Central Florida Kayak Tours: Kayaking with the Manatees January 13, 2014

Kayaking with the Manatees January 13, 2014

As we paddled around the island there was absolutely no wind and the river turned to pure glass. We got to see several Purple Gallinule, 3 Great Blue Herons sitting on their nests and the Anhingas, Snowy Egrets, Cormorants, Little Blue Herons & Great Egrets were all out fishing. The Orange Dodder vine throws a splash of color to the river and we witnessed an aerial dog fight between an Osprey with a fish and a young Bald Eagle. The Osprey finally evaded the Eagle and made his get away with fish in claw. We got to see several Manatee on the way over to Snake Creek and the Red-bellied Turtles were out sunning. A Momma Gator was out with her baby on her head ;-)... they were sunning too. The White Ibis in Snake Creek were looking for grub and on the way back to the launch spot, we had more Manatee encounters. With the warm sun at our backs to bring us home, it was a great day to be on the river.

1 comment:

Joanne Rose said...: Just wanted to say thanks again
For such a wonderful time we really
Enjoyed seeing the manatees up close and
All the birds as well. Kenny was
So helpful and informative
Hope to get back in the area to
Go on another trip
Joanne Rose; January 14, 2014 at 2:58 PM

About Your Guides

Kenny Boyd's first link to nature began as a kid growing up and exploring the lands near Jacksonville, FL. He found the lure of these secret spots irresistible and began to strive to inspire others to take a closer look. He graduated from Eustis High School, then served 4 years in the Navy working the flight deck on two Super Carriers, the Constellation and the Nimitz. During his tenure with the Navy, he experienced many of the world’s ports and became certified in Jungle Environmental Survival in the Philippines. He was the Florida off road motorcycle champion and has spent years as an off road guide through the Ocala National Forest and the Central Florida area. He served on the USDA Forest Service, Ocala Access Work Group in 2001 to help protect the precious resources we have available to us within the forest. He is a member of the Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, Mt.Dora Chamber of Commerce and is CPR certified. With a knowledge and uncanny intuition of Florida’s wildlife, a self taught birder with an exceptional eye, his knowledge of the wildlife within FL exceeds most expectations. He has a great sense of humor and makes each and every trip an enjoyable one for all involved.

Jenny Boyd is a Florida native. She was born in Eustis, FL where she and her husband Kenny reside now. Her love for the great outdoors started at a very young age. Being concerned that she would waddle down to the lake they grew up on, her sisters taught her to swim when she was an infant. At the age of 5, she went on her first hiking trip, riding on the top of her Dad’s backpack, while her family hiked through the Smokey Mountains. This trip started her curiosity and education of the flora and fauna that exists in the Southeast region and her knowledge continues to grow. She and Kenny hike and camp every chance they get throughout FL and the mountains of NC and TN.

In 2002, Jenny started volunteering at S.A.D.L.E.S. an organization that is committed to helping children of all ages through Equine therapy. This brought her love of the great outdoors and animals together and enabled her to help teach others as well. She is a member of the Audubon Society and Arbor Day Foundation.

Our mission, Jenny says, is to help others experience the peaceful, rejuvenating, fun side of these beautiful backcountry places that exist here in Central Florida. Being outside, with nature, in a peaceful environment, away from the hustle and bustle has a calming effect on people and has been proven to reduce stress. That is what we hope to accomplish. When your customers leave with a huge smile on their face, thanking you for doing something you love to do, it warms your heart.