No Fowl Play – Thanksgiving portraits of innocence from the Everglades.

A Thanksgiving message

from the birds of the Everglades!

😮

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Turkey Vulture innocent portrait at Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay.

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The President says

“I hereby pardon you ..”

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A Heron at First National Bank in Florida Bay.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“Pardon us of what Sir?”

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Herons like to perch on top of mangrove trees in the Everglades.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“Of crimes?“

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“Dances with Doughnuts” – flying over Florida Bay.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“What of crimes?”

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Coming in for a landing atop a black mangrove tree.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“But we are innocent!”

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White Pelicans gathered along the shorelines of the Everglades.
Welcoming the fall arrival of White Pelicans in Florida Bay!

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“We live free”

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Sandpipers frolic along the Everglades shoreline.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“We move freely”

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Roseate Spoonbills flying over First National Bank in Florida Bay.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“Free like the wind!”

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Roseate Spoonbills flying over Florida Bay.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“We fly the open sky”

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Looking for big birds up in the sky over the Everglades.
Welcoming the fall arrival of White Pelicans in Florida Bay!

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“We fish the shallow waters”

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Beautiful Osprey portrait at Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay.

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OK but wait, not so fast!

.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

🙂

.

More at

The Everglades are for the birds!

Birding and bird portraits kayaking the Everglades, Florida Bay/Keys, Ten Thousand Islands & more!

.

A White Heron catches an eel on the flats of Florida Bay near Little Rabbit Key.
CLICK gallery – The Everglades are for the birds!

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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 – 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!

…

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 – an ornithologist with a paintbrush and a gun sails into town!

John James Audubon visited the Florida Keys

exactly 190 years ago this week.

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John James Audubon in 1826.
Painting by John Syme, source: Wikimedia Commons.

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During his productive five week stay, he also traveled across

Florida Bay to a pristine island bird rookery called Sandy Key.

It was here that he collected many dozens upon dozens of bird specimens. In an era before photography the only way for him to study his birds up close in detail was to shoot them. He had to kill many so as to know the variations within a species, then collect them all and later create his paintings so as to accurately depict them in a proper setting. In his age at the dawn of the industrial revolution, the Everglades and the Earth were still largely untouched and pristine. It was thought the numbers were so large as to be inexhaustible. Well, that was until our own (human) numbers became too large! In any case, life in a frontier land like Florida meant living off the land and the sea. Not only were specimens collected for study, but of course all manner of game, eggs, waterfowl and fish would have been taken for sustenance.

Sandy Key has a long history due to it’s excellent location between Cape Sable and Keys. It has always been a favored refuge for birds of many species, albeit today in a different and greatly diminished form. As part of Everglades National Park since it’s inception, it’s been off limits to visitors, reserved as a bird sanctuary with no public access permitted. Despite these efforts, larger human induced systemic Everglades alterations over the last 200 years have reduced the bird population numbers to a tenth of what were estimated at perhaps two million water birds back then!

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Audubon described Sandy Key as a large wooded “L” shaped island two hundred years ago. It was full of birds, their nests and eggs, since he arrived in the springtime. Hurricanes also play a big role in shaping and altering South Florida’s environment and landscape. The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 stripped Sandy Key of it’s large trees, and then Hurricane Donna passed overhead in 1960 and splintered off the long northern tip of the island. The resulting much smaller island was named Carl Ross Key, and again most of the vegetation was stripped from Sandy Key itself. Carl Ross then became a back country campsite up until 2005, when Hurricane Wilma further split it into two more pieces. This ended camping on Carl Ross Key, and even more recently, Hurricane Irma inundated the area and you can see the impact on Carl Ross Key below. The large black mangrove trees that gave the key it’s profile outline were stressed and are now dying off. Sandy Key proper seems to have withstood that one better!

Carl Ross Key remains in an even more diminished state and is currently a seasonal day use only area!

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My 27 mile fitness paddling triangle loop on a western Florida Bay day trip. High tide only!
K1 trainer and wing paddle test with a 27 mile day paddle on Florida Bay.

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Sandy Key and Carl Ross Key several miles away across a large impassable expanse of exposed tidal flats.
The hold up at First National Bank in Florida Bay!

