Paddling tales of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and upper Keys History.

From the top: There are no alligators,

just a pretty reef and a tall light!

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(tap or click pic to read)

The last functioning beacon atop Alligator Reef Lighthouse.
Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History!

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Alligator Reef Lighthouse

The shallow reef and light were named after the USS Alligator which shipwrecked there in November of 1822, although it would be another fifty years until the light was built in 1873! It is a beautiful and sturdy Victorian era tower, standing 136 feet tall, and has survived several major hurricanes and was an operational lighthouse/beacon until the summer of 2014!

For this trip I chose the “Mojito”, an RTM Disco sit on top kayak. This is probably the nicest handling inexpensive plastic kayak for paddlers under 175 lbs. Granted, it’s a very wet ride, but this is actually a plus in the tropical heat. With the addition of thigh straps, it responds much like a proper sea kayak and is great to learn and practice kayaking and rescue skills. It’s also easy to roll and an excellent surf/play boat for South Florida waters!

I hope you enjoy the fine views from the top!

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Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/alligator-light-reef-lighthouse/

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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 – Paddling the engineered freshwater flow of the Miami River.

Why paddle on this canal and these

less loved parts of South Florida?

It’s a chance to experience firsthand the flow of the water in today’s re-plumbed Everglades ecosystem. It’s also kind of neat to paddle into the city from outside and witness the transitions and many changes that have been made within the last one hundred years.

It’s a chance to get a wider perspective of the big picture of the Everglades and of South Florida that many people only read about but may not really comprehend!

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(tap or click pic to read)

Nice dreams camping along the Miami River Canal at Mack’s Fish Camp with Orion overhead.
Paddling the Miami River Canal – Part I: Engineered Freshwater.

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On the edge of the Everglades lies a Shangri-la of sorts called Mack’s Fish Camp. It’s like a small oasis just outside the sea of suburban sprawl and development that defines South Florida today. Mack’s has a real old time Florida feel to it and it’s origins go back to a squatter’s camp in the early days of life on the canal. Today it is the last of it’s kind in South Florida! It’s a quiet place, save for some distant noises  from airplanes en route in and out Miami International Airport (MIA). If you want to paddle this part of the Miami River Canal, this is a clean and secure place to launch from.  It is accessible via a dirt road just a couple of miles from Hwy 27 off Krome Avenue (997) in far western Miami-Dade county.

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Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/urban-paddling-in-south-flaariduh-florida/paddling-the-miami-river-canal-part-i-engineered-freshwater/

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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 – How much love does it take to not trash the Everglades with balloons?

It’s the trash that flies! 😦

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(tap or click pic to read)

There’s no love lost here, mylar balloons and the Everglades do not mix.
All that trash – the ugly side of kayaking in Miami!

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What goes up must come down.

Helium filled mylar balloons are typically used only once to celebrate birthdays or mark other occasions. Sadly it’s the kind of trash that can be found even in the most pristine and remote parts of the Everglades.

There’s a lot of beauty left, and nature always regenerates itself.

If we can only keep from choking it!

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Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/reality-check/all-that-trash-the-ugly-side-of-kayaking-in-miami/

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! Bless UP – How much Love?

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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 – There are no alligators, just a pretty reef and a tall light!

Paddling tales of Fishes, Wreckers,

Pirates and Keys History!

.

(tap or click pic to read)

Stay hydrated at Alligator Reef Light, and please don’t panic!
Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History!

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The reef and light were named after the USS Alligator which shipwrecked there in November of 1822, although it would be another fifty years until the light was built in 1873! It is a beautiful and sturdy Victorian era tower, standing 136 feet tall, and has survived several major hurricanes and was an operational lighthouse/beacon until the summer of 2014!

For this trip I chose the “Mojito”, an RTM Disco sit on top kayak. This is probably the nicest handling inexpensive plastic kayak for paddlers under 175 lbs. Granted, it’s a very wet ride, but this is actually a plus in the tropical heat. With the addition of thigh straps, it responds much like a proper sea kayak and is great to learn and practice kayaking and rescue skills. It’s also easy to roll and an excellent surf/play boat for South Florida waters!

