The 2022 Winterfest Holiday Boat Parade paddle through Ft Lauderdale.

Winterfest Holiday Boat Parade 2022

Once again we led the parade as part of the non-motorized

vessel pre-show ahead of the fireworks.

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(tap or click pic to read)

Kayaking the 2022 Winterfest Parade with a MOTHERSHIP sighting!
Winterfest Holiday Boat Parade 2022 – the second Annual Whitney Turner Holiday Parade Paddle.

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HAPPY PADDLING HOLIDAYS!

Notably absent however was our dear friend Whitney Turner, RIP. Whitney was a key figure in South Florida paddling as the organizer of the South Florida Kayaking Meetup group for many years. He was also instrumental in organizing and hosting our kayak runs of the Winterfest Boat Parades, and as such a new paddling tradition has been borne in his honor.

Thus the 2022 Winterfest Boat Parade was also our

Second Annual Whitney Turner Holiday Parade Paddle!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/events/winterfest-holiday-boat-parade-2022-the-second-annual-whitney-turner-holiday-parade-paddle/

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You can read more about paddling the Ft Lauderdale Winterfest Parade:

Kayaking a Parade of Lights (Seminole Winterfest Boat Parade)!

.

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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!

🙂

Kaya Kay Skellitonova – the Eternal paddler.

True paddlers never say die!

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Kaya chooses the RTM Disco kayak paired with

a large parallel blade wing paddle.

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(tap or click pic to read)

“Wish you were here (at all)!”
Dark ART of Halloween paddling – Kaya Kay’s excellent adventure on Whiskey Creek!

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Kaya Kay Skellitonova portrays as herself on location at

Mizell-Johnson (John U Lloyd) State Park in Dania Beach.

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/dark-art-of-halloween-paddling-kaya-kays-excellent-adventure-on-whiskey-creek/

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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:

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely intentional. 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!

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 – Celebrating National Lighthouse Day in South Florida.

Today is National Lighthouse Day.

In South Florida we have several lighthouses,

celebrate by visiting one!

Some are on land and accessible to everyone, others are out at sea over the Florida Keys reef chain.

They are just a small subset of all the lighthouses in Florida!

These lighthouses were lifesaving beacons in their day and

today remain beacons of time in South Florida history!

 .

(tap or click pic to read)

Florida offshore kayaking portal to:
Fowey Rocks, Carysfort Reef, Alligator Reef, Sombrero Reef, American Shoal and Sand Key lighthouses!

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Please note:

I am describing open water trips miles offshore with NO possibility of getting out anywhere.

Plan accordingly and paddle within your limitations and the weather conditions!!

Offshore means you are subject to wind, waves, currents AND the South Florida general boating public!

Be absolutely sure you know what you are getting into before considering doing this kind of a trip!

Safety first means planning and research first!

Always have plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated!

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Kayaking the Biscayne Bay triangle: Cape Florida – Fowey Rocks – Soldier Key!

Boca Chita – kayaking to a Fantasy Island on Biscayne Bay!

Bill Baggs to Boca Chita across the “Safety Valve” on Biscayne Bay.

Carysfort Reef Lighthouse – paddling into upper Keys nautical history!

Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History!

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

Lower Keys paddling to American Shoal Lighthouse on the edge of the Gulf Stream!

Sand Key Lighthouse – kayaking to the “southern star” of the offshore Keys reef lights!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/offshore-paddling-the-six-historic-florida-keys-lighthouses/

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More lighthouse information:

List of lighthouses in Florida

Florida Lighthouse Association

Florida Keys Reef Lights Foundation

American Lighthouse Foundation

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Enjoy!

.

! BLESS

.

.

.

© 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 – Happy Birthday to American Shoal lighthouse in the Lower Keys.

The loneliest lighthouse in all the Keys!

The American Shoal lighthouse was first lit on July 15, 1880.

.

(tap or click pic to read)

The MOJITO at anchor next to American Shoal Lighthouse in the lower Keys.
Lower Keys paddling to American Shoal Lighthouse on the edge of the Gulf Stream!