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So while the bird numbers have diminished, they are by no means absent! One of the joys of spending quality time outdoors in the Everglades backcountry is seeing wildlife carry on unfettered outside the busy world of people. The area is still very remote and it’s possible to visit this locale to spend a day paddling on western Florida Bay. It’s not a trip for novices or for those unprepared however. Starting from Flamingo at the end of the Park road, a day journey of a minimum of about 20 miles round trip is required! The shortest path is across a very large flats bank known as First National Bank, so planning for high tide is very necessary – lest you will get stuck for hours! An even longer trip (pictured) can also include Cape Sable. Alternately, splitting this route into two days with an overnight camp out at East Cape may make more sense for many paddlers.

To familiarize yourself with Florida Bay, I suggest reading through:

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

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Approaching the Sandy Key vicinity from the east on a high tide.
Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay – Kayaking, Camping and Nice Dreams!

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Sandy Key bird sanctuary in western Florida Bay, occasionally sometimes called ‘Audubon’s Island’ on old maps. This is about as close as one is allowed to get.
Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay – Kayaking, Camping and Nice Dreams!

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Sandy Key nearly 200 years after Audubon’s visit, aerial view.
Back then Carl Ross Key on the far right was connected to it in an “L” shape.

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Carl Ross Key shares the distinction of being the site

where at the end of April in 1832, John James Audubon

collected his bird specimens on then larger Sandy Key.

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Aerial of Carl Ross Key in October 2017, a month after being inundated by Hurricane Irma!
Hurricane Irma impacts on the Johnson Key Chickee in Florida Bay.

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Aerial view of what’s left of Carl Ross Key at high tide, fall 2021.
The island in the background is Sandy Key, which is a permanent bird sanctuary.
Carl Ross is now a seasonal day use only area!

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Back in 1832, there was no town of Flamingo on the mainland, so Audubon had a crew that rowed him about 25 miles across Florida Bay up from Indian Key to reach the bird colonies at Sandy Key!

So from the many specimens he harvested, Audubon’s world famous bird portraits known as the “Birds of America“ were created.

He was so excited about all the wildlife that he wrote:

“Seldom have I experienced greater pleasures than when on the Florida Keys,

under a burning sun, after pushing my bark for miles over a soapy flat,

I have striven all day long, tormented by myriads of insects,

to procure a heron new to me, and have at length succeeded in my efforts.”

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The Birds of America was compiled between 1827 to 1838, and included several portraits of the birds from Sandy Key. Audubon’s masterpiece was printed on the largest pages possible at the time, at 29 1/2 by 39 1/2 inches. The completed works of 435 watercolors sold in two volumes for $1,000.00 !

Enjoy the high resolution digitized paintings at:

John J. Audubon’s Birds of America

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Townsend’s Sandpiper portrait by John James Audubon in the 19th century.
CLICK for large version!

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Plate 281 of a Great White Heron, pictured at Key West. Painted on May 26, 1832.
CLICK for story at John J. Audubon’s Birds of America.

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By the later 19th century plume hunting was very big business in the Everglades and South Florida in general. Outrage over wholesale slaughter of shorebirds by the millions prompted the earliest conservation efforts with the passage of laws to curtail the millinery trade. In fact, in 1905, Guy Bradley was hired to serve as the first Audubon game warden. In 1905 he was shot and killed by poachers in Florida Bay, just outside of Flamingo. The same year the National Audubon Society was founded. Today the Tropical Audubon Society continues locally to advocate for conservation, education and preservation of our wetlands and wildlife.

Nearly 200 years later, the same species are still making a living

in the Everglades, the Keys and islands and mud flats of Florida Bay!

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A 21st century White Heron catches an eel on the flats of Florida Bay.

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21st century Sandpipers frolicking along the Everglades shoreline at Carl Ross Key.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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In 2008 on a visit to Carl Ross Key, I was inspired to create some artworks of my own. This one below “Extreme Birdwatching” is a favorite, and you can click through to see the rest of the series.

The uniquely twisted weathered mangrove wood was left for me courtesy of Hurricane Wilma!

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“Extreme Birdwatching”
Kayakfari ART photography
CLICK to see the whole series!

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Ibis feeding and bathing at First National Bank in Florida Bay.
CLICK for full Gallery – The Everglades are for the birds!

