Daily stats Start: 7:00 AM- Spring Creek FL
Finish: 3:30 PM - on Rock Island
Time: 9:30
Daily dist: 29 miles
Total dist: x miles
Companions: None
Weather: NE wind 20 mph overcast until evening
Notes: It’s my nephew Micah’s 2nd Birthday and 6th anniversary of my Dad surviving his heart attack!
Finish: 3:30 PM - on Rock Island
Time: 9:30
Daily dist: 29 miles
Total dist: x miles
Companions: None
Weather: NE wind 20 mph overcast until evening
Notes: It’s my nephew Micah’s 2nd Birthday and 6th anniversary of my Dad surviving his heart attack!
I was very excited yesterday to finally be where I’ll have some protection by land from the east winds that have been blowing since I made it to Florida. It was that very protection that enabled me to go anywhere at all today in the 20 mph winds that were blowing out of the northeast. Of course the nature of the shore around here meant that I didn’t get quite as much shelter from the wind as I had hoped. The trees that block the wind are a mile inland from the salt grass marsh that borders the shore line. On top of that, sand bars and oyster beds pushed me even further of shore often up to two miles from what little protection the trees could give to begin with. Still the most I had to deal with today was an occasional run against two foot seas when I crossed open bays. Otherwise it was relatively smooth cruising on light chop. However, the constant sound of wind blowing in my ears and splashing water blowing in my face, was psychologically tiring. What I did to lift my spirits was sing Happy Birthday for my nephew Micah who turned 2 today. At first it made me home sick, but with thoughts of being with him when he turns 3 next year I felt better as I crawled my way through the wind.
dull grey day
highlight till island
For most of the day it was just a dull slog in the wind. The skies were overcast and gloomy, the shore was so far away it appeared as a featureless green mass. The only thing that marked my progress down the coast was the passage of time. A highlight was when I came upon a channel marker for the Econfina River. Finally I knew exactly where I was on the map. I was afraid the gloom and drudgery would be all I’d have to write about but things did change for the better. At about 2:00 the skies cleared and the sun finally shone on Rock Island my home away from home for the night.
I should tell you that rocks are a strangely rare thing in Florida most of my experience in this state in the past has shown me only sand, shells, and, mud. There is a spine of limestone (ancient coral reef) that runs down the center of the peninsula, but along the coast you just don’t see much rock unless it was put there by man. So when I saw the name “Rock Island” on the map I was curious as to exactly what kind of rock this island could be made of. As I approached I was happy to discover that the island was high enough to support trees and not just marsh grass. In addition my eyes could detect the shadow of a ridge along the shore. I assumed it was mud banks but sure enough, it was rock. In fact almost the whole island is rock the same type of ancient coral reef that is seen in the center of the state. It actually still looks like coral full of holes and tunnels much like a block of Swiss cheese. The receding tide left numerous pools still full of water which reflected the shimmering sun and now blue sky, a beautiful sight indeed.
I should tell you that rocks are a strangely rare thing in Florida most of my experience in this state in the past has shown me only sand, shells, and, mud. There is a spine of limestone (ancient coral reef) that runs down the center of the peninsula, but along the coast you just don’t see much rock unless it was put there by man. So when I saw the name “Rock Island” on the map I was curious as to exactly what kind of rock this island could be made of. As I approached I was happy to discover that the island was high enough to support trees and not just marsh grass. In addition my eyes could detect the shadow of a ridge along the shore. I assumed it was mud banks but sure enough, it was rock. In fact almost the whole island is rock the same type of ancient coral reef that is seen in the center of the state. It actually still looks like coral full of holes and tunnels much like a block of Swiss cheese. The receding tide left numerous pools still full of water which reflected the shimmering sun and now blue sky, a beautiful sight indeed.
tide pools
reflecting pool
Instead of set up camp in the same overused established campsite complete with a steel fire ring I opted to get out of the wind and in the sun a hundred yards down the beach to the west. It was a chilly day but once I had the tent set up and was completely out of the wind for the first time in the day it was a nice cozy spot and a great end to a tough day.
Because of the nature of the relatively featureless shore line (which is hard to get close to because of the shallows) paddling this section of coast runs the risk of being a dull slog. However, Rock Island is a jewel of an island that makes all the effort worth while.
Because of the nature of the relatively featureless shore line (which is hard to get close to because of the shallows) paddling this section of coast runs the risk of being a dull slog. However, Rock Island is a jewel of an island that makes all the effort worth while.
WOW!
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