or their own.

 

We've had twenty-two deaths here in FL from gator attacks since the late 1940s.

 

"Small" is a relative term when you're talking about gators. A "small" one looks like T-Rex to me! And three of those deaths were within a couple of weeks of each other last year (or was it the year before -- old-timer's disease is setting in) and they were all three women. Those gators are sexists!

 

I would have died of a heart attack on the spot!

 

That is good to know. I've always felt that the nature intended these creatures to be self-sufficient in the wild without human's intervention. We need to stay out of their way and enjoy them from distance.

I went out again in my rental SOT today. Water was a bit choppy and took in some water. There were few jet skis but they stayed out of my way. I look at kayaking as good exercise.

I noticed when I was running this morning, my left calf muscle was aching. I realized when I went kayaking, though I do not use my legs, I do put some pressure to maintain sense of balance. It is kind of odd that my calf would hurt. I enjoy kayaking neverthless. Transportation is the only thing. If it will fit in my SUV as this one does, it would be alright but 14 footer will not fit in my SUV. I might have to put a luggage rack on my SUV.

 

One of those women was passed-out drunk next to a canal and the other went snorkeling by herself where she shouldn't have been.

Some gators have a sense of justice: Gator justice

 

Kayaks are very popular in my inlet, but I have yet to try one. I have seen some very interesting technology, including a foot operated rudder and foot pedal operated flippers on the Hobie models.

I have an old Coleman canoe that I would love to sell. My inlet is too windy for canoes.

 

Thule and Yakima seem to rule the roof rack market. If you go shopping for racks, take a look at Innova racks. They're a fairly new company and their prices are 25% - 30% lower than Thule or Yakima. The quality, to me, looks to be every bit as good as the Thule/Yakima.

 

Those Hobies would be fine for slow-poking around near shore for relatively short distances in flat water, but most of them handle like a bathtub.

Get a better canoe.

 

Last spring break, I alone took three of my grandaughters (ages 6, 12, 16) to Destin, FL for a week. With no experience, expertise or associated fitness, we rented a double SOT at the military rec center for the day to kajak in the river. We ranged fairly far, it was a lot of fun, encountered some porpoises, and even the 6 year old did amazingly well. I had them take turns with me, and I ended up totally exhausted. I don't remember the brand, but it was a fairly long name starting with an S.