Central Florida Kayak Tours: Paddling in Eustis May 17, 2014

Paddling in Eustis May 17, 2014

As we started up Blackwater Creek, all was calm. We could hear the Carolina Wrens, Pileated Woodpeckers and Northern Parulas singing as we went along. When we got to Lake Norris we soon realized that the adventure was about to begin. The wind was howling from the Northeast and the waves were rolling high. We decided to trek on and let the games begin. This group did great! We headed over to the old homestead as the waves rocked our yaks back and forth, up and down. When we got to the picnic spot everyone was grinning. We walked up and had our snacks by the old barn, went into the pasture to see what we might find there and then got back in our boats. It might have been my imagination but I think the waves were higher coming back ;-). Once we reached the creek, all was calm again and as we drifted downstream a Limpkin and Brown Water Snake were seen along the way. WOW, these guys are real troopers and we were happy to have them with us!

2 comments:

The Boyd's said...: Cindy posted;
Thank you so much, I had a great time and will definitely be back for another trip with you and Kenny. That was such a beautiful place to paddle, I would even come back for that trip again. I will also pass your information on to friends and family since you and Kenny did such an awesome job, you are highly recommended.

Cindy; May 19, 2014 at 1:36 PM
The Boyd's said...: Donna posted;
Jenny, We all had a great time. Great pics! Thanks again.
Donna Cummings; May 19, 2014 at 1:37 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.