Daily stats Start: 5:58 AM – Florida Bay Outfitters, Key Largo, FL Finish: 5:19 PM – NOAA Lab -Virginia Key, Miami, FL Time: 11:20:36 Daily dist: 45 miles Total dist: 2,193 miles Companions: None Notes:
What can I say... I'm tired. After eight days straight of grinding out an average of 35 miles per day, today I topped off the long run from St. Petersburg to Miami with one of the longest days of the trip so far. After starting the day at the Florida Bay Outfitters kayak shop in Key Largo at 5:50 AM I landed on the beach on Virginia Key at 5:15 PM after paddling 46 miles. Waiting for me there on the sand was a welcoming committee consisting of my friend Neil and a bunch of his co-workers. I truly am exhausted from the long week of paddling but at the same time excited to be done with the Gulf Coast portion of this trip and beginning the Atlantic. After getting a little well earned rest tonight I’ll be filling you in on the last four days as soon as I get a chance.
Any idea when you may be crossing the the thumb of Michigan and running up north in Lake Huron. My family and I would like to meet up with you and get you fed and rested. Good Luck
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Teresa B
2/19/2010 12:09:26 pm
Glad to hear you've made it to Neil's safe & sound! Get some rest and enjoy a good visit and food! I'm sure Neil will be doing some grilling for you.
youre a beast!!!! hope frank and monica were kind to you! they certainly were to us.
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berto
2/19/2010 01:38:54 pm
North baby, NORTH!
GO JAKE GO
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Joel
2/19/2010 08:53:19 pm
Amazing!!!
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Lyn Stachovak
2/20/2010 12:56:25 am
You made it to Miami! How amazing!!! Now you're heading in the right direction (NORTH) and home... Love you.
Mom
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Dave
2/20/2010 09:09:01 pm
Jake, From Naples, I love to follow the daily trip reports of long distance bicycle riders, hikers, and now you that I have discovered this web site. I shall now follow you daily until the end. Many thanks for the inspiration, Dave
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Charlotte Key
2/20/2010 11:14:59 pm
You GO Jake! Glad you were able to get where you can sleep well last night. Frank and Monica are great at Fla Bay OUtfitters. I always enjoy seeing them when in the Keys. When I lived there, I bought several things plus a boat from them. Camille and I will be going to Sweetwater Kayak Symposium Friday night to hear your presentation. We are looking forward to it and seeing you again. Enjoy your time with Neil and your friends. See you soon, cant wait to hear your presentation and see the slides of this wonderful adventure.. the weather has to improve for you from now on for awhile. Charlotte
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Jake
2/21/2010 03:47:36 am
Hi Charlotte,
It will be great to see you again. I'm working on the slide show right now actually. I hope it turns out OK I don't want to bore anybody.