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Route I paddled this day
With a new year and a permit for the backcountry, I hit the water with a kayak laden with food and water for a few nights in the Everglades. Within a couple hundred yards into my trip I spotted a large disturbance near my boat. I glanced over wondering what it might be, until I saw the exhaust from a blowhole and identified the dolphins swimming next to me. In fact a trio of dolphins passing through the area danced next to my kayak. I enjoyed their display before we parted ways, and I continued through Chokoloskee Bay before entering the Lopez River.
The river was bigger than expected at around fifty yards wide. Solid mangrove trees lined each bank, providing no good place along the shore to take a break. I fought a slight current since the tide was going out. Although normal for coastal rivers, the fact that the direction of a river changes twice a day depending on whether the tide was ebbing or flooding was strange to an inlander.
Campground at Lopez River
Within short order I arrived at Lopez River, my campsite for the night. The paddle took less than three hours, so I knew I could have reached Watson’s Place in a day as I originally wanted, but the park service would not endorse. Oh well, at least their itinerary would result in a more leisurely trip. Although in my own weird way I do not necessarily look for relaxation while on vacation.
I spent the afternoon on shore, reading and resting. Thick forest surrounded the area, leaving no place to explore by foot, and I did not feel like getting back in my kayak. Quite a few power boats sped through the channel, so there must be good fishing upriver. The bugs forced me inside my tent by sunset for some reading by headlamp before going to bed.
