Route #14: July 28, 2008
4th Street to Gandy Bridge

“Welcome Company” – Another early wake up call this morning for what I hoped would be very enjoyable day on the water. Not only would I be joined by several members of Paddle-Fishing.com, but my son Andrew would also take part in my journey around the bay. We used to spend a lot of time together in the outdoors while I was stationed in Nebraska, but as time went on and he grew up we didn’t spend as much time together as I would have liked. I have missed the old times, so it was with great pride that I introduced him to all my kayaking friends.

Unloading at 4th Street. (Photo courtesy of Rick)

Rob, Bill and Andrew get an escort. (Photo courtesy of Rick)

My son Andrew experiencing his first kayak sunrise. (Photo courtesy of Bill)

Today was great morning for sunrise photo’s it seemed.

Bill “Heywood” Howard. (Photo courtesy of Todd)

Norm Hall. (Photo courtesy of Peter)

It was an absolute gorgeous morning, no wind, calm water and no fish. We did get in on some little lady fish very early, but nothing much after that. Ron did get broke off by a big snook while casting a pearl color jerk bait along the mangroves.

The pack heading out towards the Gandy. (Photo courtesy of Bill)

This stretch of the trip had several miles of nice mangrove shoreline as well as some unique old sea wall structure. (Photo Courtesy of Bill)

With the tide being at its highest point, the birds were up in the tree’s looking for a quick meal. This guy had to work pretty hard for his crab lunch. (Photos courtesy of Bill)

More of the local wildlife. (Photos courtesy of Bill)

The crew was already at the trucks by the time we came straggling in. (Photo courtesy of Bill)

The crew that joined me today, from L to R. Norm / Mark / Todd / Bill / Andrew / Chris / Chuck / Jose / Rob / Ron / Lynn / Tim / Jesse/ Kneeling in foreground - Peter

Well, I broke the hundred mile mark today, logging six more miles on the water. This brought the total for the trip to 105.4 miles. With only a few more legs to complete before the end, I can only hope for a few more weekends of good weather.

I would like to thank all of my friends for coming out and joining me today, but I would especially like to thank Rick for coming out this morning. He volunteered to ferry us back from the Gandy after we dropped off our vehicles. Rick, once again, thanks a bunch. Last but not least, thanks to my son Andrew for joining me on my Paddle Around the Bay.