As usual on launch day, I took the longer but less congested route to the Canal. East on Interstate 4, east on State Highway 44, south on I-95, east on County Highway 442, South on US 1, south on State Highway 3 to the Canal. I was in the Indian River just before 3:00 and headed out to Mullet Head Island.
I paddled east in the Canal, pausing at the Manatee Overlook. Finally saw a manatee, east of the of the Overlook. We both continued east. I lost it, distracted by a dolphin in the shallow bay on the north east end of the Canal.
I briefly entered the choppy Mosquito Lagoon, peering at the launch tower to the south. Back to the shelter of the canal, I paddled back west. Many kaykers in the water, heading east. I knew I had a lot of time before lift off. Saw the second manatee of the day, west of the Observation Deck, near the drawbridge.
Blue heron.
More kayaks in the water, individuals, groups 2 or 3, large tour groups. A van pulling a trailer loaded with yaks drove on the dirt road to the landing area. Seemed every outfitter in the area had a tour. I planned to stop at the launch, kayak, not space shuttle, eat, get bug spray, a flashlight and radio out of the car. But, the beach was jammed with kayaks. No room to land. So, I ventured into the Indian River, paddled south into a small canal. Here I ate in privacy. And saw this.
Mating horseshoe crabs. This was the second time I've seen this, the other was also near Haulover Canal. I reported that sighting to the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=18561 They are conducting a survey. I need to contact them again. I got back in the kayak, paddled up the side canal, and a horseshoe crab orgy was in process.
More like orgies. Several groups like the one above gyrating in the water near the bank. Quite a thing to see. I'm glad the crowd at the kayak launch area kept me away, or I would not have see this.
It was 7:00 PM, time to paddle the mile of Haulover Canal to Mosquito Lagoon.
Late light makes for good pictures.
Saw the third, and last manatee of the day. Near the Observation Deck. I turned to the west to catch the sunset
7:20, time to get to the end of the Canal for the launch. The Canal ends at the Mosquito Lagoon. Two small jettys, nothing more than piles of rocks, extend a short way into the Lagoon. I wedged the kayak next to a couple from Toronto. I've watched at least 3 launches from this position, for another I joined a crowd standing in the water just south of this spot, near the west bank of the Lagoon. No one was there. I asked the guy to my left if it was the wind, blowing from the south, that kept people from that spot, or the Coast Guard. "The Coast Guard". Haulover Canal is the line. No boats allowed past on launch day. Got to see the Coasties in action as a pontoon boat crossed the imaginary line. Whoooooo, the Coast Guard was on him in moments. Order restored, people with radios kept others posted of the countdown, until
Lift off !!!
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