I am partnering with NRDC to paddle my outrigger canoe 1200 miles around Florida and west to New Orleans. My goal is to build support for a Healthy Oceans Act and steps to protect our oceans from global warming and ocean acidifictaion. For those who do not know, I paddle to inform and for those who don’t care, I paddle to inspire. I am documenting my journey on this blog during the month-long paddle. You can read more about the paddle, see photos, and take action here.

Today was a no go for paddling. I don't usually let predictions of potentially bad weather stop me from going out, but this run from Key Largo to Flamingo, in the Everglades, had enough navigational issues that I figured I better think twice. So I sat it out and did some "housework" and catch up calls. 

Yesterday's very windy, 50 mile paddle started off fantastically. Monk, a guy who I met via email prior to the Miami 2 Maine trip a couple years ago, joined me on the water at the Miami Beach Rowing Club. From there we paddled into the gusty SE wind which kept toying with our alas (that’s the part of the outrigger canoe that sticks out to stabilize the boat). After awhile Monk broke off to paddle home. It was awesome to finally meet him in person, and wonderful to have his company on the water.

Heading south it seemed the wind was holding steady at 15 or more, effectively slowing me down so I ended up late at Deering Estates in Miami, where Robin Rorapaugh was patiently waiting. From there it was off to more wind.

The wind howled in my ears and spray lashed my face. Something dark and big moved and caught my eye off to my right. The boat surged up in a startling manner-not like it was going to go over, but as if I had paddled over a bubble. Glancing down and to my left, I saw a giant sea turtle swimming between my ama and the canoe, his huge flippers and body creating much turbulence as he hastily sped away.  

It’s a small world on the water. While I was sitting at dinner tonight, I struck up a conversation with a retired Navy SEAL. It turns out he knows my friend (and awesome paddler), Bill Gassett. So Bill, if you're reading this, Chuck Mayberry said,"hi!"