Another paddle day

We decided to try a new launch site that is in the Sarasota County Blue way's trails book. We got there and it was a long walk to the canoe/kayak launch and then there was a large mud flat before we reached the water. Also the wind was blowing pretty good and it was still cool. So we found another launch site in the book. We ended up at the end of the road and in a private yard. No launch there. So we headed back to the main road and went to Aingler Park. This is a pay to park boat launch/park along the river. We put in and headed up river for a good distance. While we were paddling along my cell rang in my dry bag. Damn. Thinking it was son James to report on his surgery I fumbled for the phone and answered. It was Ann, they had arrived at Sanford Lane and she was just checking in. After we talked with her we decided to head back to the launch site and have lunch and then to head for the ICW, down river about half mile.

We had a nice paddle up the bay and another river/creek. The tide had turned and the current was pretty good going up stream. When we turned to head back we did get a good push in unexpected directions when we approached the bridge.

As we neared the launch the cell rang again. This time it was James reporting that his operation had went fine and he was doing well. Good news.

Pictures from today.

Pappa Rot Z

On Monday 2/2 I volunteered for a "job". Since we had decided to give ourselves a Christmas present of a new Nikon D60 Digital SLR. Man what a camera. So with the new camera I decided to become one of the park photog's. That does get me into events for free and the pictures I have taken have found there way to the park's cable TV channel. It's been fun. The main event I have covered has been the Blue's Brothers Review.

Suzette continued to work in the Glass Shop and started a class on making a lamp shade and I started the beginner class in Stained glass. While Suzette does her glass thing I have been out taking pictures around the park and turning them in to Gary, my park contact.

The only paddle we did in the last couple of weeks has been at Turtle Beach with Rich and Linda. The weather wasn't the best so we spent time shelling on the beach. Finally the weather cleared enough for us to paddle. So we did our usual down to where Midnight Pass was and did some more shelling.

Suzette did get here lampshade finished and I have my beginner project ready to solder.


I'm sure I have left a few things out but take a look at our online picture albums for ones that I haven't posted here.

Stump Pass again

We really like paddling at Stump Pass. We frequently see dolphins and of course Osprey and we can get to the Gulf if the current and wind are in our favor. Also the shelling is quite good. On this trip, with Linda and Rich we had a pretty stiff breeze so we didn't go out the inlet. We did however find a lot of good shells and sharks teeth.

As we were getting ready to launch a car with VT tags pulled in. Suzette and I started calling "Wood Chuck". Linda asked if we knew them. I said I must know them they are from Vermont. So I went over to meet them. They are from Shelburne. And would you guess they worked at IBM. Oh yeah I knew them, Vic and Linda Brenner. What a small world.

No pictures just good times with good friends.

Time to ketchup again

Well not real ketchup but catchup, like bring this thing up to date. So I will make several posts today to catch the highlights of the last few weeks.

Following our paddle at Robinson we met Bill Crowe and Dwight and went to Myakka State Park to paddle on the Myakka river and visit the alligators. We had a nice paddle down the river to near where we would have had to portage so we paddled back to the launch. We saw a lot of alligators and other wildlife.