Pictures from the trip

raccoon prints on the kayak in the morning.

texasbb That was the tail end of the storm that had passed by quickly.

Great pics! Damn, that's going on my bucket list.

zeke , thanks for the alert on the photos. I've viewed them probably close to a dozen times and am still struggling for words to describe them, beyond beautiful, mesmerizing, inspiring, and contemplative.

The first photo has me searching even more for appropriate descriptions. There's a connection of sky and water that's well beyond pictorial; it's kind of a synthesis of two disparate earth forces that complement and contrast each other, joining in the photo for a smooth transition, and a sense of peace in that blending. There's something more psychological but I can't identify it. And, it's just plain beautiful.

The shore scenes are similar, also an intriguing contrast of dead and sometimes fractured limbs vs. the active seas, but also a certain grace in their positions.

I'm completely puzzled by the 9th photo. I thought it might be the tip of an amphibian?

The quiet beauty and serenity of the manatees is quietly soothing.

In the following photo, is that a manta ray on the beach?

I feel as if I was there on the beach with everyone; the pictures have that sense of power. I love photos, and find them so soothing that they're truly calming.

Thanks so much for taking the time to share.

autumnmist rebeccad Conch shell. They don't start out big enough to put your hand in.

jazzmom This trip was at the opposite end of the Glades from where you paddled before. Still, beach paddles are available from Flamingo also. Or, you could fly into Tampa and we could head out from there.

Also, this was in the open water of the Gulf. Can't guarantee how smooth the water will be. rebeccad and Dave were extremely fortunate for novices to get such great paddling weather.