Kayaking the Keys from Flamingo

I did my write up and posted the pictures of my trip to the Keys that started in Flamingo (the Everglades).

http://miami2montreal.wordpress.com/

I learned quite a few things during that trip, much of it would help anyone wanting to do a similar trip. For instance, the way the keys are oriented makes it easy to go from East to West but it's less easy going the other way. In my case, it was easy sailing since I chose to go where the wind took me. The other thing, going toward Key Largo means spending good money on campgrounds since there is a lack of primitive sites going that way. Also, the Florida paddling guide is a great tool but some information is now outdated (Long Key national park does not have primitive campground anymore, instead they park you on platforms 2 miles west of the coodinates given by the guide).

I was doing it to prepare myself for my final departure from Miami, it's very soon now since I want to take full advantage of the south east winds.

BTW For those who can read French, there is an hilarious blog about my blog at http://miamiamontreal.wordpress.com/

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Rene

http://miami2montreal.com
http://renepotvin.com

Great trip report, Rene. When you refer to the "upper keys" running east-west, you are talking about the "lower keys."

Also, you need to learn how to use your GPS. The compass, as I have said elsewhere, is pretty useless when bouncing around on an AI or kayak. Take advantage of the Heading/Bearing info, as well as, Velocity Made Good.

Before you really start your big trip, you should consider purchasing a SPOT--great piece of safety equipment. There are boats & people lost every year in Florida waters--they likely would have been rescued if they had a SPOT.

Good luck!

Keith

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2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon