Week long trip w/ NOLS Alumni in the outer mangrove islands of Everglades Nat'l Park flanking the Gulf of Mexico. Had been sea kayaking for several years prior but had yet to go kayak camping so was looking forward to using all the storage space in kayaks for some camping. Launched from Everglades City and spent 7 days paddling about with frequent racoon encounters in the p.m. Perfected the subtle art of installing the dead-man tarp stake-down. Came to realize that the Boreal Designs "Beluga" Double-kayak can probably hold enough gear for an expedition of several years duration! Truly a massive boat. Revisited the area in 2006 for some solo paddling. Great spot. Maps essential in the mangrove maze. Surprisingly few birds - think I see more nesting egrets in NY than we saw on this trip. We did get to see a loggerhead turtle pop his head up and also a manatee make a massive and suprising "sounding" right under one of our kayaks (it was either a manatee or a submarine).
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