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White Pelicans gathered along the shorelines of the Everglades.
Welcoming the fall arrival of White Pelicans in Florida Bay!

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Roseate Spoonbills feeding among friends along the shoreline of Florida Bay, Everglades National Park.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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Outside the world of people,

life goes on like it should.

As it is, as it was, as it shall be!

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Full story links at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/wildlife/the-everglades-are-for-the-birds/

https://decoratedreality.wordpress.com/decorated-reality-2/extreme-birdwatching/

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/wildlife/welcoming-the-fall-arrival-of-white-pelicans-in-florida-bay/

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

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

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/everglades-hot-summer-camping-and-cruising-the-central-western-florida-bay-loop/

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/the-hold-up-at-first-national-bank-in-florida-bay/

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 – You can get there from here!

Connecting streams of the Everglades:

River – Slough – River!

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(tap or click pic to read)

My mud salvation in the Everglades.
The Lost Portage – connecting streams in the Everglades!

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The term “Lost Portage” is used to describe an

inland connection between two streams originating

from the the Shark River Slough aka the “River of Grass”.

The reason for going through this Lost Portage is to go directly between two of the most remote Everglades backcountry campsites – Canepatch and Camp Lonesome. Any paddler considering camping at these sites would think it obvious that there should be a direct inland connection between them, but officially there is not! So the typical Wilderness Waterway paddler is directed to either head out into the Gulf, or go through a mangrove creek called the “Nightmare”. Either option means a long paddle out and then back in, closer to the interior. A direct connection is much shorter though probably more challenging!

Before they become actual rivers of the Everglades:

connecting the Broad River and the Harney – Shark Rivers.

Due to the distances involved, logistics and time constraints during the winter Holiday break, I laid out a 4 day and 3 night weather balloon shaped route. It was the only realistic way to run this trip, as neither me nor my paddling partner were willing to take off a whole week.

This fairly ambitious schedule would have us close the gap in the

shortest amount of time with some long daily paddling miles!

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Full story:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/the-lost-portage-connecting-streams-in-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 – Thanksgiving portraits of innocence from the Everglades.

A Thanksgiving message

from the birds of the Everglades!

😮

.

Turkey Vulture innocent portrait at Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay.

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.

The President says

“I hereby pardon you ..”

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A Heron at First National Bank in Florida Bay.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“Pardon us of what Sir?”

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Herons like to perch on top of mangrove trees in the Everglades.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“Of crimes?“

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“Dances with Doughnuts” – flying over Florida Bay.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“What of crimes?”

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Coming in for a landing atop a black mangrove tree.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“But we are innocent!”

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White Pelicans gathered along the shorelines of the Everglades.
Welcoming the fall arrival of White Pelicans in Florida Bay!

.

“We live free”

.

Sandpipers frolic along the Everglades shoreline.
The Everglades are for the birds!

.

“We move freely”

.

Roseate Spoonbills flying over First National Bank in Florida Bay.
The Everglades are for the birds!

.

“Free like the wind!”

.

Roseate Spoonbills flying over Florida Bay.
The Everglades are for the birds!

.

“We fly the open sky”

.

Looking for big birds up in the sky over the Everglades.
Welcoming the fall arrival of White Pelicans in Florida Bay!

.

“We fish the shallow waters”

.

Beautiful Osprey portrait at Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay.

.

OK but wait, not so fast!

.

.

Happy Thanksgiving!

🙂

.

More at

The Everglades are for the birds!

Birding and bird portraits kayaking the Everglades, Florida Bay/Keys, Ten Thousand Islands & more!

.

A White Heron catches an eel on the flats of Florida Bay near Little Rabbit Key.
CLICK gallery – The Everglades are for the birds!

.

.

! 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!

🙂

The Daily Dose – The sounds of their wings in the darkness!

A rare sight indeed!

Pelicans circling overhead under the full moon

at midnight on East Cape.

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White Pelicans circling directly overhead under the moonlight of Florida Bay.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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One of the joys of spending quality time outdoors in the Everglades backcountry is seeing wildlife carry on unfettered outside the busy world of people. I once saw a whole flock of these White Pelicans gliding in the breezes above me in the moonlight. They flew silently in formations and circled overhead, with only the swoosh of their wings giving them away. I quickly setup to get this image and captured it with a fisheye lens pointed straight up, using a manually discharged flash. I was able to get about five shots, this is a composite of the action. The flash naturally startled them, but only for a split second. They all landed a short distance away on the flats and rested until dawn.

