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!
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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!
Paddling and Playing on Whiskey Creek in Dania Beach:
What’s in a new name?
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The recently renamed Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, formerly John U. Lloyd State Park is still the same jewel of Broward County – but now with even more history!
The new name is to commemorate two civil rights activists who worked to integrate beaches for all to enjoy. The new name reflects the combined efforts of civil rights leaders Dr. Von D Mizell and Eula Gandy Johnson, both of whom played key roles in the creation of what would later become today’s park. Firstly in the establishment of a “colored” beach and eventual road access to the current location. Secondly, both were then instrumental in the desegregation of Ft Lauderdale’s beaches in the early 1960’s! Although done for a good cause, the name change met with some controversy as neither John Lloyd’s widow nor his heirs were even notified. It is unfortunate that John U. Lloyd’s name has been completely dropped, since as an attorney, he was ultimately responsible for transferring the undeveloped property into the state parks system to keep it out of developer’s hands. This is why the park had been named after him since 1976! Hopefully his long standing name can be re-instated on another level, perhaps as a new name for the Dania Beach Blvd bridge as has already been suggested!
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(click on any pic to enter!)
CLICK for story: Paddling on Whiskey Creek at Mizell-Johnson (John U Lloyd) State Park in Dania Beach.
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CLICK for story: Paddling on Whiskey Creek at Mizell-Johnson (John U Lloyd) State Park in Dania Beach.
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CLICK for story: Paddling on Whiskey Creek at Mizell-Johnson (John U Lloyd) State Park in Dania Beach.
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!
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!
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!
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!
Paddle Up on the Himmarshee Canal was a unique event – part public art and part history. This wasn’t a long paddle by any stretch, but it was special nonetheless. The brain child of artist Robin Haines Merrill of the Upper Room Art Gallery, working together with Seminole and Miccosukee traditional artists, this was an excursion into history, bridging cultures and waters.
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Historically, the Himmarshee Canal was a tributary of the New River, which was a major artery in and out of the Everglades. The word translates to “new water” or “new river” and legend has it that it appeared overnight after a big storm or possibly an earth quake. Now for the first time in probably a hundred years, there were trading posts along the river as well as Native paddlers in a (replica) traditional watercraft on the New River!!
This was also true for the delicious traditional Seminole pumpkin frybread that is NOT served in any restaurant!
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(Click pics for larger versions)
Paddling up the Himmarshee Canal, the first “trading post” is on the dock at left, featuring a Native clothing and fashion exhibit!
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I am standing in my kayak looking at artwork installed on the low bridges of the Himmarshee Canal.
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Knowing that this would be a short paddle, I took out “Rosie” – my plus-sized Sit on Top kayak that I usually paddle standing up, paying homage to Native paddlers. I did use a kayak paddle instead of poling however.
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Colorized reproductions of historical photographs from the early 20th century by Robin Merrill.
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The event was open to the public and many people saw it from the low bridges and restaurants along the Himmarshee Canal.
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The “La Croix” (second) trading post featured refreshing cool sparkling waters! They were handed out to paddlers with a lacrosse stick!
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Third trading post on the canal was all about delicious traditional Seminole pumpkin frybread! 🙂
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A way of life, brought back in time for a moment on the Himmarshee Canal thanks to the Upper Room Art Gallery.
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Thanks to Anita Allen for capturing this great pic of me as I was being mesmerized by the “Row” video installation! 🙂
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Today’s Himmarshee Canal is a dead-end, however it was historically a tributary to the New River.
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Native watercraft meets the 21st century and paddle sports on the Himmarshee Canal!
A BIG thanks to artist Robin Haines Merrill and the Native artists for making this unique event happen and the kind folks at All Saints Episcopal Church for the hospitality!
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!
kayakfari ( kayak .. far .. i ) 