Dave's Yak Tales: Cedar Key, Day 2 (Memorial Day Weekend, 2011)

High waves kept me off the Gulf, but plenty to see in the protected waters of Cedar Key on a 4.5 hour paddle, Sunday. Not sure exactly when I launched, 9:15-20. I did not take any pictures from the launch site at the Park across the street until I entered the Number 2 Channel. Had to concentrate on paddling.

One of many things I like about Cedar Key is its compactness. If that's a word. Everything is on, or near water. A look at the business district from the kayak.

Headless cormorant.

I paddled through the Number 2 Bridge, past the Marina, to Cemetery Point Park.

Here is a Map so you, and I, have some idea where I paddled. On this map, what I call the "Number 2 Channel", is the "Main Channel"

I saw a dolphin, and a manatee, near this great egret, but was unable to photograph either one.

I like this house.

Osprey house. There were chicks, or maybe just one, but I never got a picture when it poked its head up.

Through the Number 3 Bridge.

I wonder what the pelicans did before the concrete span replaced the wood one. Once under the bridge, I was in an open expanse of water, with several keys in the distance. One was higher than the others, a midden? I paddled across the water to investigate.

When I got close, I saw the shells. Definitely an Indian mound. In the winter, you'd get a better view of the shells and slope between the trees.

The Wildlife Refuge sign also was a hint this is a historic site.

Looking at the map, this has to be Scale Key. I paddled around the north end, to see if I could get a better view of the shells that make it higher than the surrounding islands.

Nope. Took a peak at the Gulf. Still to rough.

I paddled back the way I came, towards the Number 3 Bridge, when a dolphin surfaced a few yards from me.

Three in all.

Saw another Kemp's Ridley turtle, prior to seeing the dolphins. Or maybe two. Two surfacing. Wonder if dolphins eat them? Speaking of predators, I did see a small shark earlier in the paddle.

I took a break at Cemetery Point, landing at the one opening unoccupied by anglers.

The covered picnic shelter was perfect for a lunch/sun break. As I walked back to the yak, "Dolphins"

I don't think the above pic is it, only one fin visible, but I had a pair charge me head on. "Hope the sonar is working". It was, they dove under the yak. I've had a single dolphin under the kayak, this was the first pair.

I observed this pod for twenty minutes.

If not for the chop, I would have been out in the Gulf of Mexico and Waccasassa Bay. Who knows if I would have seen any dolphins. In the inner waters of Way Key (remember, Cedar Keys, plural are the islands, Cedar Key, singular, is the town on Way Key) I saw eight dolphins.

I paddled into the channel that leads to the Nature's Landings condos. And the side channel where the black crowned night herons hang out. Two took flight as soon as they sensed me.

Back into the Gulf for the short paddle back to the launch site.

Landed at 2:05. That's Park Place, my weekend headquarters. Which I visited for awhile, then went for a bike ride.

I took a photo of the other side of the Third Street sign, in the morning, from the kayak

Best nest location in town.

I pedaled to Cemetery Point. I had been thinking, if I have the money, I want to retire to Cedar Key. Looks like they are ready for me.

I always thought the Cannon family plot at Calvary in Milwaukee as a great spot. Near County Stadium, now Miller Park. But, a view of the water in Cedar Key isn't bad.

The graveyard is a nice spot for a ride. Add to that, a boardwalk over a marsh just outside the cemetery.

This won't be my retirement home.

But, I could buy a unit, like the one I stayed in, for $100K

Sorry about the poor quality, I need to check the lens more often. I left Cemetery Point and biked to the air field.

Duh.

"Only Aircraft Allowed On Runway"

My Dad would have loved Cedar Key.

Back to Park Place. By bike, not car.

Atsena Otie

Took the camera out of the case.

I think the humidity was fogging it up. Back in the case as I biked.

This is not the road, just a view down a dirt driveway.

I looked at the 5:20 PM sun from this area, and thought, could be a good sunset spot. Perhaps I would visit after dinner. Dinner was at my usual spot, the Pickled Pelican. On Dock Street. After being outside all day, I have no desire to eat outdoors. The views from my table.

View on my table.

As usual, I supported the local aquaculture. Crab bisque, above. I'm a chowder guy, but thought I'd try it. At $2 more than chowder, I'll stay with chowder, which I like better anyway.

The PP's version of surf and turf. Clams and chorizo sausage. There is spaghetti, underneath. I'll order this again, despite a few of the clams being a little gritty. Sand. I like it when the pasta is gone long before the clams and sausage. It was a while sausage, I saw both end pieces. Good food, and good people. The guy who sat me claimed he remembered me. Now he could say that to everyone who answers "Yes" to the "Have you been here before" question, but I don't think that is the case in Cedar Key. As mentioned in previous Tales, the people are very friendly.

The spot I had scooped out for the sunset was maybe a half mile from the Dock Street area, and the fishing pier where the view the night before was nowhere near as nice as it had been Labor Day Weekend.

My unit has an artist's rendering map of Cedar Key, circa 1985, with above broken down boat house on it. Looking about the same as it does today. I am looking to the east.