Central Florida Kayak Tours: Manatee Whisperers of the Wekiva River June 2017

Manatee Whisperers of the Wekiva River June 2017

Just the three of us set out this morning on the Wekiva River. Heading downstream we were met by a Little Blue Heron becoming an adult. It is a stunning bird and while in its “calico” phase it changes from white to blue and remains that way the rest of its life. A short distance later we had Manatees right under our kayaks. We very rarely see this on the Wekiva River so we just drifted quietly and watched them play and eat. They are such gentle animals and we felt truly blessed to be there with them. Further downstream the Scarlet Hibiscus was in full bloom. Add in some Giant Leather Fern, a few Turtles, a Great Blue Heron and a small Alligator swimming down the river, we found ourselves in paddling bliss. Today we truly were the Manatee Whisperers of the Wekiva River.

Video of the Manatees feeding right next to our kayaks!

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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.