Two weeks before the country shut down I was lucky enough to take a trip to Florida and be with my family. On that trip my Dad, Grandfather, and Uncles went on a Kayak Packing trip in the Everglades. For 4 days we paddled between and camped out on tiny islands that dot the Everglades along the Gulf of Mexico.
We got off to a rough start when an unloading error caused my uncle's kayak to almost crack in half. My Dad and I rushed into town to rent a new kayak and my uncle did his best to not rage quit the trip right then and there. With a new kayak acquired we loaded up and set out across the bay toward the Gulf.
The sun beat down hard as we paddled in and out of mangroves and skirted the Gulfs mighty tides. Occasionally we stopped along a beach to drink a beer and catch our breath before pushing ahead. My 82 year old grandfather paddled a long at the same pace as myself for most of the 9 miles and only slowed down near the very end.
We arrived at camp near sunset. A tiny island not much more than a sandbar at its ends was our home for the next two nights. We set up, made dinner, drank beers and enjoyed the fire.
On our rest day we paddled around the gulf, fished, drank more beer and explored the tiny island. The shores were awash with thousands of shells, coral, and hurricane debris. I must have brushed against something my skin didn’t like while exploring. The next 24 hours my arms and legs felt like they were covered in pins and needles. Funny enough there was no sign of a rash, just the stinging pain. Florida I love you but my skin hates you.
On day 3 we set back out to paddle to a new Island. We crossed shallow waters where our kayaks just barely stayed afloat above the sand. In some spots we had to get out and pull them across the low tide. Our second camp was located on a true sand bar with the gulf on one side and the Everglades on the other.
The last paddle back to Everglade City was a relaxed one and sipped on the extra beers my uncle had left as the tide pushed us back home. Kayak Packing was a lot like hiking and aside from the skin irritations I really enjoyed it. Being out on what most would consider an epic adventure with my Dad, Grandfather and Uncles was a gratifying experience. Hopefully we can get back on the water soon.
