On the Manatee River

So I made it to the Kayak adventure with Ranger Megan, also in the first photo. I was going to have my own kayak but as someone was missing I shared with a Gal from Philly. She had more experience than I did. I had none. She had gone out a few times.

It was a beautiful day. A nice breeze but no waves. High tide. We got some safety instructions such as: if you fall out, stand up it is shallow, and if you should happen to get into the channel and a boat is coming hold up your orange paddle so the boater know you are an idiot and goes around you.

We also were lucky to have the ranger gather us now and then to tell us Native American and DeSoto lore. And information about the fish and flora.

We paddled along the river at the mouth (in the background of the second photo shows the point at Palmetto.) I am waving. We continued to the little baylike area where the DeSoto Monument is located. We free paddled all over the place for about 1/2 hour gathering a few times to listen to our history lessons.

Finally, we returned, reversing our path and landed on a sandy beach. I did have to back out a bit to a foot or so of water to lever myself out as the knees would not just stand me up in the kayak. But that was no problem. I can see where I might have a problem if I were to tie up at a dock. But, I will not worry about that now. It was very simple to plop onto the Ocean Kayak and to step off into the water and stand. And they were so steady I doubt they would turn over. But it took two Rangers to carry them and they are about 100lbs.