I hope you’ve enjoy the fine views from the top!

.

.

Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/alligator-light-reef-lighthouse/

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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 – The Miami River Canal delivers water, transforms landscapes and the lives of people along the way.

Paddling this stretch of the Miami River Canal

provides a view of the overall big picture

of living

in modern South Florida!

.

(tap or click pic to read)

Paddling under the Palmetto Expressway (826) on the Miami River!
Paddling the Miami River Canal – Part I: Engineered Freshwater.

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From Lake Okeechobee engineered freshwater flows through the Everglades, past a Shangri-la of sorts, across a DMZ lifeless area and into the Miami urban megalopolis itself. Over the last one hundred years, the Miami River Canal has transformed the South Florida landscape and the lives of people living in it.

I hope you enjoy this little tour of the seldom seen

freshwater part of the Miami (River) Canal!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/urban-paddling-in-south-flaariduh-florida/paddling-the-miami-river-canal-part-i-engineered-freshwater/

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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 – Out of sight, out of mind?

The Holidays are a time of joyful gift giving.

It’s also a time when copious amounts of

packaging waste are generated!

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(tap or click pic to read)

Some trash is biodegradable, but it still doesn’t belong on our beaches.
All that trash – the ugly side of kayaking in Miami!

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Underneath the fancy Miami gloss surface treatment are pimples and blemishes made of trash and debris. But a lot of times the trash also lies out in the open for all to see. That’s why it’s important to remember to always dispose of your trash properly!

There’s still a lot of beauty left, and nature always regenerates itself.

If we can only keep from choking it!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/reality-check/all-that-trash-the-ugly-side-of-kayaking-in-miami/

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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 – Filming some eerie night paddling on the Miami River, a behind the scenes look.

“Miami River- Crocodiles and Cruise Ships”

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(tap or click pic to read)

Flex Maslan Miami River night kayakfari canoe shipyard history
Spooky paddling and filming in eerie industrial darkness on the Miami River!

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Follow along behind the scenes as I paddle my 17 ft Coleman canoe on the industrial Miami River.  It took some decent effort on my part to paddle this large canoe solo. Going ‘upstream’ there was some current so I switched to a 230cm kayak paddle to make the best of it. Once past the Tamiami Canal connector the water was still and flat which added to the eeriness of the experience and made for great filming!

This film segment shot on the Miami River at night took myself and the film crew past some key historical sights and rarely seen parts of today’s Miami. Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Katja Esson saw some of my images from a previous night trip Kayak Miami – Full moon paddling on the historic Miami River and was interested in filming in the dark industrial shipyard section of the Miami River. Be sure to see the whole film too!

Interestingly I was both a guide and a subject for the film crew as we

cruised the eerie industrial darkness of the Miami River canal!

.

Here’s the direct link to see this excellent film:

“Miami River- Crocodiles and Cruise Ships”

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/spooky-paddling-and-filming-in-eerie-industrial-darkness-on-the-miami-river/

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! Bless UP

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© 2021 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

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

Wanna tell you a story

About a kayak I know

.

(tap or click pic to read)

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

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“Rosie”

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

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

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Whole lotta Rosie,

She’s a whole lotta kayak!

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

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! Bless UP

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© 2021 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Daily Dose – “Lift me up and carry me down the river”

DIGITAL CONCEPTUAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART

from the seat of a Kayak on the Miami River!

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(tap or click pic to read)

Lift me UP!
ART of the Miami River – Perspectives of water and people on the move.

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The Miami River (Canal) stretches 80 miles from

Lake Okeechobee to Biscayne Bay,

and is one of the main waterways in South Florida.

Along the way it irrigates fields, provides wildlife habitat, flood protection and water to businesses and residences. It’s historic course has been straightened and dredged in the last century. Once the river carried canoes, now giant freighters wind their way through.

