I paddle my Klepper more often than I sail it because adding the sailing stuff takes time and the leeboard brace takes up cockpit space. It is fun to sail in the right conditions so when I saw a good weather forecast coming up I decided it was time … [Read more...]
Kayaking
I have a small fleet of kayaks. One of my favorite places to kayak is in Bimini, but I kayak much more frequently in my home waters around Punta Gorda.
Kayaking Mangrove Tunnels in Punta Gorda
June 8, 2019 By Leave a Comment
There used to be more beach at Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda, but there’s still barely enough to launch my Blue Canoe. I had planned on paddling down the shore and returning via the mangrove tunnels but a headwind changed my mind and I reversed … [Read more...]
Dawn Patrol
May 26, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Paddled the old Blue Canoe up to the dam today. … [Read more...]
Watertribe 2013 Everglades Challenge Start and Checkpoint One Pictures
March 26, 2013 By 1 Comment
At 7:00 am on March 2, 2013, conch horns and bagpipes sounded and race organizers gave the signal for participants in the Everglades Challenge and Ultra Marathon to launch their boats and start down the course. Getting under way is … [Read more...]
Speck Tater’s View of the Watertribe 2013 Everglades Challenge
March 14, 2013 By 4 Comments
This is my third year going to the start of the Watertribe Everglades Challenge, and I decided this time around to see more than just the start of the race. The past two years, I have witnessed the start from the beach at Fort Desoto Park in Tampa … [Read more...]
Better Use of Punta Gorda Bayfront Center is Possible
December 27, 2012 By 1 Comment
The city-owned Punta Gorda Bayfront Center, located on Charlotte Harbor adjacent to Gilchrist Park, is currently leased to the YMCA, but a competing lease proposal by the Charlotte Harbor Community Sailing Center would provide better utilization of … [Read more...]
West Coast Trailer Sailing Squadron Pelican Bay Gathering March 2012
March 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The West Coast Trailer Sailing Squadron is a group of Florida sailors who like to gather in different locations to camp out on small boats. I have been aware of the group for several years, but have never made it to one of their cruises. At the … [Read more...]
Sailing the Edge of Hurricane Irene in Hobie Adventure Island
August 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Sailing Shell Creek to Punta Gorda On the Winds of Irene Launching In Shell Creek A nearby tropical weather system that is not a threat always causes great sailing weather, and today was no exception. After a morning look at Hurricane … [Read more...]
Watertribe Everglades Challenge 2011 Start
April 18, 2011 By 1 Comment
Kayak and sailing fleets depart from Fort Desoto Park beach Sunshine Skyway Bridge at Dawn The Everglades Challenge is an annual event in which kayaks, canoes and small sailboats race from Fort Desoto Park at the mouth of Tampa Bay down to Key … [Read more...]
Buy the Right Kayak Paddle
March 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Having the right kayak paddle is nearly as important as having the right kayak. If you kayak a lot, and paddle long distances, the benefits of a really great paddle become obvious. Buying A Kayak Paddle The first time I bought a kayak … [Read more...]