.

American Shoal lighthouse is the newest of the

offshore reef lights constructed in the Florida Keys waters.

However it is 142 years old now!

It was built to “fill in the gap” that existed between Sand Key light off Key West and Sombrero Reef light off Marathon and located in a very remote stretch of water in the Lower Keys. By the late 19th century, it was possible to always be within sight of at least one lighthouse whener navigating the tricky Keys waters!

American Shoal is an almost identical replica to

the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse off Miami.

.

Despite being smack in the middle of Hurricane Irma’s path in 2017, this resilient lighthouse looks to be in very good condition for it’s years!

For this offshore adventure I paddled my favorite SOT kayak, the RTM Disco, aka ‘MOJITO’. The Disco is the kind of kayak that is easy to start with, but one that encourages and even asks to be paddled aggressively. Paired with a wing paddle she moves quickly at 4 knots or better, only limited by the short waterline and endurance. The addition of a footplate greatly increases ergonomics and also allows me to paddle the MOJITO like a surfski utilizing leg drive! 🙂

I anchored the MOJITO just north of American Shoal light in about six feet of water. Unlike all the other offshore reef lighthouses, American Shoal is the only one that does not have it’s own special underwater preserve. This because the shoal it sits on is pretty much a dead reef zone unfortunately!

Paddling into lower Keys nautical history

off Sugarloaf Key.

.

Happy Birthday American Shoal!

.

.

Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/lower-keys-paddling-to-american-shoal-lighthouse-on-the-edge-of-the-gulf-stream/

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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 – Happy Independence Day from American Shoal Lighthouse in the Lower Keys.

The Kayak as a personal

“Declaration of Independence”!

.

(tap or click pic to read)

A Declaration of Independence from Land?
Lower Keys paddling to American Shoal Lighthouse on the edge of the Gulf Stream!

.

American Shoal lighthouse is the newest of the

offshore reef lights constructed in the Florida Keys waters.

However it is over 140 years old now!

It was built to “fill in the gap” that existed between Sand Key light off Key West and Sombrero Reef light off Marathon and located in a very remote stretch of water in the Lower Keys. By the late 19th century, it was possible to always be within sight of at least one lighthouse whener navigating the tricky Keys waters!

American Shoal is an almost identical replica to

the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse off Miami.

For this offshore adventure I paddled my favorite SOT kayak, the RTM Disco, aka ‘MOJITO’. The Disco is the kind of kayak that is easy to start with, but one that encourages and even asks to be paddled aggressively. Paired with a wing paddle she moves quickly at 4 knots or better, only limited by the short waterline and endurance. The addition of a footplate greatly increases ergonomics and also allows me to paddle the MOJITO like a surfski utilizing leg drive! 🙂

I anchored the MOJITO just north of American Shoal light in about six feet of water. Unlike all the other offshore reef lighthouses, American Shoal is the only one that does not have it’s own special underwater preserve. This because the shoal it sits on is pretty much a dead reef zone unfortunately!

Paddling into lower Keys nautical history

off Sugarloaf Key.

.

Happy Birthday America!

.

Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/lower-keys-paddling-to-american-shoal-lighthouse-on-the-edge-of-the-gulf-stream/

.

.

.

! 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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.

.

! 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 – Offshore paddling to find Jesus in the Florida Keys!

Face to face with Christ of the deep

in an underwater kingdom.

.

(tap or click pic to read)

Christ faces due east embracing all kayaks on the surface above with open arms!
Kayaking to Dry Rocks Reef – a Pilgrimage to find the “Christ of the Abyss” off Key Largo!

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There’s no question that Jesus has a powerful draw – spiritually, figuratively and literally. Six miles offshore from Key Largo lies the “Christ of the Abyss”, a submerged nine foot tall bronze statue of Jesus Christ. It’s a very popular draw for tourists, snorkelers, divers and boaters. It’s one of the most popular snorkel and dive destinations in the Keys and certainly inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The “Christ of the Deep” as it’s also called is also a part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and as such special regulations apply.

