The Time-release Dose – “We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and by the depth of our answers.”

A pertinent quote by the late Carl Sagan, astronomer and author of the Cosmos  series.

The “Backbone of Night”.

It is said that the !Kung people of the Kalahari desert consider the Milky Way as the backbone that holds up the sky!

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(tap or click pic to read)

“The sky is calling!”
ART of Darkness – Camping with the Stars! Part III

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An invitation from the darkness

outside the world of people.

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Our ancestors have lived in the darkness for many thousands of years. It is only in the last 100 years that people have lost sight of the Milky Way and the stars.

Remote camping under the Milky Way is a beautiful experience

not soon forgotten.

Enjoy the dark Everglades nights!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/art-of-darkness-camping-with-the-stars-part-iii/

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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 – Breathe deep, spring is in the air!

Paddling adventures in The High Country – Part III

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(tap or click pic to read)

Lighting up the night in springtime northern New Mexico.
Kayaking, photography and riparian entertainment in springtime New Mexico!

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Springtime riparian entertainment,

photography and kayaking in New Mexico.

Northern New Mexico is a sunny kind of place – winter, spring and all year round. Because of the high altitude and all the radiant solar heat during the day it’s quite warm and comfortable. The air is light at this altitude, in the winter it feels sterile, like breathing from a SCUBA tank.

It’s also as silent as can be!

In the spring the dry brown hues of winter give way to vibrant greens and fields of beautiful wildflowers! All the new spring growth releases scents that waft through the air along with the sounds of life scurrying around.

There are excellent spring time white water paddling opportunities, but I wanted a slower touring pace to focus on photography and continue to “get to know these places”.

Feat. the Rio Grande at Cochiti Lake,

and Abiquiu Lake on the Rio Chama!

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Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/kayaking-photography-and-riparian-entertainment-in-springtime-new-mexico/

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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 Banana Boat : February 3rd, 1992.

February 3rd, 1992

There was a kayak on the roof rack

Tell me where were you?

You were sittin’ home watchin’ your TV

While I was participating in some kayaking.

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(tap or click pic to read)

Warranty card for my brand new Seda Glider sea kayak – February 3, 1992.
Winter birthday triad on Florida Bay with the ‘Banana Boat’!

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It was 30 years ago today, that I brought home my

Seda Glider sea kayak.

This Seda Glider sea kayak was my very first ‘real’ kayak. At the time I just wanted a fast boat to scoot around in. I had no concept at all of going camping out in the wilderness and was just learning about paddling in general. It was a good choice as it’s still my main distance camping and cruising boat thirty years later.

The Seda Glider kayak is still in production today!

I like to name my boats, so the Seda Glider quickly became the ‘Banana Boat‘. That simple name was the start of an ongoing customization campaign that actually continues going forward. For instance I will be upgrading her to tiller steering soon!

Back in 1992 there was no internet to speak of and getting information or reviews required a bit of effort. Mostly it was about reading magazines, going to the library (remember those!) and talking to people and trying out boats if/when available locally. One thing I did pick up on at this early stage was to get the kayak, the paddle and a skirt plus a paddle float all together. I sure was glad to have the inflatable paddle float because I needed it the very first time I took the kayak out in the ocean. I successfully deployed it to re-enter my new boat after capsizing off Ft Lauderdale beach. Later I got a pump and life jacket to complete the setup. I had a lot of fun cruising around South Florida and enjoyed the freedom of being the captain of my own boat!

Fortunately that has not changed!

In our ‘modern’ disposable age, owning a product and getting good use from it for thirty years is a rarity. High quality kayaks have never been cheap, but can indeed deliver long lasting value. I’m pretty sure that I can expect this boat to last me a lifetime, or as long as I am able to paddle it!

🙂

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 On a previous birthday celebration, I laid out a three day triangular route across about half of Florida Bay for this story.

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Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/winter-birthday-triad-on-florida-bay-with-the-banana-boat/

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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 – Winter paddling adventures in The High Country – Part II

Kayak ice breaking on the Rio Grande!

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(tap or click pic to read)

So you think I’d be the only crazy nut boating in the dead of winter in New Mexico?
Paddling in a Winter Wonderland – Kayak ice breaking on the Rio Grande!

