The Time-release Dose – Preparation, Attitude and Lady Luck.

If you stay out long enough,

the odds will eventually catch up with you!

.

(tap or click pic to read)

It was so bloody hot that we couldn’t even count straight anymore.
Everglades hot summer camping and cruising – the Central & Western Florida Bay loop!

.

Florida Bay is a special kind of place to get away

from it all but come prepared to keep the party polite.

.

Summer in South Florida is the wet and rainy season and tends to be very hot! For paddlers the extreme heat and humidity can be risk factors for those unprepared. On any summer trip, it is essential to have up to twice the amount of drinking water that you think you need! This means ideally you should have up to 2 gallons (8 liters) of water per day. Most of us living in South Florida are habituated to the comfort of air conditioning, and it’s very easy to underestimate how much water you can sweat out!

Also there is the ever present possibility of afternoon squalls and violent thunderstorms. This is really the main wildcard to deal with, although even in the summer the storms or lack there-of tend to come in batches. With keen observation, it is possible to find a window for camping and avoid storms. For one or two night trips, the odds can be good. However if you stay out long enough, the odds will eventually catch up, as we shall see!

You can read more about dealing with the summer heat in:

Surrender to the summer HEAT!

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Full story at:

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

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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 – Surrender to the Heat, Resistance is Futile!

Time to surrender to the hot permeating

wetness of summer! 🙂

.

(tap or click pic to read)

Nothing but praise and thankfulness, don’t fight it – surrender to it.
Surrender to the summer HEAT!

.

Now that summer is here,

the forecast calls for a “steam bath” every day:

The

“90-90-90”

Over 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade,

over 90 percent humidity and the water also about 90.

.

Stay cool and hydrated,

enjoy the tropical summer!

.

Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/reality-check/surrender-to-the-summer-heat/

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.

.

! Bless UP

.

.

© 2022 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Time-release Dose – Cinco miles to the Sombrero Reef Lighthouse with the MOJITO.

This story combines open water paddling,

coral reef snorkeling ~and~ interesting bits of

South Florida nautical history with a twist!

.

(tap or click pic to read)

Willis and the MOJITO ready to paddle out to Sombrero Reef Lighthouse.
Sombrero Reef Lighthouse – visiting the tallest of the reef lights via kayak!

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The Sombrero Reef Lighthouse is the tallest of all the Keys offshore reef lighthouses at 142 feet! Sombrero light was first lit in 1858 and stands in about 6 feet of water. Back then parts of the reef were exposed at low tide, and there was a small island there. Early Spanish explorers named it ‘Cayo Sombrero’, hence the reef’s name! It looks a lot like the Alligator Reef Light, only all rusty red instead of the white and black theme.

.

Of course, for a paddling trip to Sombrero Lighthouse,

I had to wear a Sombrero myself.

Out of all the boaters that were there, only one made the obvious

Sombrero-Sombrero

connection! 😮

.

Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/sombrero-reef-lighthouse-visiting-the-tallest-of-the-reef-lights-via-kayak/

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.

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! Bless UP

.

.

© 2022 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Time-release Dose – 45 miles of freestyle paddling and camping in a tropical marine wilderness.

Florida Bay is the kind of place to really

get away from it all.

.

(tap or click pic to read)

One of the two tall Florida Bay chickee platforms – at Johnson Key.
Everglades hot summer camping and cruising – the Central & Western Florida Bay loop!

.

Once out past the first line of keys outside Flamingo,

it’s sometimes possible to go for days without

hearing any background noises whatsoever!

🙂

When sounds do happen it’s usually a plane high overhead or a boater somewhere in the distance and fades away quickly. So even though Florida Bay is surrounded by a busy world of people, once inside it’s like a step back into time. It’s easy to imagine what the string of Florida Keys must have been like before all the islands were connected by bridges.

Florida Bay is a step back in time

and just outside the world of people!

.

Full story at:

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

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.

.

! Bless UP

.

.

© 2022 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Time-release Dose – The Sombrero at the Sombrero Reef Lighthouse!

Paddling around the lighthouse I was impressed with the level of engineering.

The quality of construction and overall robustness is still evident even today, over 160 years later!

.

(tap or click pic to read)

Richard cooling off in the blue waters surrounding Sombrero Reef Lighthouse.
Sombrero Reef Lighthouse – visiting the tallest of the reef lights via kayak!

.

I did have some company and swimming was optional!

At first glance Sombrero Reef Lighthouse looks a lot like the Alligator Reef Light, only all rusty red instead of the white and black theme. It is however the tallest of all the Keys offshore reef lighthouses at 142 feet! Sombrero light was first lit in 1858 and stands in about 6 feet of water. Back then parts of the reef were exposed at low tide, and there was a small island there. Early Spanish explorers named it ‘Cayo Sombrero’, hence the reef’s name!

I made sure to wear one of my Sombreros on this trip, though strangely out of all the boaters there was only one that actually seemed to make the obvious Sombrero-Sombrero connection! 😮

.

I hope you enjoy the special imagery I have created for this story.

.

Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/sombrero-reef-lighthouse-visiting-the-tallest-of-the-reef-lights-via-kayak/

.

