Paddled around the Bird Sanctuary, staying out side the Blue Goose signs. But, cutting the turns as tight as possible for a better view. When, wham! kayak rocking, a wall of water washing over the bow, manatee speeding away, pushing water, creating a frothy wake. Good thing I have a big sponge to bail.
There were two dolphins in the boat channel as I paddled back to the Canal.
Manatee, closer to shore.
Entering the old canal, south of Haulover.
Into "Dolphin Cove" Click on the pic to enlarge it. You may see a dolphin, near the bushes, headed out of the cove into Haulover Canal.
Just a few manatees in Bair's Cove
Left Bair's Cove, paddled east, towards Mosquito Lagoon. Observed just one manatee at the Manatee Observation Deck.
Lots of life forms fishing at the Mosquito Lagoon end of the Canal. Humans, osprey, pelicans, cormorants, and dolphins.
Same sign, different view
Paddling between to islands from the main part of the Lagoon into what I call the protected area. Protection provided by a chain of islands stretching north.
Back in the Canal
Lone manatee at the Overlook
Three boats tied up at Bair's Cove. Never seen that before. All unoccupied. Boaters usually just use the ramp, go in an out.
Paddled through the alternate canal, and was met by dolphins at the Indian River end of Haulover Canal. The above pic just missed a vertical leap.
Vehicle Assembly Building. And pelican.
Landed at 4:15. Short paddle, just over three hours. Driving out, I thought, I was a dolphin as I carried the yak to water's edge, it would be cool to see one in the mirror as I leave... and there one was.
I stopped at the Scrub Ridge Trail, but it was too buggy. So, off to Blackpoint Wildlife Drive.
Got out of the car at the short Wild Birds Unlimited trail
Blue wing teal
Two blinds on the trail
Back in the car.
I honked the horn. I'm kidding.
Out of the car again at the Cruickshank Trail.
She said it was her first time fishing. I said must be, hasn't learned the old hold the fish out to make it look bigger trick. Nice redfish.
Haulover Canal drawbridge across the Indian River
This blind is about a half mile walk. The entire loop trail is 5 miles.
See the tower, right of the sun? I decided to take photos from it.
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Getting practice for next weekend in Cedar Key
Obviously, off the tower.
3 comments:
Nice. It seems like it was a smooth trip at one of the best kayaking places. More to come????
Wow...whacked by a manatee. Why?? Didn't know they would attack a yak, or maybe it was just an accident.
Not an attack. Fleeing in self defense. I must have hit the resting manatee in the murky water. A 1000 pound mammal displaces a lot of water when it escapes.
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