.

.

! 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!

🙂

High water forest paddling in the Everglades on the “Pa-Hay-Okee”.

Paddling through a dwarf cypress

forest in the flooded Everglades interior on the

“Pa-Hay-Okee”!

.

It’s not often that one gets the chance to kayak through a forest!
Record rainfall and late season storm activity has flooded the Everglades prairies, cypress and pine forests enabling unique paddling opportunities!

.

“Pa-Hay-Okee”

is my customized Ocean Kayak Trident 11 kayak, a versatile SOT craft for the back country paddler! I can paddle it as a kayak, standing SUP style or pole it. She turns on a dime and the center hatch allows easy access to photo gear.

Usually these forests are a bit too shallow for boating and too deep and sticky for hiking, but with the super high water levels – I can float and paddle! 🙂

.

Previously on the high water paddling:

Post Hurricane Irma high water paddling in the Everglades!

.

Stay tuned for more high water

exploratory paddling in the ‘Glades!

.

.

! 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!

🙂

Federal Law Forbids Sale or Re-use of This Bottle!

I found a liquor flask in the Everglades

so I drank it!

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“Federal Law Forbids Sale or Re-use of this Bottle”
Post Hurricane Irma high water paddling in the Everglades!

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April Fools’!

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OK, so it was empty, but a cool find none the less!

This is actually the second one that I have found, this time along the shores of Florida Bay.

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“FEDERAL LAW FORBIDS SALE OR REUSE OF THIS BOTTLE”

The embossed text on the bottle/flask pertains to a Federal law that went into effect in 1935 and was on the books until 1964.

The law was intended to prevent illegal distillers from refilling legitimate bottles with their moonshine!

So this is a vintage bottle from the post-Prohibition era.

Whether or not it was part of a clandestine moonshine operation or just somebody’s personal refuse we shall never know. But there were many moonshine operations in the Everglades for decades!!

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Read more at:

Post Hurricane Irma high water paddling in the Everglades!

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Real liquor still site hidden deep in the Everglades’ 10000 Islands:

ART at Liquor Still Bay – hidden history in the Everglades

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Crossing paths of Gladesmen, Gator hunters, Outlaws & Moonshiners: An invitation to paddling forgotten trails of the Everglades!

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Grass Paddling in the East Everglades Expansion Area – History, Gladesmen & more Grass!

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“You want blood?”

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Be well friends!!

.

.

Bless UP!

.

.

© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No skeleton, no barbie, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

 

Sing along .. Paddling in the Rain, Just Paddlin’ and Campin’ in the Rain!

The sweet rain is a delicious contrast to the

salty Atlantic and it’s fun to be “paddling in the rain”!

.

(** Cue music **)

Sing along to the music, ya’ll can paddle if you want to ..

.

(click pic to enter)

Paddling in the rain – a widely scattered shower over Florida Bay.
Paddling in the Rain, Just Paddlin’ and Campin’ in the Rain .. sing along!

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I’m happy again…

Just Paddlin’ in the Rain!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/paddling-in-the-rain-just-paddlin-and-campin-in-the-rain-sing-along/

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! BLESS

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© 2018 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com . All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

Post-Irma paddling in the Everglades on the “Pa-Hay-Okee” and a surprise find!

High water paddling and poling the interior Everglades prairies on the

“Pa-Hay-Okee”!

.

(Click any pic to enter)

Post Hurricane Irma high water paddling in the Everglades!

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On the “Pa-Hay-Okee”.
Post Hurricane Irma high water paddling in the Everglades!

.

Post Hurricane Irma high water paddling in the Everglades!

.

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/everglades-national-park/interior/post-hurricane-irma-high-water-paddling-in-the-everglades/

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Roots – BLESS!

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© 2017 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!

There’s something fishy about this!

A new way of fishing the Everglades,

Ten Thousand Islands, Florida Bay and the Keys!

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(Click pic to enter!)

Staying Alive in the heat at north Nest Key ..
On the fine ART of living in a lens Bubble!

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Fisheye tales from the Everglades!

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.

! Bless UP

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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!

…

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!

🙂

Paddling and exploring South Florida’s wilderness – the sloughs of the Everglades!

Adventures on the endless “River of Grass”:

The Everglades’ sloughs!

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Exploring the sloughs of the Everglades – satellite view!

.

(Each pic opens a story!)

Taylor Slough:

Running down the Taylor Slough!

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Halloween on the Taylor Slough!

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Craighead Pond Canoe Trail connector to Taylor Slough.

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East Everglades:

Grass Paddling in the East Everglades Expansion Area – History, Gladesmen & more Grass!

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Grass paddling and poling in the Everglades Water Conservation Areas.

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Chief Chekika’s not so secret island hideaway in the Everglades!

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Paddling under the Everglades Skyway – the one-mile Tamiami Trail bridge over Shark River slough.

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Shark River Slough:

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

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The Lost Portage – connecting streams in the Everglades!

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Pahayokee to Main Street – probing into the Shark River Slough!

.

Kayaking at Shark Valley – A visit to Seagrape Hammock, aka Willoughby Key!

.

.

.

! Bless UP

.

.

© 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!

🙂