.

.

! Bless UP

.

.

© 2022 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Daily Dose – Once upon a time at “Flugtag” in Miami.

What the Flugtag are you doing down there?

.

(tap or click pic to read)

Is it Red Bull that gives you wings??
Red Bull Flugtag Miami – Paddling to a downtown kayak, boat & plane party!

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The Red Bull Flugtag are a series of summer events held in cities around the world where teams compete to build and “fly” outrageous and often whimsical home made flying machines in front of large, live audiences.

The local edition was held for four years in Biscayne Bay, just off Bayfront Park in downtown Miami, Florida. It brought out upwards of 100 000 people, and the best way to see and enjoy it was from the water on your kayak, canoe or SUP!

.

Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/urban-paddling-in-south-flaariduh-florida/red-bull-flugtag-miami-paddling-downtown-kayak-boat-plane-party/

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! Bless UP

.

.

© 2022 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

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

Wanna tell you a story

About a kayak I know

.

(tap or click pic to read)

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

.

“Rosie”

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

.

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

.

Whole lotta Rosie,

She’s a whole lotta kayak!

.

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

.

.

.

! 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 – My handmade deflector dish ‘Hecho en México’!

Captain’s Blog supplement:

Stardate 99354.36

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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

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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 – The multi-universal Sombrero.

A kayaker’s tribute to the humble and versatile Sombrero ..

.

I’m a quick draw with the cam! 😮
A kayaker’s tribute to the humble and versatile Sombrero!

.

Part hat, part umbrella, part wind block,

part sail, part visual aid, part aid to navigation,

part camp organizer .. it’s a part of paddling.

.

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

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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!

🙂

Sombrero Reef Light – paddling out to the tallest offshore Keys lighthouse!

Open water Sombrero adventure

paddling into middle Keys nautical history

off Marathon.

.

(click pic to enter!)

“Sombrero on Sombrero!”
Sombrero Reef Lighthouse – visiting the tallest of the reef lights via kayak!

.

Fitness, Adventure and Art in one trip!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/sombrero-reef-lighthouse-visiting-the-tallest-of-the-reef-lights-via-kayak/

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! BLESS – Сомбреро

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© 2019 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!

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, 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!

🙂

Five days of hot summer camping and cruising on magical Florida Bay!

Freestyle leisure paddling and camping in a

tropical marine wilderness!

.

(CLICK on any pic to enter!)

Summer casual camping loop of Central and Western Florida Bay over 5 days and 4 nights.
Everglades hot summer camping and cruising – the Central & Western Florida Bay loop!

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Summer adventure paddling and camping in South Florida’s Everglades!

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Jenn paddles up to the Johnson Key Chickee v3.0 in the mid day heat!
Everglades hot summer camping and cruising – the Central & Western Florida Bay loop!

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Setting up camp at Little Rabbit Key in the middle of nowhere. 😮
Everglades hot summer camping and cruising – the Central & Western Florida Bay loop!

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Storms all around!!
Everglades hot summer camping and cruising – the Central & Western Florida Bay loop!

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

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! BLESS – July Morning

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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!

🙂

Summer is here, surrender to the HEAT – Resistance is Futile!

The forecast calls for a “steam bath” every day.

Surrender to the hot permeating wetness of summer!

🙂

(click pic to enter)

Among sea grasses on the flats at high tide, witnessing a large storm over the Everglades mainland to the north.
Surrender to the summer HEAT!

.

Imposing cloud formations over the Everglades mainland as seen from First National Bank, Florida Bay.
Quality times like these make the trip worthwhile.
Surrender to the summer HEAT!

.

Presenting the Kayakfari summer collection ..
Stay cool all the while looking dashing all summer!
Surrender to the summer HEAT!

.

Summer paddling and camping in South Florida and the Everglades!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/reality-check/surrender-to-the-summer-heat/

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! BLESS – Surrender

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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!

🙂

Why July to me?

YOU SAID THE BEER WOULD BE COLD,

BUT JULY TO ME!

.

But why July to me? 😉
CLICK for story!

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JULYER! JULYER!

.

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

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Keep it light, stay cool and have a safe weekend friends! 🙂

.

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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!

She’s a whole lotta Kayak – A tribute to Rosie and all the plus sized kayaks out there!

Here’s a tribute to a kayak I know ..

She ain’t exactly pretty
She ain’t exactly small
Eleven’eleven, thirty’four, sixty’one lbs
But you could say she’s got it all ..

Rosie, she’s a whole lotta Kayak!

.

(click each pic for a story!)

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

.

We all love to see the sleek, fast and sexy boats. There are times however when a shorter “plus size” sit on top style kayak fits the bill! This is a humorous-musical ode to mine, which I shall call “Rosie”. She’s an Ocean Kayak Peekaboo, and yes, she’s been used and abused, and generally not pampered. With a shallow-vee and nearly flat hull, she’s the ultimate in stability on flat water! She has a large viewing port, and a jump seat in the front meant for a small child. She could carry two light adults in a pinch, but isn’t rated for it. I personally like to ride Rosie Standing UP style for visibility and photography. The downside to all this stability and generous girth is speed. She will cruise with a 230cm kayak paddle at a little over two knots, less when paddling SUP style. She does respond well to leaning and will turn on a dime with practice. Her long tracking keel does it’s job but will tend to catch on roots and grasses when backing up. Rosie can carry a lot of gear for camping, she likes to go snorkeling, she likes taking her time on flat water and she’s an excellent platform for standing.

