Central Florida Kayak Tours: With ponchos donned... a paddling adventure! 10th of November 2014

With ponchos donned... a paddling adventure! 10th of November 2014

It wasn't sprinkling when we started out but that changed shortly after the launch. With Nigel and Deirdre from the UK and Preston and Tirzah from WA a little wetness wasn't going to spoil their day. Rain? What rain, lets go on an adventure! We paddled around the island and there were several birds out feeding. Some of our migratory friends are down now and we got to see the Little Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Anhingas, Cormorants, Red-shouldered Hawks and a Harrier. As we headed toward the springs we saw a few Manatees and then had an encounter at the mouth of the spring run. With ponchos donned, we paddled toward Snake Creek and back into the flooded swamps of the St Johns River we stopped for our picnic lunch. These guys have now been classified as CFNA Troopers! This is the stuff memories are made of ;-)!

1 comment:

The Boyd's said...: Nigel & Deirdre Posted;

Thanks Jen! Great photos! Kenny gave us another fantastic kayaking trip! It really was quite amazing seeing these magical gentle giants so close to us! And no gators spotted this time - result!

See you again!

Cheers
Nigel & Deirdre; November 12, 2014 at 9:17 AM

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.