Happy Mother's Day from Mosquito Lagoon. I got a late start, and the parking lot at the launch location was full. There is another lot about a quarter mile down the road, and one a bit closer in the other direction. I parked in the closer lot, which is a longer drive, as the road is one way, and you have to do a loop. It was after 10:30 when I got in the Mosquito Lagoon.Paddled north, out of the Canaveral National Seashore, to the cove at Bethune Park. Saw manatees for the first time since September 28, 2008 on a National Seashore paddle. Three in the cove. I did not see any more.
Saw dolphins in couple locations. Off Turtle Mound, and off the Eldora dock. One dolphin followed me, or I it, from the Mound to the dock. I took a break at Turtle Mound. Views from the top. Looking south.
North.
East. Mother, mother ocean, I have heard your call.
Not a lot of birds. Cormorants, osprey, great blue herons, belted kingfishers, and of course, pelicans.
I paddled south to Castle Windy, then back to the launch. Went past it a bit. A last manatee search. Landed sometime after three. I had to ask the family who had just about set up camp at the launch site to move. "It's our first time we didn't know" What, you don't see the canoe launch sign at the entrance, you're too dumb to know you do not put your coolers and chairs in the middle of the launch, too frikkin lazy to move your crap down the shore? I did not say that, but I thought it. I saved my speech for the Visitor Center. Which was closed. So I just sent an email, suggesting an "Anglers Keep Launch Area Clear" sign, or direct them to an adjacent parking lot. I'll keep you posted.
After visits to the Canaveral National Seashore, I occasionally stop at JB's Fish Camp for a beer and a bite. But, after a so so cheeseburger Saturday at Caladesi, I decided to visit and old favorite, The Breakers in New Smyrna Beach. I had not been there since February 2004. Hurricane Jeanne in September, 2004 tore the place up.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orl-loc-breakerspic092604,0,4881811.photo
Well, its back, and so was I.
After spending 14 hours in the yak over the weekend, I had no need to sit on the new deck, Besides, I could still see the Atlantic from the bar. Plus sports on TV.
The best burger in Central Florida. This is the 3 cheese burger. American, Swiss, Provolone. My Wisconsin roots coming through.
2 comments:
Dave,
My wife and I are new to kayaking. We started out with two tarpon 100's. we've been to mosquito lagoon twice. Launched the first time from the ramp farthest south. Thought we would paddle north to the Eldora house. Too far for us. The second time we launched from just north of the eldora house. We had the same problem that you did with people not respecting the launch area. Also the wind was a little high and with anglers all along the shore there we couldn't hug the shore. We will only launch from the southern area from now on. If you give your licence at the entrance they give you a pass to park at the ramp. One last thing. If you haven't been to boston's fish house (being from Winter Park I'm sure you have been) eat there next time. Its a little steep but the food is amazing.
Here is the reply to my email re: the kayak launch.
In fact the kayak/canoe launch is at PA#7, at one end of the parking area and the other end has a trail that leads to a dock. There is also a dock at #8 but not a launch area. We can monitor the area and see if a sign is needed and it may be brought up at the next sign committee meeting. Let us know if you have trouble at the designated launch area at Parking area # 7 again. And the Information Center is now at the Eldora house at Parking area #8 and is open 7 days per week from 9-5. Thank you.
Laura Henning
Chief of Interpretation & Visitor Services
Canaveral National Seashore
I've never been to Boston's Fish House in either Winter Park or NSB
Post a Comment