I don’t always ride Rosie, but when I do we’re in love!  😉

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Entering a lush mangrove canopy atop Rosie.
CLICK for story!

(** Cue music **)

Sing along to the music, ya’ll can dance if you wan to ..

Stability to deploy a 23ft pole near a Cypress Dome in the Everglades.
CLICK for story!

(intro guitar riff)

Wanna tell you a story
About a kayak I know
When it comes to paddlin’
She steals the show

Aerial, dragon fly view paddling Rosie in the Everglades.
CLICK for story!

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

This is what the Peekaboo is ALL about: STABILITY!
I can stand on one leg, on one side and she will NOT flip.
CLICK for story!

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

StandingUP at the Paddle Up on the Himmarshee Canal event in Ft Lauderdale.
CLICK for story!

Ain’t no fast ride
Ain’t no skin and bones
But you give it all you got
Loaded up to thirty two stone!

Does this still count as paddling?
CLICK for story!

You’re a whole lotta kayak
A whole lotta kayak
Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta Rosie
And you’re a whole lotta kayak

Rosie is kinda like a heavy SUP board.
CLICK for story!

Honey you can do it
Carry me all day long
Only one who let me
Only one who let me stand up on

Rosie works as a versatile tender to the sailboat in the Ten Thousand Islands.
CLICK for story!

All through the night time
Right around the clock
To my delight
Rosie never flips!

Rosie’s claim to fame is her large viewing port.
The Peekaboo from underwater – Namaste Bitches!
CLICK for story!

She was a whole lotta kayak
Whole lotta kayak
Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta Rosie
A whole lotta kayak

Looking through the port, looking at you, looking at me!
Are these damsels in distress? CLICK for more!
www.plasticworlds.com

Whole lotta kayak
Whole lotta kayak
Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta Rosie
You’re a whole lotta Rosie
A whole lotta kayak

Rosie is not like a Barbie, but they both like to kayak.
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Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta kayak!

The multi-versal Santa Sombrero and Rosie are a perfect match with the Czech connection!
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(refrain – one more time)

She was a whole lotta kayak
Whole lotta kayak
Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta Rosie

A whole lotta kayak!

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Blinded by the Light – on Biscayne Bay.
CLICK for story!

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Adapted from AC/DC  “Whole Lotta Rosie”  © 1977 J. Albert & Son (Pty) Ltd

Fair Use – Parody/humor.

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Camping with Rosie on the Hell’s Bay Canoe Trail.
CLICK for story!

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After all, it’s the fat bottomed kayaks that make the paddling world go ’round! 😉

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Please enjoy this “cover” by Elvis Presley!

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Whole lotta Rosie!
Bless her!!

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© 2015 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved.

…

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

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

A kayaker’s May 5th tribute to the humble and versatile Sombrero.

On this Cinco de Mayo, it’s my privilege to present the most humble of hats.

The Sombrero is the multi-universal hat that asks little, yet gives so much! 🙂

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Presenting the Sombrero – Peace, amigos!

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Early days with the Sombrero at the beach!

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Christmas in July? Yes, this is the Czech-Mexican connection here!
CLICK for story!

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The Sombrero and the lighthouse at Lighthouse Point.

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The Sombrero and the canoe – a Jesus eye-view from the Taylor Slough!
CLICK for story!

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The Santa Sombrero provides excellent shade!

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The Sombrero can also be a visual safety aid.
People spot it’s distinct profile from a mile away – and smile!
CLICK for story!

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See the Sombrero capsize (nearly)!

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Viva las Fiestas! 🙂

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A Sombrero selfie moment on Biscayne Bay!
CLICK for story!

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The Sombrero running the Loxahatchee River!

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I spy Santa Sombrero in the mangroves!
It is an aid to navigation as a marker on the Craighead Pond Canoe Trail.
CLICK for story!

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The multi-versal Santa Sombrero also makes an excellent camp organizer!
CLICK for story!

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The Sombrero ready for action at the Winterfest Boat Parade!

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Sombrero with the South Florida Kayak Meetup Group at the Winterfest Boat Parade!
CLICK for story!

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The Santa Sombrero is a fun addition to urban paddling as well!
Photo courtesy: winterfestparade.com

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The Sombrero Alien entourage at the 2014 Winterfest Boat Parade!
CLICK for story!

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The HOLIDAYS are better with the Sombrero!

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My Sombrero is Glowing at the 2014 Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade!
CLICK for story!

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There is just no end to the many fun uses of the Sombrero! 🙂

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Part hat, part umbrella, part wind block, part visual aid, part aid to navigation, part camp organizer .. it’s a part of paddling.

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Once you go Sombrero, you never go back!

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Enjoy!

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Viva la Mexico!

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© 2015 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved.

…

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

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