Florida Keys 115-Mile Paddle to Mark Over-Sea Railroad Centennial
FLORIDA KEYS — Sharing Henry Flagler's vision of the Florida Keys as a remarkable and accessible destination, up to 100 nature-loving kayakers are to embark on a 115-mile, 10-day Paddle Florida Keys Challenge Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, to celebrate the centennial of the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad.
Starting at Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the challenge is suited for experienced paddlers and includes overnight stays throughout the Keys. Daily paddles average six to 20 miles in both protected and open-water environments.
Highlights of the paddling itinerary include visits and stopovers at historic Tavernier, Indian Key State Park, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and other Florida state parks including Long Key and Curry Hammock. A two-night layover at the Lower Keys' Bahia Honda State Park provides an opportunity for exploration and snorkeling at Looe Key Reef.
An opening-night slideshow is planned for Thursday, Jan. 12. Illustrating Flagler's historic and developmental influence on the Florida Keys, it is to be presented by Monica Woll of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Greenways and Trails. A presentation by environmental photographer Mac Stone is scheduled Sunday, Jan. 15.
Tuesday, Jan. 17, paddlers can meet travel authors and professional paddling guides Bill and Mary Burnham for a book signing, slide show and campfire talk at Knight's Key Campground.
Other attractions include live Americana-style music performances on the journey's final nights.
Event organizers expect the kayakers to end their journey at Key West's Fort Zachary Taylor State Park by noon Sunday, Jan. 22, the 100th anniversary of Henry Flagler's arrival on the railroad's inaugural train from Miami. A cookout for paddlers is to follow.
Registration for the 10-day trip is $800 per person including overnight accommodations and meals. Paddlers also can participate on a daily basis for $90 per day including meals.
Participants must bring camping gear, kayak and paddle(s) and a personal flotation device. Rental gear is available at Florida Bay Outfitters, MM 104 bayside in Key Largo. Contact 305-451-3018 or visit www.kayakfloridakeys.com.
Limited space remains for the trip, and paddlers must be registered no later than Friday, Dec. 30.
Event information: www.paddleflorida.org/keys12/keys.htm or Bill Richards at 352-377-8342
Flagler Centennial Celebration: www.flaglerkeys100.com
Florida Keys visitor information: www.fla-keys.com or 800-FLA-KEYS (352-5397)
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Daily paddles average six to 20 miles in both protected and open-water environments. Image courtesy of Burnham Guides
A two-night layover at the Lower Keys' Bahia Honda State Park provides an opportunity for exploration and snorkeling at Looe Key Reef.
Highlights of the paddling itinerary include visits and stopovers at historic sites, including the Seven Mile Bridge, located parallel to the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge and Pigeon Key off Marathon. Image courtesy of Burnham Guides