The two ends of the Miami River Canal connect

Lake Okeechobee to Biscayne Bay!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/art-of-the-miami-river-perspectives-of-water-and-people-on-the-move/

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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 – Cheers to the hardworking tugs on the Miami River!

I never planned to escort a freighter out

the Miami River,

but it proved to be an interesting experience!

.

(tap or click pic to read)

Metals recycling in action along the industrial Miami River. Some of this ends up as cargo on freighters bound for the Caribbean islands.
Escorting the Betty K VIII out the Miami River and into Biscayne Bay!

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The Betty K VIII is a 250 ft long freighter with a 43 ft beam, launched by the Betty K Line company in 2014 to make regular runs between Miami and the Bahamas.

Two powerful tugs thread her up and down the Miami River three times a week!

The front tug pulls the freighter at kayaking speed, while the rear tug does most of the steering and braking.

Two lines are used to rein in the ship with the rear tug constantly swinging from one side to the other to keep the ship in the middle of the channel.

It’s really impressive to see the action firsthand!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/reality-check/escorting-the-betty-k-viii-out-the-miami-river-and-into-biscayne-bay/

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! Bless UP

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© 2021 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Daily Dose – River of Grass Canoe Expedition.

Follow the water:

Lake Okeechobee via Miami River Canal out to Biscayne Bay!

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Canoes on Lake Okeechobee, the headwaters of the Miami River Canal!
River of Grass Canoe Expedition: Lake Okeechobee – Miami River Canal – Biscayne Bay

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Starting about a hundred years ago South Florida saw enormous system-wide changes to it’s natural watershed. These human alterations were meant to better serve agricultural, commercial and the ever growing residential water needs in addition to the much needed flood control. The historic natural, but unpredictable sheet flow was replaced with a very large network of canals and levees that is artificially managed. The result of all this re-plumbing has been devastating to the Everglades ecosystem, with some species experiencing a 90% decline in population. This serious problem is now starting to be addressed with the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). In keeping with the spirit of Everglades restoration, this expedition was organized as an educational outreach program designed to bring Everglades awareness directly to students in local South Florida classrooms.

With live interactive webcasts from the field,

students were able to “follow the water”

along with the expedition team!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/river-of-grass-canoe-expedition-2014-miami-river-canal/river-of-grass-canoe-expedition-2014-okeechobee-to-miami-river-canal/

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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!

🙂

Paddling today’s Miami River (Canal) – Part II: Industrial and Historic Route!

Kayaking today’s Miami River Canal:

Part II

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Saltwater Tidal Inlet – Industrial and historic route!

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(click on pic to enter!)

“Welcome to Miami!”
Paddling the Miami River Canal – Part II: Industrial and Historic Route!

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Explore the varied sights and history of the Miami River from

Miami International Airport out to the Dolphin Expressway overpass!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/urban-paddling-in-south-flaariduh-florida/paddling-the-miami-river-canal-part-ii-industrial-and-historic-route/

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! BLESS

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

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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!

Was Valentine looking for Love in all the wrong places?

“Valentine’s encounter at Shark Point.

A day dream in the Everglades?”

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(click pic to enter)

Valentine really thought he knew, but was he just looking for Love in all the wrong places?
ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/art-of-a-dream-everglades-valentines-encounter/

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! BLESS – You’re in Love

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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!

Fourth of July 2017 – Independence Day with less trash, fun paddling and more art!

Happy Independence Day!

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Friends don’t let friends enjoy July 4th and trash Biscayne Bay!

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July 4th aftermath in 2016.
Please help to do your part so we don’t have a repeat in 2017!
All that trash – the ugly side of kayaking in Miami!
CLICK for Story!

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Keep it light, stay cool and have a safe paddling holiday friends!

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But why July to me? 😉
CLICK for story!

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Enjoy the fireworks and stars above!

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“Psychedelic gardens in the Sky”

“Psychedelic gardens in the Sky” aka the July 4th fireworks!
Kayakfari ART photography – ART of Darkness series.
CLICK for more!

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Independence Day
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!

Kayak Miami: Escorting a large freighter and two hard working tugs down the Miami River!

