kayaking FLORIDA Leslie Kemp Poole
The paddle dips into the water and worries evaporate, replaced by tranquility. Ahhhhh. This is the gift of kayaking in Florida in the time of COVID-19 — a prescription to ease the mind and soul during a period of uncertainty and frustration. Admittedly, one doesn’t need a pandemic as an excuse to head out on a kayak to enjoy the state’s marvelous rivers and lakes. You just need the time and a great destination. Across the state, there are myriad watery escapes, from clear, spring-fed rivers to brown, tannic-colored streams, to coastal mangrove tunnels to sandy islands that recharge one’s spirit and put the “pause” button on a hectic schedule. There may be overhead flights of swallow-tailed kites and roseate spoonbills or splashing otters and lumbering manatees. Florida offers year-round paddling opportunities with unforgettable experiences best encountered by canoe or kayak. Here are a few scenic suggestions. Note: Contact sites before heading out because some may be closed periodically or have restricted hours due to health or weather issues.
4 Waterways to Explore
