.jpg)
Hi, adventure seekers! Are you tired of the same old routine? Are looking for a new way to explore this summer? Consider your own “backyard” of unique and exciting options to discover the beauty of our surroundings. Many times, overlooked, our backyard of Northeast Florida offers serene inland creeks, saltmarshes, intracoastal waterways and rivers to explore via kayak. So, gather your sense of adventure to embark on a journey you won't forget!
For example, imagine lavender flowers draping into the Florida blackwater. There are lush, green, low-lying palmetto palms and majestic moss-laden cypress and oak trees along the creek’s banks. Can you hear the chirping of the recently hatched baby alligators hiding in the weeds along the water’s edge? We are now paddling through the salt grasses in view of Amelia Island’s historic lighthouse, watching great egrets and herons take flight. Wow! Trusty camera in hand, you get a great shot!
Allow me to share the story of my most recent shot which is my favorite so far:
Early one morning my family and I went kayaking. It was my mom and nephew’s maiden voyage in our Hobie Mirage kayaks. We took tandem kayaks, which made it more convenient for me to take pictures, and we stopped off for a short period of time on the beach of Cumberland Island.
It was low tide, and there were sandbars where gulls and pelicans frequent. (It is common to see a flock of birds completely covering the exposed sand bar, giving the illusion that they are floating on the water.) Capturing our attention was one lone bird. I thought it to be odd for only one bird to be resting on the sandbar alone. It was a large bird. This piqued my curiosity; is this what I think it is? It is what I thought it was! Framed by the ocean’s mist, was a majestic bald eagle. (The national anthem started playing in my head).
I quickly took pictures because this was an adventure where the clock was ticking. He could take flight at any moment! Well, he did fly, just as the tide was coming in causing the sandbar to vanish into the deep. But this did not stop me. I had my camera set on continuous mode, which enabled me to shoot many frames of the soaring eagle!
Over the rock jetties he flew as the ocean’s waves crashed against the rocks. For me, seeing this powerful symbol of our nation caused patriotism to fill my heart. This experience was enhanced by being in our kayaks exploring the waters of our beautiful home with my family.
Quality time spent with friends and family is special. Whether you're kayaking, paddleboarding or boating, our waterways offer thrilling activities that will have your family bonding and creating unforgettable memories. With the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, you'll explore new and familiar places and experience the great outdoors like never before!
I am honored to be a part of my family’s business, and I invite you to create memories of your own with us at Amelia Island Kayak Excursions, Where Kayaking Fun Begins! www.AmeliaIslandKayak.com. 904-557-5307. Interested? Just call us or visit our website. It is as simple as that — your first step toward an adventure your family will always remember!