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The Everglades are for the birds!

.

More birding:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/wildlife/the-everglades-are-for-the-birds/

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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!

🙂

The Daily Dose – Roseate Spoonbills in the Everglades.

Outside the myopic world of people,

life goes on like it should.

As it is, as it was, as it shall be! 🙂

.

Roseate Spoonbills feeding among friends along the shoreline of Florida Bay, Everglades National Park.
The Everglades are for the birds!

.

One of the joys of spending quality time outdoors in the Everglades backcountry is seeing wildlife carry on unfettered outside the busy world of people. The Roseate Spoonbill for instance, is a very distinctive native bird with it’s flattened beak and pink plumage. Because of the pink coloration, they are sometimes mistaken at first glance for the American (Pink) Flamingo – a less common sighting in South Florida.

The Everglades are for the birds!

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da

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More bird action:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/wildlife/the-everglades-are-for-the-birds/

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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!

🙂

More from the real Superheroes of the Everglades – please give it up for the Birds!

The Everglades are for the birds!

Birding and bird portraits kayaking the Everglades, Florida Bay/Keys, Ten Thousand Islands & more!

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(click any pic to see the full gallery!)

Turkey Vulture portrait at Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay.
CLICK for full Gallery – The Everglades are for the birds!

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Ibis feeding and bathing at First National Bank in Florida Bay.
CLICK for full Gallery – The Everglades are for the birds!

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White Pelicans flying low over Florida Bay!
Welcoming the fall arrival of White Pelicans in Florida Bay!
CLICK for full Gallery – The Everglades are for the birds!

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White Pelican feeding at sunrise on First National Bank in Florida Bay.
CLICK for full Gallery – The Everglades are for the birds!

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Cormorant portrait at Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay.
CLICK for full Gallery – The Everglades are for the birds!

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A White Heron catches an eel on the flats of Florida Bay near Little Rabbit Key.
CLICK for full Gallery – The Everglades are for the birds!

.

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/wildlife/the-everglades-are-for-the-birds/

.

.

! Bless UP

.

.

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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!

.

Adventures in mud on the Lost Portage of the Everglades!

Connecting streams of the Everglades:

River – Slough – River!

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(click on any pic to enter!)

The Lost Portage – connecting streams in the Everglades!

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The Lost Portage – connecting streams in the Everglades!

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The Lost Portage – connecting streams in the Everglades!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/the-lost-portage-connecting-streams-in-the-everglades/

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! BLESS

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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:

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!

A short tale about the 2016 Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous in Flamingo!

2016 Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous in Flamingo, Everglades National Park.

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The Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous go back as far as the 1980’s when paddle clubs from around the state would have informal get togethers. Today, it is a multi day paddling and camping event, each year hosted by a different local club in a beautiful area.

This year’s rendezvous was hosted by Charlie Arazoza of www.bushpaddlers.org and held at the Flamingo Campground at the “end of the road” on December 2-4, 2016. Some of the sponsors included the Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA), and the event was set to benefit the South Florida National Parks Trust.

There were many guided scheduled paddles, camping activities and social gatherings throughout the long weekend. I was able to participate for two days and one night, and co-lead two trips on the Bear Lake Canoe Trail and on Florida Bay!

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Welcome to the 2016 Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous in Flamingo, Florida – at the end of the road inside Everglades National Park!

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One thing that quickly became apparent was that this was also the site of the 2016 Florida Mosquitoes’ Rendezvous! 😉

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Who would’ve thunk it that the 2016 Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous would be held at the same time and same place as the 2016 Florida Mosquitoes’ Rendezvous!

What are the odds?! 😉

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This year, everybody participated in the blood drive at Flamingo! 😉

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Suited up, en-route to the launch spot for the Bear Lake Canoe Trail.

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Bear Lake Road is a narrow dirt track leading up to the old Homestead Canal launch. I could see swarms of more mosquitoes outside the windows!
Note that the gate to access this road is often locked. You will need to call the Ranger station and inquire ahead of time if you want to launch there!

