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Day 57 (Happy Birthday to Micah & Heart Day to Dad!)

1/31/2010

12 Comments

 
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!
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.
Picture
dull grey day
Picture
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.
Picture
tide pools
Picture
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.
Picture
WOW!
12 Comments
Joe
1/31/2010 11:48:58 am

Jake
I really look forward to your blogs, I am always checking to see if you updated. I was so worried tonight you might be out of range to update, I was so glad to see the new blog. Love the pictures and videos, I'm like a kid waiting for Santa, waiting to see the daily adventure.
Make sure you swing into Crystal river to see the springs and Manatees, sure it will be one of the highlights of your trip.

Be safe and have fun
Joe

Reply
pa
1/31/2010 12:04:11 pm

Hi Jake.
Spent the day in Manitowoc visiting and celebrating Micah's birthday. We ate supper at Freddy's and now we are home.No heart attacks today,yet anyway.Your campsite sounds interesting.Hope all stays well with you.
Love ya,
Dad

Reply
lyn stachovak
1/31/2010 12:40:00 pm

So... You were homesick (a little) today? Just think of all the birthdays you're going to get to celebrate with everyone when you're finally living in Wisconsin. Where you truly belong! It'll be great to have you with us for all the fun times again. It's been way too long. I can't wait till October!

What did Dad say??? No heart attacks - at least none yet today? Oh boy. I'm (and I'm sure no one else) is ready for all of that drama to repeat itself any time soon. I'm glad Micah's birthday is the 31st of January... Makes this day a REALLY good thing - not a day full of worry to remember. Even tho everything turned out great I still like thinking of this day as the day Micah was born better than the day Dad had a near fatal heart attack. It's funny, but Micah seems to have a special relationship with Grandpa. I wonder if he decided to be born early just so he could share this day with his grandpa?

Now that we've had a full day celebrating with Micah, getting to see little Jonas again, and stuffing ourselves at Freddy's it's time to call it a day. Good night and travel safe tomorrow. Great pictures and great updates. I love you.

Mom

Reply
Al Benton
1/31/2010 01:14:53 pm

Jake,

This stretch of Florida Gulf coastline has been a curious thing to me when seen from satellite images. Your descriptions and the photos have presented a great lesson in geography and history of the region. Thanks for that. Your photos on Rock Island are fantastic, especially of the sunset.

Have fun and be safe.
Al

Reply
Tom S.
1/31/2010 08:03:26 pm

Hi Jake,

Glad to hear you tried the dry bag wash machine. Someone told me about it and it is handy. Those winds that haunt you on the water are a blessing for drying clothes fast.

To avoid the constant drone of the winds, try wearing some ear plugs if you can find some. Your descriptions of the toil in the winds and the toll it takes out of you each day makes me reflect...sort of been there...done it. We have to be crazy.

Eleven days from now I head to Florida to do my own paddling down the Suwannee. It is high and ripping.

Reply
mike aycock
1/31/2010 10:58:52 pm

Jake,don't know if u will make it to the cedar keys by tonight, but we stoped there last summer with a house boat going to TX. and droped the hook on side the big island that looks like a u and got out and took a walk around, just to get off the boat a bit. and it looked like a great spot to camp 4 the night, good luck

Reply
Branden link
2/1/2010 04:41:25 am

Yet another great picture! (sunset I believe) I think you should create a coffee table book of those! :D
Keep on keep'n on!

Reply
Mark Honeck
2/1/2010 05:14:33 am

Hey Jake,

Keep it up. You are making good time. Enjoy the blogs! They are the first thing I read in the morning. Question on your MSR Dramedary: Do you have that poly after-taste with them?

Reply
Deb Stachoviak
2/1/2010 06:13:01 am

Jake, I know what you mean about dull and grey. I am in Fort Myers and it is no better here. Getting ready to leave tomorrow after a day of shelling today. You really need to stop at Cayo Costa State Park near Sanibel, beautiful state park and facilities.

Reply
roberto
2/1/2010 10:06:23 am

WOW is right!

you sir are an inspiration.

Reply
jake
2/1/2010 10:46:24 am

Here's to your good health Dad!

On the MSR Dramadary bags...No poly after taste any more. They've been used so much they don't taste like anything.

On the wind for drying clothes...I'd be happy to wear soaking wet clothes if it meant a day with no wind. Heck I'd wear my soaking wet and stinky thermal pants around my head if it meant no wind for a day. Just one day...please...

Reply
Tootie
2/2/2010 07:20:01 am

Hi Jake

I think your "WOW" picture should be moved to your home page replacing the one on the gulf. It is beautiful. Glad that things are going a little more smoothly for you now. Take care and good paddling.

Reply



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