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Previously on Winter paddling adventures in The High Country – Part I :

“Winter Wonderland paddling – kayak photography at Cochiti Lake on the Rio Grande in New Mexico”.

I was determined to make kayaking on the Rio Grande at Cochiti Lake a year round sport with my 14 foot sit on top kayak, the well known classic Necky Dolphin. When you take a look at the bow of the Necky Dolphin kayak, you will notice the blunt bow which was designed that way for surfing.

This feature is also what makes it a good ice breaker kayak!

It’s because it actually rides up on top of the ice and then crushes it underneath it’s own weight. This is exactly the same way that the giant ice breaker ships work too! The machete duct taped to the bow is there just to part the way so the hull can break the ice.

In my case the limit to successful kayak ice breaking

was about 1.5″ inches of ice thickness!

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Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/winter-wonderland-paddling-kayak-photography-at-cochiti-lake-on-the-rio-grande-in-new-mexico/paddling-in-a-winter-wonderland-kayak-ice-breaking-on-the-rio-grande/

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! Bless UP

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

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Daily Dose – Winter paddling adventures in The High Country – Part I

In the silence of winter, the lake speaks

of the painted winter landscapes!

.

(tap or click pic to read)

I wasn’t planning on going snorkeling, but as a Floridian chose to represent!
Winter Wonderland paddling – kayak photography at Cochiti Lake on the Rio Grande in New Mexico.

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Kayaking in the desert? That was my question when I lived in Santa Fe a few years ago. Coming from south Florida, the question might seems an oxymoron. Truth is the high desert environment of New Mexico has many rivers running through it. There are excellent seasonal white water paddling opportunities, yet I wanted a slower pace to focus on photography and to “get to know the place”. At first I really missed the ocean, then after a while the desert really grew on me, and I began to think of it as an ocean of dirt. I decided to bring with me a 14 foot sit on top kayak, the well known classic Necky Dolphin.

Also, I was determined to make this a year round sport!

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New Mexico is the “other” Sunshine State!

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Full story at:

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/winter-wonderland-paddling-kayak-photography-at-cochiti-lake-on-the-rio-grande-in-new-mexico/

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.

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! Bless UP

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

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

The Daily Dose – The sky is calling!

An invitation from the darkness

outside the world of people.

.

(tap or click pic to read)

“The sky is calling collect”, will you accept the charges?
ART of Darkness – Camping with the Stars! Part III

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Our ancestors have lived in the darkness for many thousands of years. It is only in the last 100 years that people have lost sight of the Milky Way and the stars..

“We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and by the depth of our answers.”

― Carl Sagan, Cosmos

.

Remote camping under the Milky Way is a beautiful experience

not soon forgotten.

Accept the call and enjoy the dark Everglades nights!

.

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/art-of-darkness-camping-with-the-stars-part-iii/

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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 – Paddling the magic days of Christmas.

Photographic Revelations in the high desert.

Kayaking in the high desert of New Mexico,

I came upon this ice formation during Christmas which fell apart five minutes later!

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(tap or click pic to read)

“Nativity in Ice” – Mother Mary and the baby Jesus with goat at feet.
ART of the Rio Grande – Anthropomorphic magic forms and Riparian voices.

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The Rio Grande has spoken to me many times through the seasons.

Studies in perception, anthropomorphism, and meaning

in the dead of the New Mexican winter.

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/art-of-the-rio-grande-anthropomorphic-magic-forms-and-riparian-voices/

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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 – An alligator in New Mexico?

Revealing the magic of the high desert!

The alligator, a swan, a goose, Jabba the Hut, even Snoopy and the Road Runner –

not to mention the Nativity in Ice a day before Christmas!

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(tap or click pic to read)

“Wood-b-Predator” – an anthropomorphic driftwood piece that found me!
ART of the Rio Grande – Anthropomorphic magic forms and Riparian voices.

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This Floridian has spent some quality time on the Rio Grande in the high desert of New Mexico. From time to time I found magic forms, or should it be said that they found me?

Yes, the river has spoken to me many times over the seasons!

Kayaking and photography in the high desert

on a quest to seek out magic forms.