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There were many guided Everglades paddles during the Rendezvous. Some of the trails and paths used were pioneered and mapped by contemporary backcountry explorers Keith W. and Terry Helmers, among others at the Everglades Exploration Network (EEN). This site is an excellent resource for all Everglades trips related and we all owe them a debt of gratitude!

My part was to co-lead a trip on the Bear Lake Canoe Trail along with Miami’s Esther Luft of the Virginia Key Outdoor Center (VKOC). Due to the multitudes of mosquitoes we had a small turnout, but a great time nonetheless – even if we had to paddle in bug jackets the whole time!

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So what happens when you get to the put-in and one of your paddlers locks himself outside of his running vehicle?
You call on Esther to find a way to open it up! 😉

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Bear Lake Canoe Trail details.
Note that you can also access this put-in via a short portage from the Buttonwood Canal!
CLICK for large readable version!

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Bear Lake Canoe Trail launch spot and old dock.

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Paddling on the Homestead Canal dug in the 1920’s.

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Paddling in bug suits, still smiling for z camera!

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There are always bugs, and then there are even MORE bugs!

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The canal is easy straight ahead paddling in chocolate color water.
Unfortunately it does NOT smell like chocolate!

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Paddler Lisa H. enjoying the sights along the Bear Lake Canoe Trail.

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Esther Luft and Lisa H. paddling on the old Homestead Canal.

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Bear Lake though the mangrove canopy of the old Homestead Canal/Bear Lake Canoe Trail.

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Popping out of the mangroves and out into Bear Lake!

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Your 2016 Rendezvous host Charlie Arazoza of  www.bushpaddlers.org  paddling on Bear Lake from a previous exploratory trip.
CLICK: Go West to East Cape – an interior route via “Spoonbill Pass” and Raulerson Prairie!

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Bear Lake is a good sized body of water, and after paddling out about 50 feet into the breeze we were able to unzip the skeeter netting and have a snack. This area is actually very pretty and worth exploring once the South Florida winter cools off a bit more! For more from this region, check out:

Go West to East Cape – an interior route via “Spoonbill Pass” and Raulerson Prairie!

Also see SUP paddler Scott Baste’s Mud Lake Trail adventures album (Facebook login required).

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Along the edge of the lake, these tiny oysters cling to the long mangrove roots like pearls!

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Safely zipped up back inside my bug shirt, we paddle back!

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The Bear Lake Canoe Trail (Homestead Canal) was cleared out for us to enjoy by the volunteer efforts of the Swamp Apes led by Tom Rahill who otherwise hunts down invasive Pythons!

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There are lots of pretty epiphytes like these Bromeliads all along the trail!

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Plants that live in the air on the Bear Lake Canoe Trail / Homestead Canal.

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Old dock at the Bear Lake Canoe Trail put-in on the Homestead Canal.
Note that there is no parking here – it is a loading area only! Parking is slightly further back in a clearing along the Buttonwood Canal!

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Dock signage straight outta the 70’s!

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Meanwhile back in camp .. Charlie relaxes inside his bug suit and under his distinctive hat!

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Who is this foxy lady from the Virginia Key Outdoor Center?

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Esther and Kayak Ted (Spiritwalker) at camp in Flamingo.

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Saturday night’s dinner was truly a feast! BIG thanks to all who prepared the delicious dishes!!
The only remaining question was who ate better – the people or the mosquitoes?! 😉

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Our host Charlie Arazoza with kayaking musician Bob Bonnen who entertained us all night with his extensive repertoire! 🙂

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Bob Bonnen playing in the spotlight at the 2016 Paddlers’ Rendezvous in Flamingo. Bob also led some trips during the day!

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Ian W. kept our fire going all night and thus didn’t need any bug protection.. 😉

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Then there comes the morning! You are looking at the skeeters OUTSIDE of the tent netting!
The one’s inside my tent were massacred previously during the night! 🙂

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Aerial bird’s-eye view of main camping field at Flamingo, Everglades National Park with the ill-fated Eco Tent.
The 2016 Rendezvous site was similar but in the reserved lot area.
CLICK for spin-around 360 view!

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Florida Bay & Keys Aerial VR Panoramas

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Aerial view of the Flamingo boat launch ramps in Everglades National Park. This is where most paddlers launch out into Florida Bay!
CLICK for superwide interactive panorama!