The statue is actually one of three worldwide that are underwater. It is in fact the third casting from the same mold and was commissioned for Italian dive equipment manufacturer Egidio Cressi, who then donated it to the Underwater Society of America. The Society, in turn presented the sculpture to the then newly formed John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo in the early 1960’s.

Be sure to check out this cool underwater

interactive panorama of the Christ of the Abyss!

.

From Jesus to Christ to Art!

Alt Jesus Study is a non-religious but spiritual look at the meaning of sacrifice, rebirth, fertility and duality. Exploration of symbolism and culture as represented in the forms of Jesus and northern hemisphere Western Mythology.

Alt Jesus Study digital art series from DecoratedReality.com

.

Why paddle out there?

Well, one reason is that because it’s there and it is doable. Another is that a trip like this really does feel like a Pilgrimage of sorts to see something unique and special. I’m not particularly religious, but there was certainly a nice spiritual aspect to this endeavor.

Finally, as a photographer, I really wanted to capture all of this!

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NOTE:

This is a 13 mile round trip paddle out to sea in OPEN WATER

so plan accordingly and paddle within your limitations!

.

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/kayaking-to-dry-rocks-reef-a-pilgrimage-to-find-the-christ-of-the-abyss-off-key-largo/

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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 – 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/

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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 – Exploring American Shoal lighthouse in the Lower Keys.

The loneliest lighthouse in all the Keys!

The American Shoal lighthouse was the last of the offshore

reef lights to be constructed in the Florida Keys waters.

.

(tap or click pic to read)

Bringing the Disco to American Shoal Lighthouse.
Lower Keys paddling to American Shoal Lighthouse on the edge of the Gulf Stream!

.

This makes it the newest,

even if it is over 140 years old now!

It’s located in a very remote stretch of water in the Lower Keys and was built to “fill in the gap” so to speak, that existed between Sand Key light off Key West and Sombrero Reef light off Marathon. So by the late 19th century, it was possible to always be within sight of at least one lighthouse when navigating the tricky Keys waters!

I did not have to worry about any of this since I was in my favorite SOT kayak, the RTM Disco, aka MOJITO. The Disco is the kind of kayak that is easy to start with, but one that encourages and even asks to be paddled aggressively. Paired with a wing paddle she moves quickly at 4 knots or better, only limited by the short waterline and endurance. The addition of a footplate greatly increases seating ergonomics and also allows me to paddle the MOJITO like a surfski utilizing leg drive! 🙂

Upon arrival, I anchored the MOJITO just north of American Shoal light in about six feet of water. Unlike all the other offshore reef lighthouses, American Shoal is the only one that does not have it’s own special underwater preserve. This because the shoal it sits on is pretty much a dead reef unfortunately!

American Shoal is an almost identical replica to the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse off Miami.

Despite being smack in the middle of Hurricane Irma’s path in 2017, this resilient lighthouse looks to be in very good condition for it’s 140+ years.

.

Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/lower-keys-paddling-to-american-shoal-lighthouse-on-the-edge-of-the-gulf-stream/

.

.

.

! 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 – Holiday lights, my camera and night paddling action.

Happy Paddling

South Florida’s Holiday Boat Parades!

.

(tap or click pic)

HAPPY PADDLING HOLIDAYS!
Kayaking a Parade of Lights (Seminole Winterfest Boat Parade)!

.

The Winterfest Holiday Boat Parade has become of the top 20 world-wide parades to see with over ONE MILLION cheering spectators lining the 12 mile route in boats and on shore.

The year 2021 marked the

50th annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Holiday Boat Parade

.

My own Holiday Parade paddling goes back to 1997 with the crew from the “Waterways Kayak” shop, which was then and still remains to this day the biggest kayak pro shop that South Florida has ever seen! Since moving back to South Florida in 2006, I have paddled the main Winterfest Parade every year except for 2012 when I was “spectating” and in 2020 when it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ft Lauderdale Winterfest Parade route has not changed since 2007 when it was extended to start in downtown Ft Lauderdale rather than by Port Everglades in years prior to that. In 2008 the Parade organizers started placing all non-motorized watercraft at the head of the Parade, instead of the tail end.