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/art-of-the-rio-grande-anthropomorphic-magic-forms-and-riparian-voices/

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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!

🙂

Springtime riparian entertainment, photography and kayaking in New Mexico.

Rio Grande at Cochiti Lake,

Abiquiu Lake on the Rio Chama.

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Breathe deep, spring is in the air!

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(click any pic to enter)

Large driftwood frames the shoreline of Abiquiu Lake.
Kayaking, photography and riparian entertainment in springtime New Mexico!

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One night I saw the visitors arriving! 😮
Kayaking, photography and riparian entertainment in springtime New Mexico!

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Kayaking on the Rio Grande in northern New Mexico.
Kayaking, photography and riparian entertainment in springtime New Mexico!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/kayaking-photography-and-riparian-entertainment-in-springtime-new-mexico/

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.

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! BLESS UP

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

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

Backbone of Night – our Milky Way from the darkness of the Everglades!

The !Kung people of the Kalahari desert consider the Milky Way as the “Backbone of Night” that holds up the sky!

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(click pic to enter)

“When you wish upon a shooting star!”
ART of Darkness – Camping with the Stars! Part III
The Backbone of Night.

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“We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and by the depth of our answers.”

― Carl Sagan, Cosmos

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/art-of-darkness-camping-with-the-stars-part-iii/

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! BLESS – get closer

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

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

Easter Egg hunt for South Florida paddlers!

Happy Easter from the greater Everglades!

Where are all those Easter Eggs?

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(click on pic to find the eggs!)

Where in the world are the Easter Eggs of the Everglades?

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/where-in-the-world-are-the-easter-eggs-of-the-everglades/

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Enjoy!

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.

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

All rights reserved!

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! Trinity – Bless

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Sweet Dreams are made of Everglades nights like these!

Winter skies in the Everglades are the local

Portal to

the biggest show of all.

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(click pic to enter)

The bigger, brighter and more awesome second Blue Moon of January 2018.
CLICK for more @ Sweet dreams of Everglades winter skies and celestial alignments!

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Get out there and enjoy the dark Everglades night skies!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/sweet-dreams-of-everglades-winter-skies-and-celestial-alignments/

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! BLESS – get closer

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

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

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

…

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

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

Kayak photography and Winter Wonderland paddling at Cochiti Lake on the Rio Grande in New Mexico

Paddling the painted winter landscape.

Discovering the magic of the high desert!

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(click any pic to enter!)

Winter colors of the high desert in northern New Mexico in this soft landscape!

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The lake speaks in the silence of winter!

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Winter wonderland paddling on Cochiti Lake, New Mexico.

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Northern New Mexico is the “other” Sunshine State!

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Enjoying the outdoors in the dead of winter on the Rio Grande in New Mexico.

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(suggested soundtrack for your viewing!)

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/winter-wonderland-paddling-kayak-photography-at-cochiti-lake-on-the-rio-grande-in-new-mexico/

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Enjoy!

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Peek-a-Boo : BLESS!

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

All rights reserved!

…

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

With that said..
Blessings friends!

Everglades winter skies, celestial alignments and the nicest dreams of 2017!

Winter in the Everglades is the best time to enjoy the biggest show of all.

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“STOP the world – I wanna get off!“
All-sky view of the Milky Way and star trails!

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The universe in the night sky above!

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All-sky star trails in the darkness of the Everglades.

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Stars trailing around Polaris in the northern Florida sky. Light pollution glow at bottom.

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“Galaxyshine“
ART of Darkness – Kayaking the final frontier of imaging and photography!

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To fully appreciate the Everglades winter sky experience, it is worthwhile to paddle out to one of the remote backcountry campsites inside the Park, the Ten Thousand Islands or Florida Bay. The western coastline along the Gulf of Mexico is the best to get farther away from city light pollution.

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The Milky Way with a bright Venus setting in this all-sky 360×180 view from the Everglades.

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Who knows?
Who knows if you happen to get up at 40 minutes to 5am in the Everglades! 😉

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Big Dipper with Polaris at extreme left at Canepatch deep in the Everglades.
CLICK for: Canepatch Indian Mound (Avocado Mound)

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“Silent Night”
Orion and stars reflecting in mirror-like water at Canepatch.
CLICK for story: The Lost Portage – connecting streams in the Everglades!