Paddling and exploring the Miami River:

Escorting the Betty K VIII on the Miami River all the way from

Miami International Airport out to Biscayne Bay!

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(click on pic to enter!)

CLICK for story:
Escorting the Betty K VIII out the Miami River and into Biscayne Bay!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/reality-check/escorting-the-betty-k-viii-out-the-miami-river-and-into-biscayne-bay/

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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:

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!

Valentine’s encounter in the Everglades – pics or it didn’t happen!

Was it really all just a day dream fantasy?

You’re in Love!

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(Click pic to enter)

“Valentine’s encounter at Shark Point – a day dream in the Everglades?”
CLICK for: ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

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ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

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You may also like the PERFECT DOLL series from PlasticWorlds.com

“Perfect Doll” series from PlasticWorlds.com
Possibly NSFW – but you decide which is art or which is just an illusion!

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Enjoy!

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You’re in Love – BLESS!

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© 2017 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

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

With that said..
Blessings friends!

The Miami River – Crocodiles and Cruise Ships!

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Like many large cities, Miami has a river running through it. This superb film by Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Katja Esson is an entertaining and informative production on the Miami River. Although today much of the upper section of the river has been turned into a freshwater canal, the separated salt water tidal inlet portion still winds through downtown Miami as nature carved out. Follow a journey from it’s historical source in the Everglades and the Native peoples who first settled along it’s gentle banks, to today’s giant Cruise Ships in Biscayne Bay and the busy Port of Miami. The river has been fully dredged for maritime commerce to allow cargo freighter ships, yet at the same time there are trendy upscale restaurants along with the last remnants of once thriving commercial fisheries. This highlights one of the main themes of the film, the great contrasts and cultural diversity that exist within Miami also reflect upon the river itself!

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CLICK for the fullscreen video that opens in a new tab.
ARTE TV Miami River documentary by filmmaker Katja Esson.
Amerikas Flüsse : Der Miami River – Krokodile und Kreuzfahrtschiffe.
The Miami River – Crocodiles and Cruise Ships!

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Featuring segments with:

Dr. Paul George (History Miami Museum), Bob Carr (Archaeological and Historical Conservancy), Yours truly (kayakfari), Samuel Tommie (Love the Everglades Movement), Robin Haines Merrill (Upper Room Art Gallery), Mallory Mioduchoski (Smallwood Store), Pedro Gandara (Gandara Marine), Miami’s finest on the water, sailor Ed Cudworth and Miami’s bridge tenders, fine restauranteurs and many others along the river.

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Direct link: https://vimeo.com/184833828

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My segment is the spooky night time paddling on the Miami River through the eerie “canyon” of freighters, boatyards and who knows what else. You can also see me speaking fluent German or French! 😉

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See all five films in the “Amerikas Flüsse” (American Rivers) series!

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“A behind the scenes, in the making .. night paddling on the Miami River”

CLICK for: Spooky night time paddling and filming on the Miami River with ARTE (Euro TV).
Amerikas Flüsse : Der Miami River – Krokodile und Kreuzfahrtschiffe.
The Miami River – Crocodiles and Cruise Ships!

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Related content you may also like:

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Kayak Miami: Full moon paddling on the historic Miami River!

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“Manati Tug Twins – Hot Lips that kissed Miami ships!”
Tug boats along the Miami River.
ART of the Miami River – Perspectives of water and people on the move

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ART of the Miami River – Perspectives of water and people on the move

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! Bless – keep rowing

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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!

…

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

With that said..
Blessings friends!

Paddling the engineered freshwater flow of the Miami River Canal.

Paddling and exploring the Miami River Canal:

Part I – Freshwater flow.

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Explore the seldom seen sights along the Miami Canal from

Lake Okeechobee down to Miami International Airport!

(click on any pic to enter!)