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Despite the easterly winds of 15-20 knots, a group of 19 paddlers assembled themselves at the Flamingo boat launch ramps for the last paddle of the 2016 Rendezvous on Florida Bay. I was very glad to have the assistance of paddler Tom Bonnen sweeping up this group of enthusiastic kayakers!

Due to the stiff head wind, we hugged the mangrove shoreline heading east to have a peek out over Snake Bight. The tide was also dropping, so we didn’t have much time. Large parts of this area become exposed mud flats on low tide, especially with a strong east wind!

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Group heading out in the lee along the shoreline of Florida Bay.
This trip was 100% bug-free! 🙂

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As we rounded Christian Point, we were looking out across Snake Bight into conditions similar to this. Naturally, this was the turn-around point!

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Hundreds of White Pelicans miles away in the distance over another flats bank in Florida Bay.
CLICK for: Welcoming the fall arrival of White Pelicans in Florida Bay!

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The Everglades are for the birds!

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Another scene of birds feeding on flats banks similar to what we saw in the distance on Snake Bight.
CLICK for: The hold up at First National Bank in Florida Bay!

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Paddling back to Flamingo with the wind, but with only inches of water under the boats!

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For more on paddling Florida Bay, check out:

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

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Paddler and wood worker Tom Bonnen in his custom Black Pearl Greenland-style kayak in front of the Flamingo Ranger Station.
We closed out the 2016 Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous!

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BIG thanks to Charlie Arazoza, the Bush Paddlers and sponsors, the Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA) and all the great people that made this a success. I will look forward to the next Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous!

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More pictures from the event:

SLACKERS meetup – Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous

Miami Kayak Club – Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous

Facebook event – Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous

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Enjoy!

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! BLESS

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© 2016 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!

🙂

Happy Thanksgiving from all the Birds!

Thanksgiving message of hope from the birds of the Everglades!

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The President says

“I hereby pardon you for your crimes ..”

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A Heron at First National Bank in Florida Bay.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“Crimes, what of crimes?”

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Herons like to perch on top of mangrove trees in the Everglades.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“We would just like to say”

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“Dances with Doughnuts” – flying over Florida Bay.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“That we are”

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Coming in for a landing atop a black mangrove tree.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“That we are innocent!”

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White Pelicans gathered along the shorelines of the Everglades.
Welcoming the fall arrival of White Pelicans in Florida Bay!

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“We live free”

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Sandpipers frolic along the Everglades shoreline.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“We move freely”

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Roseate Spoonbills flying over First National Bank in Florida Bay.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“Free like the wind!”

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Roseate Spoonbills flying over Florida Bay.
The Everglades are for the birds!

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“We fly because the sky is free!”

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Looking for big birds up in the sky over the Everglades.
Welcoming the fall arrival of White Pelicans in Florida Bay!

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Oh but wait, not so fast!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

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More @ The Everglades are for the birds!

Birding and bird portraits kayaking the Everglades, Florida Bay/Keys, Ten Thousand Islands & more!

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(click pic to see the gallery!)

A White Heron catches an eel on the flats of Florida Bay near Little Rabbit Key.
CLICK for full Gallery – The Everglades are for the birds!

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Peace is Now ! Bless

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© 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!

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Witnessing the arrival of White Pelicans in the Everglades!

Florida Bay is where the big birds are!

These large and majestic birds arrive in huge flocks to over-winter in the Everglades and are quite the sight to behold!

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(click pic to enter!)

Peering deep into a flock of White Pelicans.
Welcoming the fall arrival of White Pelicans in Florida Bay!
🙂

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/wildlife/welcoming-the-fall-arrival-of-white-pelicans-in-florida-bay/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

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Birds – the real Superheroes of the Everglades!

The Everglades are for the birds!

Birding and bird portraits kayaking the Everglades, Florida Bay/Keys, Ten Thousand Islands & more!

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(click pic to see the gallery!)

A White Heron catches an eel on the flats of Florida Bay near Little Rabbit Key.
CLICK for full Gallery – The Everglades are for the birds!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/wildlife/the-everglades-are-for-the-birds/

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! Bless UP

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© 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!

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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!

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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!

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With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