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“Chickee chilling on Florida Bay under the moon and the stars”
360 spin-around panoramic view in the still of the night from the Johnson Key chickee platform.
Camping on the Johnson Key platform in Florida Bay

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Kayakfari ART photography – “Detonation at Dawn” (extended)
Huge storm system moving over eastern Florida Bay vs orange light pollution glow from Miami.
Chickees and Keys in Florida Bay – Kayaking, Camping and Nice Dreams!

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It’s easy to see why the Everglades has some of the darkest skies – you’re about as far away from all the lights as you can get.

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Florida as seen from the ISS in orbit. You can’t completely get away from all the light pollution, but the Everglades is as dark as it gets!

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“Orbital Maneuvers”
ART of Darkness – Kayaking the final frontier of imaging and photography!

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Sunset afterglow and a nearly whole sky view!
CLICK for story: Winter birthday triad on Florida Bay with the ‘Banana Boat’!

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Celestial alignments show the clockwork of the universe at large.

Of course, the alignments only have meaning to us from our particular vantage point in space!

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Incredible planetary alignment in the southern sky just before dawn last winter in the Everglades!
CLICK for story: Winter birthday triad on Florida Bay with the ‘Banana Boat’!

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“Venus setting over the Gulf of Mexico“
This winter’s featured alignment has been a very bright Venus with Mars above!

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Date: Jan 31, 2017 AD
Observation: Moon, Venus and Mars alignment in the western sky.

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The crescent Moon with Venus and Mars trinity in the sky on January 31, 2017!

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A very bright full moon over Little Rabbit Key in this circular panorama.
The Supermoon of 2016 and the full moon camping experience at Little Rabbit Key.

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Beach camping on Whitehorse Key in the Ten Thousand Islands.
ART of Darkness – Camping with the Stars! Part I

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Fire, fire burning .. bonfire spewing burnt atoms up into the sky!
Camping at Camp LuLu in the Ten Thousand Islands.

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“Portage to Earth”
ART of Darkness – Kayaking the final frontier of imaging and photography!

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The half moon is a great time to observe lunar features!

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The bright full moon with Jupiter and four of it’s largest ‘Galilean’ moons!
ART of Darkness – Camping with the Stars! Part I

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Nearly full moon in early February 2017.

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The penumbral lunar eclipse of February 10, 2017 generated a lot of interest. However, not being a total eclipse, it was not as impressive as the hype might lead one to believe!

We will have a partial lunar eclipse visible from the Everglades in January 2018 and a total eclipse a year later on January 21, 2019!

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The weak penumbral lunar eclipse of February 10, 2017 only shows a slight darkening. However the reduced brightness helps to get a better image of the otherwise extremely bright “snow” full moon!

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In the meantime, enjoy this total eclipse from 2015! 🙂

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A total lunar eclipse taking a bite out of the moon in the fall of 2015.
Harvest moon, Super moon, Blood moon and High Tides of the final tetrad Eclipse of 2015!

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A total lunar eclipse from 2015. One of four visible in the Everglades during 2014 – 2015.
Harvest moon, Super moon, Blood moon and High Tides of the final tetrad Eclipse of 2015!

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Regardless of it’s phase, the moon is always a powerful force affecting all life on planet Earth!

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“Crushing weight of the Moment”
ART of Darkness – Kayaking the final frontier of imaging and photography!

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Check out more lunar action and sky photography from the darkness at:

NIGHT LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY and DIGITAL ART: CAMPING with the STARS!

ART of Darkness – Camping with the Stars! Part I

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Get out there and enjoy the Everglades night sky!

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! BLESS

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

All rights reserved!

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DISCLAIMER:

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

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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!

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With that said..
Blessings friends!

Everglades Easter Egg hunt!

Happy Easter from the Everglades!

Where are all those Easter Eggs?

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(click pic to find the eggs!)

Where in the world are the Easter Eggs of the Everglades?

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/where-in-the-world-are-the-easter-eggs-of-the-everglades/

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Enjoy!

