Central Florida Kayak Tours: From St Augustine to paddling the St Johns River December 2, 2014

From St Augustine to paddling the St Johns River December 2, 2014

Mike's friends Chris and Malcolm came over from Norway and paddling with the Manatees was on the list of things to do. Blue Springs which flows into the St Johns River in Orange City is a Winter haven for them this time of year and it's the coolest thing to have them come right up to your kayak like a gentle giant. Back in Snake Creek the marsh is still flooded which creates great opportunities to paddle within the trees. We got to see 4 Alligators sitting up on a clump of Water Pennywort sunning themselves and the Great Blue and Little Blue Herons were out playing as well as the Anhingas and Cormorants. The Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets were bumping around catching minnows while the Turtles were sunning on the logs. This is the epitome of Central Florida and it was a great day to be paddling with friends.

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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.