Canoeist on Lake Okeechobee with sugar cane fields burning in the background.
CLICK for story: Paddling the Miami River Canal – Part I: Engineered Freshwater

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Nice dreams camping along the Miami River Canal at Mack’s Fish Camp!
CLICK for story: Paddling the Miami River Canal – Part I: Engineered Freshwater

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Canoeing past one of the many colorful homes that abut the Miami River Canal.
CLICK for story: Paddling the Miami River Canal – Part I: Engineered Freshwater

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/urban-paddling-in-south-flaariduh-florida/paddling-the-miami-river-canal-part-i-engineered-freshwater/

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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!

…

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!

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With that said..
Blessings friends!

Reality Check: All that trash and paddling in Miami!

Paddling underneath that fancy Miami gloss surface treatment.

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

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

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/reality-check/all-that-trash-the-ugly-side-of-kayaking-in-miami/

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Enjoy & keep Biscayne Bay clean!

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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!

.

A premature Valentine’s Day encounter in the Everglades!

Was it over before it began? You’re in Love!

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A day early, was it over before it began? Happy Valentine’s Day!
CLICK for: ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

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ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

.

.

.

You may also like the PERFECT DOLL series from PlasticWorlds.com

“Perfect Doll” series from PlasticWorlds.com
Possibly NSFW –  but you decide which is pr0n, which is art or which is an illusion!

.

.

.

Enjoy!

.

.

.

You’re in Love – BLESS!

.

.

© 2016 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

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

With that said..
Blessings friends!

Spooky night time paddling and filming on the Miami River with ARTE (Euro TV)

“Behind the scenes, in the making of ..”

Recently I had the pleasure of participating in an ARTE (The European Culture Channel)  production segment about the Miami River directed by Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Katja Esson. She has been working with her production team on a new five part documentary series – American Rivers (Amerikas Flüsse) in German and French for the European market.

Thanks to artist Robin Haines Merrill of the Upper Room Art Gallery, I was put in touch with the production. Robin has been filming in the Everglades with Katja and is also responsible for bringing traditional Native arts into the public light with the Tribal Arts Project and events like Paddle Up on the Himmarshee Canal.

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Bringing out the big boat canoe – “Indian Head”. The better to hold the film crew!

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This segment shot on the Miami River at night took the film crew past some key historical sights and rarely seen parts of today’s Miami. Katja saw some of my images from a previous trip Kayak Miami – Full moon paddling on the historic Miami River and was interested in filming in the dark industrial shipyard section of the Miami River.

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Historic points of interest on the Miami River.

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I chose the meet up and launch at Curtis Park for ease of access to the historical sites and the industrial shipping zone. Curtis Park has a simple boat ramp into the river that made launching easy, but there was a lot of very slick algal growth on submerged concrete.

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The high tide had brought in a lot of trash to the boat ramp at Curtis Park.
CLICK for: All that trash – the ugly side of kayaking in Miami!

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Among the debris were parts of a mostly whole chicken, likely a Santería sacrificial offering.
We weren’t sure if this took place on-site or just washed up with the tide.

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Katja Esson and crew filming on the dock at Curtis Park.

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This 17 foot Coleman canoe easily accommodated Katja, the cameraman and myself while they filmed before sunset on the Miami River.

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For this trip I brought out ‘Indian Head’, a large 17 foot plastic canoe. The crew wanted to be in the same boat with me and film with all their gear before sunset. This canoe is no speedster, but is very stable and was a great choice. After dark, the production team transitioned onto a powerboat so they could film me paddling as per their requirements. While waiting for the powerboat, the team taped a mic onto my chest, but no one could really tell that I was wearing a “wire”! 😉

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Production crew powerboat was provided by the folks at Gandara Marine on the river. They’ve been there about 30 years and have seen Miami change and grow.
It’s interesting that the two boats are the same length!

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Between Curtis Park and the Tamiami Canal connector there once were actual river rapids back when the Miami River was still  free flowing!
There is nothing left of that today except a very small park bearing the ‘rapids’ name.

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At the entrance to the Tamiami Canal connector on the Miami River.
We were just in time to see this old swing bridge from 1922 open and close for some boat traffic!