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

All rights reserved!

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! Trinity – Bless

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More of ‘Camping with the Stars’ from the Everglades!

This week on ‘Camping with the Stars’.

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Now with even more fantastic imagery from the darkness of the Everglades!

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(click any pic for more!)

Temporary tidal space and Faith in Numbers.
Full moon camping on a sandbar in the lower Keys!

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The bright full moon with Jupiter and four of it’s largest moons, winter 2016.

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Closeup of Jupiter and it’s Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.

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ART of Darkness – Camping with the Stars!

 

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Introducing the 14% larger and 30% brighter supermoon rising over Florida Bay!

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A very cool planetary alignment in the southern sky just before dawn.

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Afterglow of the sunset and a nearly whole sky view as the stars come out to play!

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Bright Venus rising above Johnson Key in the eastern sky before dawn.

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ART of Darkness – Camping with the Stars!

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NIGHT LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY and DIGITAL ART from the EVERGLADES, FLORIDA BAY, TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS, BIG CYPRESS & BEYOND!

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Enjoy!

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

All rights reserved!

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!Moonlight – Bless

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Three’s company – a winter birthday triad on Florida Bay!

A Florida Bay birthday triad cruise on the ‘Banana Boat’ with special guest ‘Hubble Jr.’ and a planetary alignment!

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Winter birthday triad on Florida Bay with the ‘Banana Boat’!
CLICK FOR STORY!

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Winter birthday triad on Florida Bay with the ‘Banana Boat’!
CLICK FOR STORY!

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Winter birthday triad on Florida Bay with the ‘Banana Boat’!
CLICK FOR STORY!

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This one is all about threes. That’s the theme!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/thematic/winter-birthday-triad-on-florida-bay-with-the-banana-boat/

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Enjoy!

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

All rights reserved!

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! Trinity – Bless

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Alt Jesus Study – a surreal digital art series from DecoratedReality.com

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(from http://www.decoratedreality.com)

From Jesus to Christ to Art ..

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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.

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(click pic)

“Octomessiah”
Alt Jesus Study – DecoratedReality.com

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SURREAL DIGITAL ART of Flex Maslan

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You may also like:

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ART of the Rio Grande – Anthropomorphic magic forms and Riparian voices

“Nativity in Ice”
ART of the Rio Grande – Anthropomorphic magic forms and Riparian voices

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Enjoy!

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! Blessing

ART of the Rio Grande in winter: Riparian voices and Anthropomorphic magic forms!

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Anthropomorphic magic forms and Riparian voices of the Rio Grande at Cochiti Lake.

When kayaking and photographing the high desert in winter, a host of magic forms appear!

(click pic)

“Trinity on Ice”
Kayakfari ART photography – ART of the Rio Grande series.

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Enjoy!

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Trinity – BLESS!

 

Happy New Year 2015 : Chickee – Life – Paddling!

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In Perspective:

Finishing off 2014 with a tropical trinity .. Chickee – Life – Camping!

(click pic)

A Canoe Paddler meets the 420 and the Kalik

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Wishing all a very HAPPY and totally SAFE New Year 2015 !!!

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CLICK 4 Trinity !

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Bless!

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Paddling in a Winter Wonderland – kayak ice breaking on the Rio Grande

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For immediate ENTERTAINMENT RELEASE from the high desert of northern New Mexico! 😉

(click pic)

And now for something completely different – Kayak Ice Breaking! 😉

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/winter-wonderland-paddling-kayak-photography-at-cochiti-lake-on-the-rio-grande-in-new-mexico/paddling-in-a-winter-wonderland-kayak-ice-breaking-on-the-rio-grande/

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Enjoy!

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(Please ignore any ads you might see below)

Winter Wonderland paddling – kayak photography at Cochiti Lake on the Rio Grande in New Mexico

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Paddling the winter beauty and magic of the high desert in northern New Mexico!

(click pic)

“Wood-b-Predator” – an anthropomorphic driftwood piece that found me!

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/winter-wonderland-paddling-kayak-photography-at-cochiti-lake-on-the-rio-grande-in-new-mexico/

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Enjoy!

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(Please ignore any ads you might see below)