Both Kayaks slipped gently into the water. The river accepted the kayaks quickly without a ripple. It was one of those days where the blue sky opened its arms and one felt fine. It was great to be back in the kayak seat. The wind was headed up river. There was barely a need to paddle except to steer the boat. It truly was a wonderful spring day to be on the water.

We quickly went around the first bend because between the current and wind we were moving, ever so quietly. A great white heron was spooked by our presence. It was hollering its disgust all the way until it found an acceptable tree on which to land. First it placed one foot on a limb of the tree. That was not where it wanted that foot. It again searched for a stable place for both feet. It kept its back toward us all the time. The heron did not like being interrupted on a Sunday morning.

The next bend of the river was advancing. All of a sudden an anhinga was flying lower and it too was very vocal about being disturbed. One never knows what wildlife will be seen. A red-shouldered hawk is sitting on a nearby fence. It is such a stately bird. There is a nest of hawks not far from the launch area. They are always in the neighborhood being vocal about something.

Being on the river in a boat reminds me of my favorite Aunt and Uncle. Aunt Miriam and Uncle Luke loved to be on the water. They had various kinds of boats over the years. They plied these same waters years ago. Aunt Miriam loved to visit various mangroves and get out of the boat. She enjoyed looking for what ever was in the mangroves of interest. Sometimes she would find huge shells washed up by the various tides. These shells were not alive and often made good specimens for display or in the garden as they provided a nice ambiance. Sometimes we would find nice pieces of driftwood. We would load the boat up with whatever finds we wanted. She had a nursery at home so all these things were often sold to customers.

I will never forget one mangrove on which we decided to land. I always liked to look where I was placing each foot in places like this, as one never knows what has or is here. This is a wild area. I looked down and saw many snakeskins all over. I immediately knew that I did not want to go any farther. The snakes had shed their skins and I did not want to encounter any of them. My Uncle Luke stood there laughing. He tried so hard to get me to stay and enjoy the search for driftwood and shells. There was no way I would do that. I got back in the boat and waited for them to finish their search. They did not come across any live snakes.

Many times we would go fishing in these waters. The catch was always huge. We had many fish fries, coleslaw and cheese grits over the years. Truly some very fun times. Being on the water reminds me of years ago. My Aunt and Uncle made life so enjoyable. They both had a tremendous, positive impact on my life. They were great role models.

It is easy to slip out of the present when each bend brings such pleasant memories. Life in the kayak is so much easier than launching a huge boat, filling the gas tank and making sure the correct amount of oil is in place.

Look to the right at about three o’clock position. There is this huge turtle sitting on the riverbank watching us. Usually they are quick to plop back into the water, as they are very skittish. It’s underbelly is colorful with yellow stripes.

Here comes a boat. We quickly get to the side to allow passage. The driver of the boat quickly speeds up the boat. I shout, "No Wake". He stopped acceleration and wanted to know what was said. Boats are not to create a wake while in this part of the river as there are still many manatees all about. The driver had no clue. About an hour later they returned going in the opposite direction. The driver commented he had not seen any manatees. How could they going that speed? They would have injured or killed them instead of being able to view the gently giants.

Being on the water kayaking is so relaxing. It soon will be too hot to go, as the summer in SW Florida can be so hot it is impractical. Give kayaking a try. It is so easy to get hooked.

Elaine Blaney

May 2008