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Paddling a canoe of this size solo took some decent effort on my part. Going ‘upstream’ there was some current so I switched to a 230cm kayak paddle to make the best of it. Past the Tamiami Canal connector the water was still and flat which added to the eerieness of the experience!

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Paddling through the eerie industrial darkness on a previous trip.
CLICK for: Kayak Miami – Full moon paddling on the historic Miami River

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Once past the Tamiami Canal connector there was no more powerboat traffic, just the large ocean going freighters, barges and lights, sounds & diesel fumes!

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Production team in the powerboat as I paddled along past giant freighters loaded with old SUV’s and mattresses bound for the Caribbean Islands!

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Interestingly I was both a guide and a subject for the film crew as we cruised the eerie industrial darkness of the Miami River canal!

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Solo paddling a canoe on the Miami River canal for the camera.

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For some reason this pic makes me think of the historic 1975 Soyuz-Apollo spacecraft docking in orbit.
A link-up in the darkness! 😉

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Союз — Аполлон

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Striking parallels: “Jesus is the Rock” and the industrial rock quarries on the Miami River canal that have literally built the foundation of modern South Florida!
CLICK for: River of Grass Canoe Expedition 2014 – City and civilization on the Miami River Canal.

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You may also like ‘Perspectives on the Miami River‘ from Kayakfari ART!
CLICK for: ART of the Miami River – Perspectives of water and people on the move.

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Waving goodbye to Katja and crew as they continued on with their production schedule.

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‘Indian Head’ at Curtis Park after a successful trip on the Miami River canal.

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Special thanks to Katja Esson and a big thanks to Robin Haines Merrill for this opportunity!

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The finished film is brilliant, click below to watch it!

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CLICK for fullscreen video that opens in a new tab.
ARTE TV Miami River documentary by filmmaker Katja Esson.
Amerikas Flüsse : Der Miami River – Krokodile und Kreuzfahrtschiffe.
The Miami River – Crocodiles and Cruise Ships!

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Direct link: https://vimeo.com/184833828

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I drove back home along Okeechobee Rd which parallels the river while reminiscing of another canoe trip down the Miami River in 2014.
CLICK for: River of Grass Canoe Expedition 2014 – Miami River Canal out to Biscayne Bay.

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I thought of how dramatically the Miami River has changed over the last 100 years.
The remote Macks Fish Camp further up on the canal is about as close as we can get to that ‘old time’ feel today.
CLICK for: River of Grass Canoe Expedition 2014 – Miami River canal paddling in a Water Conservation Area.

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Enjoy!

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Row, fisherman, Row 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!

Keep your feet firmly in the kayak and stay limber!

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This one is all about the feet, many various feet. So follow along – each pic is clickable for a related story!

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Most paddlers don’t think much about their feet. They tend to focus more on their arms, their hips and their paddles. But the foot is an important and integral part of kayaking and any paddling in general. Along with the hips and thighs, the feet anchor a paddler in or on top of the craft. Foot protection and footwear come in many forms and styles. As with distinctive paddling hats, footwear also sets paddlers apart!

😉

All toes on board at Whiskey Creek in Dania Beach, Florida.
CLICK for story!

Kayaking Whiskey Creek & John U Lloyd State Park.

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

Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef in the upper Keys.

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

Grass Paddling in the East Everglades Expansion Area.

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

Full moon paddling on the historic Miami River.

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

Attitude IS Everything, Kayaking IS Anger management!

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

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

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The feet will let you know when there is a problem or a mismatch with foot pegs or foot pads. Whether fixed, adjustable or sliding, a properly customized fit ensures maximum control and comfort while on the water. In a sit on top you’ll always be looking at your feet. In a traditional kayak, you might not see them but you’ll be feeling and using them – or should be! Sea Kayaks and traditional sit inside kayaks usually have adjustable foot bars or foot pegs. Most sit on top style kayaks have several fixed molded in foot braces. In either case you want to adjust your foot position so that your feet are pushing your butt back into the seat. This will help to keep your lower back straight and in a slightly forward leaning position.