So as paddlers,

we are always leading the Winterfest Boat Parade!

🙂

Through the years, the Kayak Jeff shop also organized a run of the Parade. However it was with the South Florida Kayaking Meetup that all the regular subsequent runs took place, organized by the late Whitney Turner and currently by Kayak Ted of the Palm Beach Water Yaks group. Ted has also organized and pioneered additional runs of other South Florida Holiday Parades, namely in Boca Raton and Pompano Beach. I have had the great pleasure of participating in all the events listed below and owe a debt of gratitude to both of the aforementioned gentlemen! It has also given me much joy over the years to document these events, all the while having fun experimenting with with different photographic techniques for you viewing pleasure!

.

Please enjoy and

HAPPY PADDLING HOLIDAYS!

.

The Parade paddling events:

Prior to 2013 all the previous Parade runs were condensed into my original story

Kayaking a Parade of Lights (Seminole Winterfest Boat Parade)!

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Kayaking the Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade (2013).

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Kayaking the 2014 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Holiday Boat Parade.

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Kayaking the 2014 Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade.

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Paddling the 2015 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Holiday Boat Parade through Ft Lauderdale.

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Paddling the windy 2016 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Holiday Boat Parade on the New River!

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Kayaking the 2016 Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade with Rudolph!

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Kayaking the 2017 Winterfest Boat Parade through Ft Lauderdale!

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Whipped It Good – Winterfest Boat Parade 2018!

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Paddling the 2019 Winterfest Boat Parade – seeing the Light(s)!

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Paddling the 2020 Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade.

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Winterfest Holiday Boat Parade 2021 – First Annual Whitney Turner Holiday Parade Paddle.

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More on paddling the main Winterfest Parade:

Kayaking a Parade of Lights (Seminole Winterfest Boat Parade)!

.

.

.

.

! 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 – Face to face with Jesus in an underwater kingdom.

Offshore paddling to find Jesus in

the Florida Keys dive country!

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(tap or click pic to read)

Christ faces due east embracing all kayaks on the surface above with open arms!
Kayaking to Dry Rocks Reef – a Pilgrimage to find the “Christ of the Abyss” off Key Largo!

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There’s no question that Jesus has a powerful draw – spiritually, figuratively and literally. Six miles offshore from Key Largo lies the “Christ of the Abyss”, a submerged nine foot tall bronze statue of Jesus Christ. It’s a very popular draw for tourists, snorkelers, divers and boaters. It’s one of the most popular snorkel and dive destinations in the Keys and certainly inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The “Christ of the Deep” as it’s also called is also a part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and as such special regulations apply.

Be sure to check out this cool underwater

interactive panorama of the Christ of the Abyss!

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Why paddle out there?

Well, one reason is that because it’s there and it is doable. Another is that a trip like this really does feel like a Pilgrimage of sorts to see something unique and special. I’m not particularly religious, but there was a nice spiritual aspect to this endeavor! Finally, as a photographer, I really wanted to capture all of this.

This “Christ of the Abyss” statue is actually one of three worldwide that are underwater. It is fact the third casting from the same mold and was commissioned for Italian dive equipment manufacturer Egidio Cressi, who then donated it to the Underwater Society of America. The Society, in turn presented the sculpture to the then newly formed John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo in the early 1960’s.

Truth is I first found Jesus way back in 1982,

and Jesus was younger then too!

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NOTE:

This is a 13 mile round trip paddle out to sea in OPEN WATER

so plan accordingly and paddle within your limitations!!

.

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/kayaking-to-dry-rocks-reef-a-pilgrimage-to-find-the-christ-of-the-abyss-off-key-largo/

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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 – The First Annual Whitney Turner Holiday Parade Paddle through Ft Lauderdale.

Winterfest Holiday Boat Parade 2021

Once again we led the parade as part of the non-motorized

vessel pre-show.

