Florida State Fair

They sure did name this event correctly.  Our experience was just FAIR.

On the first day we were scheduled to perform, their were HUGE crowds that STAYED HOME.
  Here is our stage.

Here is the path behind us that is supposed to be elbow-to-elbow with people.

And, here is a view all the way around.



After each show we came ashore to chat with the audience.  One day we paused for a photo opportunity.

 

I  had been watching the Olympics on TV and noticed how the skiers always held their skies up for the pictures after each run.  Since P&H sponsor us, I thought we should do the same.

If you look carefully you will see a large man behind Donna's kayak.  It was quite windy and he was there to save anyone who might be in the landing zone should a gust of wind knock the kayak away from Donna.  Little did he know, that Donna is stronger than me.  He should have been behind my kayak.

 

Skiers don't have to work this hard for their photo.  Notice the flags blowing out straight.  The wind was over 15 knots.

 

Just like our experience at the fair, you might see this post as just fair also.

Crystal River Feb 7, 2010

What a great day!  Horrible weather before and after.  The forecast did not look to great for this day either.  But several paddlers braved to elements for one of the most spectacular manatee sightings we've ever had.

When we arrived at 3 Sisters Springs we enjoyed the show outside at the sanctuary, then proceeded inside.  What a treat both were.  Once in the springs we found this juvenile sleeping, coming up for a breath, then returning to his slumber.  Check out the photos.

Do those fish cruising around signify the manatee is sleeping?

Check out this video.



Here are our paddlers:

Now let's get back to shooting manatees.

And, another video.

As I put down the camera, I saw manatee swimming towards me, so I quickly tried to get a photo.

Darn, the zoom was out to far.

But, the next one came out just right.

Then it was time to head back.

Along the way, I spotted this black-crowned night heron.

And, this osprey.

Wow!  What a glorious paddle we had. 

Shell Island - Private Tour - 2/2/2010

What an interesting day. 

The weather forecast was for steady, stiff wind - all day.  So we planned four alternate venues with different degrees of wind protection.  We arrived a bit early to check out what was actually occurring.  It was practically dead calm.  Go figure.

So we unloaded some kayaks and here is what we found.

 

 

 

And I even got Lady D, aka. Donna, to pose by a few kayaks.

Our guests arrived and were prepped for our outing.  As we began we noticed a moderate breeze had begun.  So much for the steady amount of wind all day.  Yet, everyone made it to Sawyer Key, some with a bit of assistance.  As we headed around the tip of the key, we could see the wind had grown to that stiff wind forecasted.  Boy, I wished we were in an alternate venue.  Since we were in 18 inches of water we weren't too worried about anyone.  We just wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time - even while battling the wind - as we headed for Summer Resort.  We regrouped everyone, ducked between some islands, took a look towards Shell and had a bit of a coaches meeting to decide the best approach.  We agreed how we would take on the next crossing.  We got everyone headed out, and the wind started to die down.  It was quite easy to make that last leg.

Now at Shell Island everyone began to enjoy the beach.

When I introduced Russell, I told everyone about his expeditions into dangerous environs where no one lived for a month at a time.  So once on the island several people were enthralled with his stories.

An others milled about collecting shells.

Then everyone went for a hike on the beach.   After which it was time to get back to the kayaks and back to their bus.

Back at the put-in we had hot chocolate and cookies, where everyone deepened the camaraderie they built on their journey.  It sure is a thrill for us guides to see so many happy, smiling, even contented faces.

As their bus pulled away, reality struck.  It was getting close to dusk and we had a bunch of boats and gear to load, drive back to our shop, and all all that stuff to unload and wash.  Thank goodness we had those nice memories to think about while we worked.