We figured it was about time we went kayaking. The weather seemed to be promising. After all, there was no rain and the temperature seemed perfect for it. Four kayaks were loaded in the back of Jerry’s truck. We had about ten miles or so to our destination, Lovers Key State Park. 
So, what was our disaster?
Once we made it to our destination, the kayaks were in the process of being unloaded when there was a change in plan. We decided to go to another location to “launch” the boats. It was just down the road but the wind caught the front of the kayaks and took them right off the back of the truck. Thus, they were launched a little early. Who forgot to secure them?
Only one kayak was ruined ….. Terry’s, naturally.
Eric and Karla have a tandem kayak. They joined us.
We were now short one kayak. So, if we were going to be able to kayak, we had no choice but to rent one.
Notice the sign where you launch the kayaks ---- Alligator!
Eight of us were getting ready to hit the waterway at the preserve.
Eight of us were getting ready to hit the waterway at the preserve.
John and Sharon
After our adventure, we stopped at Flippers on the Bay for lunch. They had great fish and chips!
The kayaking was a lot of fun. We really enjoyed it. If it weren’t for the damage to Terry’s $650 kayak, I’d say it was a perfect day.
We added our names to the standby list for another month at this park and so did the Hyders. Actually, I’m not so sure how I feel about it though but do like the idea of not moving for another month. So, we both ended up with sites and will be around for another month. In the meantime, we cancelled the reservations we had made elsewhere. Come February we’ll have to make more decisions. That’s not to say we won’t go to the Keys as we also booked a couple nights there without the motorhome in January.
This is the season for Christmas lights. That’s what we did last night. We got the bikes out and went for a ride.
What a time consuming thing it was to try to position pictures in a blog without using Livewriter!
‘Tis life on the road.
There would be no way in the whole wide world that you'd get me into a rubber kayak with gators being present. Fibre Glass would be my choice, and even then.....
ReplyDeleteI'm with Peter on that one. And swimming with those gators would not rank very high on my list of things to do. Sorry about Terry's kayak. That's sad.
ReplyDeleteSorry about Terry's kayak. It sure looks like a lot of fun! Your pictures on the water are pretty.....
ReplyDeletewell it was fun despite the maladies... folks don't worry in Florida they put up beware of the gators signs everywhere they don't want you swimming... This water was brackish so no alligators there.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't going to mention the bracket water.
DeleteHummm a repair job to the kayak is in order, you are at least enjoying Florida, but swimming with the gators to retrieve a kayak, not for me.
ReplyDeleteToo gone to repair.
DeleteWe are enjoying the same area you are in. Curious about your park and what you think of it. We are in Naples and not so crazy about where we are staying.
ReplyDeleteWe do like the park and it's mainly because the people are friendly. Come up and visit us! Email me.
DeleteWhich Park are you in?
DeleteImperial Bonita Estates
DeleteI'll bet Terry can repair the kayak.
ReplyDeleteHe can't. It's through 2 layers and too big to chance patching without worrying about sinking.
DeleteWhat a bummer that Terry's kayak got dinged up. Hope there is a way to be able to repair it. It's too costly to throw away.
ReplyDeleteGood that you were able to get another month at the RV park, this time of year it's so hard in Florida. I guess you're lucky in reservations and unlucky in kayak transportation... ;c)
Lucky and unlucky all at once.
DeleteSorry to hear about Terry's kayak, hope it can be fixed. But, it sounds like you are having fun.
ReplyDeleteWe are having fun. Wish you were here to enjoy it with us.
DeleteOh what fun y'all had. Not sure I would be too thrilled with seeing that sign. So glad that Janice is safe. Now that would give me a reason to jump out of that water to dry land.
ReplyDeleteSo what is your secret to some of the new photo looks?
Sent you an email
DeleteI guess kayaks are like planes and parachutes - make sure you check your own before you take off. That's a terrible thing to happen - have you checked with repair places to make sure it's not repairable? Pretty expensive to just let it go. If not, then ship it home and put it on the wall of the cabin - or use it as a planter in the yard. No way I'd just toss it, too $$$ and too pretty.
ReplyDeleteOther than that, it looks like you guys are having a really nice time - I'll miss seeing you in Q this season.
We don't have room to continue to carry something that we can use. :(
DeleteChanging your mind about where to unload the kayaks turned out to be as hazardous as having someone interrupt you when hitching up. Sorry to hear it is not repairable. Glad you had fun anyway.
ReplyDeleteOuch, too bad about the damage:( Like someone noted above, my first thought in seeing the inflatable was not me where there are alligators:)
ReplyDeleteWoohoo - new kayak for Christmas! Sorry it wasn't planned though :-( Looks like a great day on the water - and how fun to have another month to do it some more!
ReplyDeleteSounds that way.
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