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(tap or click pic to read)

The 2021 non-motorized vessel pre-show crew.
Winterfest Holiday Boat Parade 2021 – First Annual Whitney Turner Holiday Parade Paddle.

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HAPPY PADDLING HOLIDAYS!

Notably absent however was our dear friend Whitney Turner, RIP. Whitney was a key figure in South Florida paddling as the organizer of the South Florida Kayaking Meetup group for many years. He was also instrumental in organizing and hosting our kayak runs of the Winterfest Boat Parades, and as such a new paddling tradition has been borne in his honor.

So the 2021 Winterfest Boat Parade also inaugurated the

First Annual Whitney Turner Holiday Parade Paddle!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/events/winterfest-holiday-boat-parade-2021-first-annual-whitney-turner-holiday-parade-paddle/

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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 – Staying alive in the soup zone with funky Disco moves!

Sometimes .. surf’s UP.

It’s Disco fever in the surf zone!

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(tap or click pic to read)

Ready to bust some Disco moves in the MOJITO – an RTM Disco kayak.
Disco fever kayaking in Dania Beach – Surf’s UP!

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Truth of the matter is that we don’t get really great surfing conditions here in South Florida. It’s tough to get nice long rides. Some of my best rides have actually resulted from powerboat wakes in slow speed intracoastal zones on surfskis. At the beach however, the break is short and usually very close to shore. Surfskis are too long for this and not made for riding breaking waves which can crack them!

What’s really needed is a much shorter boat,

and my personal favorite for this is the RTM Disco sit on top.

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Boogie woogie in the water!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/fitness/disco-fever-kayaking-in-dania-beach-surfs-up/

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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 – Are we not Winterfest paddlers? We must paddle it 2021!

When a good time comes around,

You must paddle it!

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(tap or click pic to read)

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK WINTERFEST HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE IN FT LAUDERDALE.
Once when we were DEVO, we whipped it Good – but every year is a special treat! 🙂
Image from GRAPEK Photography Online used by permission.

.

This year the

50th annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Holiday Boat Parade

happens on Saturday Dec 11th in Ft Lauderdale.

The non-motorized vessel pre-show starts at 6:00 p.m!

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Crack that Whip, see you there!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/kayaking-a-parade-of-lights-seminole-winterfest-boat-parade/whipped-it-good-winterfest-boat-parade-2018/

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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 – Disco fever kayak adventure with Kaya Kay on Whiskey Creek.

True paddlers never say die!

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“Wish you were here (at all)!”
Dark ART of Halloween paddling – Kaya Kay’s excellent adventure on Whiskey Creek!

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Kaya Kay digs the RTM Disco kayak with a parallel blade wing paddle!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/dark-art-of-halloween-paddling-kaya-kays-excellent-adventure-on-whiskey-creek/

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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 – Such a Perfect Day for the departed paddler!

The voyage of the dearly departed.

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The Dead can Paddle.
ART of Halloween kayaking – the voyage of the departed paddler!

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Kayaking from beyond the grave in

sunny South Florida.

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/art-of-halloween-kayaking-the-voyage-of-the-departed-paddler/

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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 – The multi-universal Sombrero.

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

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

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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.

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

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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 South Florida’s Offshore Reef Lighthouses!

These lighthouses were lifesaving beacons in their day and remain beacons of time integral to South Florida history!

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The six offshore lighthouses presented:

Kayaking the Biscayne Bay triangle: Cape Florida – Fowey Rocks – Soldier Key!

Carysfort Reef Lighthouse – paddling into upper Keys nautical history!

Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History!

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

Lower Keys paddling to American Shoal Lighthouse on the edge of the Gulf Stream!

Sand Key Lighthouse – kayaking to the “southern star” of the offshore Keys reef lights!

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(click on pic to enter portal!)

Florida offshore kayaking portal to:
Fowey Rocks, Carysfort Reef, Alligator Reef, Sombrero Reef, American Shoal and Sand Key lighthouses!

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Please note:

I am describing open water trips miles offshore with NO possibility of getting out anywhere.

Plan accordingly and paddle within your limitations and the weather conditions!!

