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.

Back in the rythm after skipping the Key Largo to Flamingo Center paddle, and eager to turn in early, I am loving this part of Florida. The ICW provides much to look at, a never ending supply of wonderful folks with whom to socialize, and of course a close proximity to the pounding surf of the ocean I love.

The wildness and navigational challenges of the Gulf Coast sharply contrast the marked waterways on the Atlantic side of Florida. Following the points of land on the outside challenge me more, navigationally speaking, than the rocky coasts of New England.

Today I paddled from Highland Beach to Everglades City. Leaving was a bit difficult, as was coming in the night before. With the help of Capt. Charles Wright, of Everglades Tours, I carried the Fuze over the mud flats, where it spent the night under palms.

From there I took the Buttonwood Canal, where I saw my first ever wild alligator. Paddling through the well-marked maze of little keys, I couldn't help but reflect on the skipped Everglades paddle. That will just have to be one I do with my family, I think. By the time I found the right cut-off, the wind was starting to kick up. Fortunately, of held off on serious blowage until I was about 4 miles away from the campsite Capt. Charles had prepared. There I enjoyed a delicious meal, a roaring bonfire, and my first ever solar shower. I am now totally sold ok solar showers. There is nothing like a hot shower, curtesy of the sun, after a grueling battle with the wind.

The night sky in the Everglades is as clear and full of stars as New Hampshire's. Maybe even more so. I saw my first ever satellite (two, actually), and a gianormous shooting star.

Needless to say, the wildife has been a major highlight. I can now tell the difference between a dolphin's and a sea turtle's exhalation--a sea turtle makes a higher pitched, tighter sound than a dolphin.  Pelicans, cormorants, and ospreys are everywhere, as are a huge variety of cranes and herons. It was a bit odd to note, though, that
the inside passage from Flamingo Center to the Gulf did not have the abundance of birds I was expecting.

I've been seeing more creatures since hitting the Gulf waters. Slightly below Pavilion Key a huge tarpon hurled itself into the air, it's silvery body shining. It slammed back to the water with a huge splash. Before departing today, Capt. Charles and I watched a dolphin hunt in the shallows.

It's off to bed now for much needed sleep--gotta be on the water before the fishing tournament guys get out!