Old Cedar Key Loop
The first paddle event of the day was at 1:30 p.m. and was a three mile scenic trip called "Old Cedar Key Loop". The group of NCLA gals fell in line behind Delores and followed her from The Island Place condo complex to a launch site called Anchor Hole Boat Ramp. From the condo, it was a left turn here, then a right turn there, another left, another right and then a straight shot to the boat ramp (according to Delores's GPS unit). The plan was to get a small head-start on the rest of the paddlers so that they could get an idea of the simplicity or difficulty of launching since non of them had ever been to that location before.
It was a good thing they did, too, because when they arrived they found that there was minimal parking at best and the gate to the ramp was locked. They made quick work of unloading their yaks and circumventing the locked gate before the rest of the fifteen other paddlers signed up for the event arrived. Those who were ready way ahead of time went ahead and paddled out from the ramp a hundred feet or so in order to make room for those who needed the ramp to unload their yaks and gear.
Liz is relaxing and waiting on the tour to start
Dot is doing the same...
The fleet of about fifteen kayak launched from Anchor Hole Boat Ramp which the local clam farmers use. They paddled past a large clam farm aquaculture facility while biologist, Peter Frederick shared his knowledge about oyster reef restoration, coastal ecology and wetland birds. They meandered among forested islands and oyster bars passing by the old Cedar Key neighborhood of "Kiss Me Quick". The trip continued through the Back Bayou and past the remaining pilings of the old trestle of David Levy Yulee's historic Cedar Key to Fernandina railway. They followed the channel past the Back Bayou waterfront docks with fishing boats, clam facilities and marine businesses that still power Cedar Key's economy..
Dr. Peter Frederick
Delores found some old monofilament fishing line and popping cork tangled up in the mangroves. Matt would be proud!
This is where clams are farmed and harvested.
All three guides for this trip were wearing neon green caps so that they were easily identifiable.
White Pelicans all along the shoreline.
On the lookout for a few good fishing spots. Someone said they saw a black drum tailing here.
This is the lead pack. Delores, Dot and Liz took it a little more leisurly and hung out with the 'sweep' (the guide that takes up the rear).
Brown Pelicans on the pylons
By 3:30 p.m. most of the kayakers had already completed the paddle and where on their way to their next event. Alice was loading her yak as Ron, the sweep guide, escorted Delores, Dot and Liz back to the ramp. They were the slow-pokes of the group but were quick to load up themselves knowing that Ron was on a time schedule and had to make sure everyone was safely on their way before he could leave the scene.
The girls had a wonderful afternoon but it was time to head back to the condo, take a quick shower and get ready for their next scheduled event at 4:30 p.m.
The girls had a wonderful afternoon but it was time to head back to the condo, take a quick shower and get ready for their next scheduled event at 4:30 p.m.
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