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

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I often see paddlers sit in their boat and immediately lean back as if at home in a recliner. You never want to be leaning back into the backrest unless you’re taking a break! Otherwise you’ll be in the wrong position for actual paddling and harmfully compressing your spine! You may need to readjust or re-position your seat straps to accomplish this. The lean forward position is not only good for paddling, it’s also really good for your lower back.

The feet are the key for proper paddling posture!

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Counting toes and bugs while camping in  Hell!
CLICK for story!

Camping Hell in the Ten Thousand Islands.

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

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

Hiking among the Big Cypress.

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

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

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Therapeutic mud treatment of Florida Bay.
CLICK for story!

The hold up at First National Bank in Florida Bay.

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

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

Higher ground in the Lower Keys and Faith in Numbers!

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

Kayaking and snorkeling at Little Rabbit Key in Florida Bay.

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

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

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

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

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

The best little Piano Bar in Miami!

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

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

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

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

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

She’s a whole lotta Kayak!

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

Trips, sea stories and Pics!

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

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

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Enjoy!

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! BLESS

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

All rights reserved!

…

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

With that said..
Blessings friends!

.

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

Here’s a tribute to a kayak I know ..

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

Rosie, she’s a whole lotta Kayak!

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(click each pic for a story!)

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

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

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

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

(** Cue music **)

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

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

(intro guitar riff)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Does this still count as paddling?
CLICK for story!

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

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

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

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

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

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.
CLICK for story!

Whole lotta Rosie
Whole lotta kayak!

The multi-versal Santa Sombrero and Rosie are a perfect match with the Czech connection!
CLICK for story!

(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!

🙂

Friday the 13th Pre-Valentines Day dreaming and paddling in the Everglades!

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ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

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He went kayaking in the Everglades.

He was a day early!

(click pic to enter)

ART of a Dream – an Everglades encounter at Shark Point.

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Was she real?

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Happy Valentines Day!

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Enjoy!

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.

.

You may also like the PERFECT DOLL series from PlasticWorlds.com

“Perfect Doll” series from PlasticWorlds.com
Possibly NSFW, but you decide which is pr0n, which is art or which is an illusion!

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BLESS the Women!

The curious case of George and the Australopithecine Island Village at Cape Romano!

Long live George and the Australopithecine dream!

(click pic to enter)

ART of Cape Romano – The curious inhabitants of Australopithecine Island

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George was king!

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Enjoy!

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CLICK Australopithecine Blessings!

 

River of Grass Canoe Expedition 2014: Lake Okeechobee – Miami River Canal – Biscayne Bay

River of Grass Canoe Expedition 2014

Lake Okeechobee – Miami River Canal – Biscayne Bay

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“Follow the water” along with the team!

I am honored to have been a part of this educational outreach expedition and pleased to present you with our story:

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Day IV – Final Day

River of Grass Canoe Expedition 2014 – Miami River Canal out to Biscayne Bay

(click pic)

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Mission: Accomplished!

Enjoy!

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© 2014 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / digital029art.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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Keep Rowing! BLESS!

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River of Grass Canoe Expedition 2014: Lake Okeechobee – Miami River Canal – Biscayne Bay

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River of Grass Canoe Expedition 2014

Lake Okeechobee – Miami River Canal – Biscayne Bay

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“Follow the water” along with the team!

I am honored to have been a part of this educational outreach expedition and pleased to present you with our story:

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Day III

Transition into city and civilization on the Miami River Canal

(click pic)

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Enjoy and stay tuned for Day IV !

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© 2014 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / digital029art.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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CLICK = Blessings!

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River of Grass Canoe Expedition 2014: Lake Okeechobee – Miami River Canal – Biscayne Bay

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River of Grass Canoe Expedition 2014

Lake Okeechobee – Miami River Canal – Biscayne Bay

.

“Follow the water” along with the team!

I am honored to have been a part of this educational outreach expedition and pleased to present you with our story:

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Day II

Canal paddling on the edge of civilization in a Water Conservation Area

(click pic)