Offshore means you are subject to wind, waves, currents AND the South Florida general boating public!

Be absolutely sure you know what you are getting into before considering doing this kind of a trip!

Safety first means planning and research first!!

Always have plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated!

.

.

! BLESS

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.

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

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

American Shoal Lighthouse – the Kayak as a personal Declaration of Independence!

Offshore Keys paddling:

A journey to the loneliest Keys lighthouse

on edge of the Gulf Stream!

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(click pic to enter)

Declaration: The MOJITO at American Shoal Lighthouse in the lower Keys.

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Kayaking into lower Keys nautical history

from a dead-end road off Sugarloaf Key.

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/lower-keys-paddling-to-american-shoal-lighthouse-on-the-edge-of-the-gulf-stream/

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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!

🙂

Halloween full moon fever with Sobek – a retired Egyptian deity!

Happy Halloween!

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Sobek contemplates the meaning of Halloween from the rooftop of his ocean view condo in South Florida!

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Sobek is a retired Egyptian deity who recently

moved down to sunny South Florida.

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Follow these links to all things Halloween, dark,

evil and twisted from Kayakfari!

😮

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Halloween on the Taylor Slough!

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Tall tales from the Everglades – Act I

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ART of Darkness – the Darkest hour at Stiltsville upon Biscayne Bay!

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ART of Halloween kayaking – a Darkness in the Everglades!

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The Nightmare after Festivus in the Everglades!

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Ghost kayaking and camping in the style of Papa Emeritus II

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What’s in your hatch? Evil twisted kayak camping humor.

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ART of Dia de Muertos en los Everglades – the skeleton in my kayak!

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ART of Halloween kayaking – the voyage of the departed paddler!

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Dark ART of Halloween paddling – Kaya Kay’s excellent adventure on Whiskey Creek!

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ART of Halloween kayaking – Kaya Kay’s chickee camping holiday!

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Camping Hell in the Ten Thousand Islands!

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“You want blood?”

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NSFK – Never Safe for Kids!

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! BLESS

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© 2020 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!

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!

…

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!

Open water paddling to American Shoal lighthouse in the lower Keys!

Offshore Keys kayaking:

The MOJITO at American Shoal lighthouse.

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Bringing the Disco to the loneliest Keys lighthouse

on edge of the Gulf Stream!

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(click pic for story)

The MOJITO at anchor next to American Shoal Lighthouse in the lower Keys, summer 2020.

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/lower-keys-paddling-to-american-shoal-lighthouse-on-the-edge-of-the-gulf-stream/

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Lower Keys paddling to American Shoal Lighthouse on the edge of the Gulf Stream!

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The MOJITO is a customized RTM Disco kayak.

American Shoal lighthouse was the last of the six Florida Keys offshore reef lights to be erected in the second half of the 19th century. It is virtually an identical twin to the Fowey Rocks lighthouse which was built just a couple of years earlier.

Despite being smack in the middle of Hurricane Irma’s path in 2017, this resilient lighthouse looks to be in very good condition for it’s 140+ years.

.

Full story coming soon on this photography adventure dive trip!

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Bless UP & ring da Bell!

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.

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

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

Visiting South Florida’s lighthouses to Celebrate National Lighthouse Day!

Today is National Lighthouse Day!

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In South Florida we have several lighthouses – celebrate by visiting one.

Some are on land and accessible to everyone, others are out at sea over the Florida Keys reef chain.

They are just a small subset of all the lighthouses in Florida!

You can take a virtual peek or an extended tour of the lighthouses and reefs that I have paddled out to.

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First, the offshore reef lights

along the Florida Keys chain:

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Florida Keys offshore reef lighthouses.
Photograph courtesy U.S. Coast Guard

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(click on any pic for story!)

Kayaking the Biscayne Bay triangle: Cape Florida – Fowey Rocks – Soldier Key!

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Carysfort Reef Lighthouse – paddling into upper Keys nautical history!

.

Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History!

