Banana River

I slept in, for a Saturday.  In bed past 7 am. Probably because I was thinking about where to kayak today rather than sleeping. And have had a cough for the last week.  A touch of the flu, early last week, so it was good to stay in bed.  Finally made up my mind and went to KARS Park in Merritt Island. Which, as you know, stands for Kennedy Athletic Recreation and Social.   In my mind, it is Kayakers Are Really Super. Paid $5 at the entrance, took advantage of a restroom, and was underway at 9:05.

This part of the Banana River is a No Motor Zone.  So, what did I do ?  Paddled toward the boat ramp just outside the No Motor Zone.

Least terns

Blue herons.  They turn blue with age. Don't we all.

Outside the No Motor Zone

This is why I paddled to the boat ramp.

Manatees.

As happened a few weeks ago at Mosquito Lagoon, which, along with the Banana River, is part of the Indian Lagoon, a manatee escorted me away from the action.  Right front of the kayak.

Action

More action

Manatee have 16,000 acres with No Motors yet, they hang out where the boats are.  Because it is deeper, and more protected, wind wise, then the surrounding area. That's my guess

Launch towers

Osprey.  I paddled north, wind at my back. Which kept me warm. Without the breeze, I would have been HOT.

I wanted to go somewhere that would not be crowded.  Well, I always want to do that. The No Motor Zone fits the bill. Saw less than 10 kayakyers.  All fishing, as that is what is done in the No Motor Zone.  When I entered, the gate attendant said "Great day for fishing"  I did not tell him my only catches would be with the camera.

I told myself I wanted to see manatees, roseate spoonbills, dolphins, alligators, and bald eagles.

I've seen all, but bald eagles, on prior visits.  Today, just manatees and a lone spoonbill

Reddish egret

 The wind got stronger, waves bigger.  I decided it was time to turn around, and paddled into the wind and waves. Time, 11:20.   View to the north, as I turned.

To the east

Big cruise ship at Port Canaveral

Huge cruise ships.  I've said it before and I'll say it now.  I feel sorry for the poor souls on these ships.  How can they see anything 10 stories up?

On the topic of not seeing things, I paddled in deeper water on the way back, hoping to see dolphins. Distance, wind, and waves meant fewer pics on the way back.

Lower quality as well.

Made the effort to paddle past the launch site to the boat ramp and basin, about a third of a mile.

No motors means no motors. Can't even have a trolling motor  laying on the bottom of a canoe.

Protect Gum Slough

Approaching the launch/landing location,  1:42.  Almost five hours on a "short" Saturday paddle. Able to complete the Yak Tale the same day, for a change.

 Protect Gum Slough  is up to 33 "Likes"  If you are not one, please join my effort to gather support of getting air boats off this pristine stream.