Kayaking-Everglades & More

Wherever I travel, I like to try to rent a kayak. Whether in rivers, lakes, along the coast or even in the Everglades. I know what you're thinking (alligators and crocodiles), well if you don't bother them, they wont bother you, most of the time anyway. And please don't feed them. 

    Down in the Everglades, in the Ten Thousand Islands, one of my favorite places to kayak for nature and birding (eco-tours), the best guide is Captain Wright with Everglades Area Tours (www.evergladesareatours.com). You will be impressed with the mangrove tunnels, cypress hammocks, fishing for tarpon and snook from your kayak or canoe and spying on the abundance of resident and migratory birds. I found a great roosting place for the Roseatte Spoonbill and the juveniles are fun to observe as they learn to hunt for their meals. But you have to be very quiet or they will fly away. The Everglades are a great place to kayak (or canoe) as there are eight different eco-systems with more than 300 species of birds including Bald Eagles, herons, kites and egrets to name a few. And the history of the area is captivating. the Everglades has a unique quality to share with you. If you like adventure. At night, its' a whole new world.

    There are several guidebooks available (mine will be out in 2009), offering maps with journaling about dozens of blueways you can explore. I never recommend kayaking alone. guidebooks will help you with what to expect, what to bring, where to go to see different landmarks, etc. (birds, fish, historical landmarks). Guidebooks will also tell you which routes are good for novices and which are for the more experienced paddler.