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

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Independence Day at American Shoal Lighthouse!
Lower Keys paddling to American Shoal Lighthouse on the edge of the Gulf Stream!

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ONEWAY at what is left of Sand Key eight miles SW of Key West.
Sand Key Lighthouse – kayaking to the “southern star” of the offshore Keys reef lights!

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Boca Chita – kayaking to a Fantasy Island on Biscayne Bay!
(This is a decorative lighthouse, but worth seeing nonetheless.)

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Land based South Florida lighthouses:

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Jupiter Inlet – the Red Lighthouse kayak paddle.

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Kayaks at Hillsboro Lighthouse at the inlet.
Note the difference in water quality and spot the Blimp! 😮
Click for interactive 360 aerial panorama.

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Cape Florida lighthouse on Key Biscayne at Bill Baggs State Park, aerial seagull’s eye view.
Click for interactive panorama!

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There’s also the historic Key West lighthouse ,

and two more in the Dry Tortugas that I also hope to visit soon! 🙂

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These lighthouses were lifesaving beacons in their day and

today remain beacons of time in South Florida history!

.

More lighthouse information:

List of lighthouses in Florida

Florida Lighthouse Association

Florida Keys Reef Lights Foundation

American Lighthouse Foundation

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Enjoy!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/2013/10/06/jupiter-inlet-red-lighthouse-kayak-paddle/

http://www.dermandar.com/p/amqLbO/pompano-hillsboro-light-kayakfari-aerial

http://www.dermandar.com/p/cOFcJC

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/urban-paddling-in-south-flaariduh-florida/kayaking-the-biscayne-bay-triangle-cape-florida-fowey-rocks-soldier-key/

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/boca-chita-kayaking-to-a-fantasy-island-on-biscayne-bay/

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/carysfort-reef-lighthouse-paddling-into-upper-keys-nautical-history/

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

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

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

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

Happy July 4th from American Shoal Lighthouse!

Happy Independence Day

from American Shoal Lighthouse!

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(click pic for story)

Independence Day on the MOJITO (RTM Disco) – anchored off American Shoal lighthouse.

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Paddling into lower Keys nautical history

off Sugarloaf Key.

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Happy Birthday America!

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More of South Florida’s local lighthouses:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/2019/08/07/celebrating-national-lighthouse-day-with-south-floridas-local-lighthouses/

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! BLESS

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

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

Coronavirus Quarantine Kayaking Dose – Day 2

No paddling today,

further water access restrictions implemented in South Florida. 😦

 

The 2020 Covid-19 pandemic worldwide shutdown and lockout enabled me to finish up this custom SOT foot plate project!

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(click pic for details)

RTM Disco kayak customization on Day 2 of my Coronavirus self quarantine, social distancing and involuntary vacation.
Custom SOT kayak solid foot plate for the RTM Disco!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/tech/custom-sot-kayak-solid-foot-plate-for-the-rtm-disco/

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When the going gets tough, the tough go Disco.

See you on the water!

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Bless UP!

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

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

 

Celebrating National Lighthouse Day with South Florida’s local lighthouses!

Today is National Lighthouse Day!

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In South Florida we have several lighthouses – celebrate by visiting one. Some are on land and accessible to everyone, others are out at sea over the Florida Keys reef chain. They are just a small subset of all the lighthouses in Florida!

Presented here in order from north to south, starting with Jupiter Lighthouse and ending with Sand Key Lighthouse. You can take a virtual peek or an extended tour of the one’s that I have paddled out to.

These lighthouses were beacons in their day and

today remain beacons in time as integral parts of South Florida history!

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(click on any pic for more!)

Jupiter Inlet – the Red Lighthouse kayak paddle.

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Kayaks at Hillsboro Lighthouse at the inlet.
Note the difference in water quality and spot the Blimp! 😮
Click for interactive 360 aerial panorama.

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Cape Florida lighthouse on Key Biscayne at Bill Baggs State Park, aerial seagull’s eye view.
Click for interactive panorama!

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Kayaking the Biscayne Bay triangle: Cape Florida – Fowey Rocks – Soldier Key!

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Boca Chita – kayaking to a Fantasy Island on Biscayne Bay!
(This is a decorative lighthouse, but worth seeing nonetheless.)

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Carysfort Reef Lighthouse – paddling into upper Keys nautical history!

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Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History!

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

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Lower Keys paddling to American Shoal Lighthouse on the edge of the Gulf Stream!

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Sand Key Lighthouse – kayaking to the “southern star” of the offshore Keys reef lights!

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Then there are also a few more historic lighthouses like the Key West lighthouse , and two more in the Dry Tortugas that I hope to visit soon! 🙂

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More lighthouse information:

List of lighthouses in Florida

Florida Lighthouse Association

Florida Keys Reef Lights Foundation

American Lighthouse Foundation

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Enjoy!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/2013/10/06/jupiter-inlet-red-lighthouse-kayak-paddle/

http://www.dermandar.com/p/amqLbO/pompano-hillsboro-light-kayakfari-aerial

http://www.dermandar.com/p/cOFcJC

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/urban-paddling-in-south-flaariduh-florida/kayaking-the-biscayne-bay-triangle-cape-florida-fowey-rocks-soldier-key/

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/boca-chita-kayaking-to-a-fantasy-island-on-biscayne-bay/

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/carysfort-reef-lighthouse-paddling-into-upper-keys-nautical-history/

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

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/

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/lower-keys-paddling-to-american-shoal-lighthouse-on-the-edge-of-the-gulf-stream/

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/random-gallery-2/florida-south-florida/florida-bay-keys/sand-key-lighthouse-kayaking-to-the-southern-star-of-the-offshore-keys-reef-lights/

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! BLESS

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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!

…

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.

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(click pic to enter!)

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

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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!

🙂

Crack that Whip! Paddling the 2018 Winterfest Holiday Boat Parade in Ft Lauderdale.

We came,

We paddled,

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We Whipped It Good!

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(click pic to enter)

Whipped It Good – Winterfest Boat Parade 2018!

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When a good time turns around, You must whip it!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/kayaking-a-parade-of-lights-seminole-winterfest-boat-parade/whipped-it-good-winterfest-boat-parade-2018/

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Enjoy!

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.

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Whip It!

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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!

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!

Howl at the Moon – it’s Halloween time!

Happy Halloween!

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“Howl at the Moon!”
Kayakfari ART Photography

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Kayaking from beyond the grave in

sunny South Florida.

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Follow these links to all things Halloween, dark,

evil and twisted from Kayakfari!

😮

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Halloween on the Taylor Slough!

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Camping Hell in the Ten Thousand Islands!

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Tall tales from the Everglades – Act I

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ART of Darkness – the Darkest hour at Stiltsville upon Biscayne Bay!

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ART of Halloween kayaking – a Darkness in the Everglades!

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The Nightmare after Festivus in the Everglades!

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Ghost kayaking and camping in the style of Papa Emeritus II

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What’s in your hatch? Evil twisted kayak camping humor.

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ART of Dia de Muertos en los Everglades – the skeleton in my kayak!

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ART of Halloween kayaking – the voyage of the departed paddler!

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Dark ART of Halloween paddling – Kaya Kay’s excellent adventure on Whiskey Creek!

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ART of Halloween kayaking – Kaya Kay’s chickee camping holiday!

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“You want blood?”

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NSFK – Never Safe for Kids!

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.

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! BLESS

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© 2018 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!

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!

…

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!

Further entertaining the Darkness with Kaya Kay at Whiskey Creek!

Kaya Kay’s most excellent Dark kayaking adventure.

Presented in living color with no interruptions!

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(click to enter)

“Wish you were here!”
Kayakfari ART Photography
Dark ART of Halloween paddling – Kaya Kay’s excellent adventure on Whiskey Creek!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/dark-art-of-halloween-paddling-kaya-kays-excellent-adventure-on-whiskey-creek/

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“I’ll be back!”

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A spooky Halloween kayaking special from Whiskey Creek.

NSFK – Never Safe for Kids!

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