A National Treasure explored by Motorized Kayak Adventures

A  few weeks ago, James Burke of Motorized Kayak Adventures contacted me and invited me to attend a media tour with him and his team in their motorized kayaks known as “The Skimmer”. I was so excited and honored to be a part of the experience especially because a media journalist from TC Palm was also invited to join us. Not long afterward, I received an email from them explaining where to meet and what to bring. I decided that I had to arrange for a good photographer, so I was happy when Michael Evans and his wife Dawn were able to go on this journey with me.

We all arrived on time at the Stan Blum boat ramp and met the charismatic tour guide couple, Linda and Danny Craig. I quickly learned that they are knowledgeable and  passionate about the environment and Linda is a National Audubon Society member who can identify the numerous species of birds, which came in handy on our tour as she named them all. There were eight of us total and each had their own kayak except Mikey and his wife Dawn. They were in a tandem kayak, but still motorized.

The guides gathered us together to be carefully instructed on how to operate and maneuver our kayak. It was easy, fun and we all caught on quickly. Then we proceeded on our adventure. As we cruised along, I heard Linda say, “This is a National Treasure, and we need to take care of it”. I kept thinking about all the recent news in our local papers reporting on our Indian River Lagoon. It occurred to me that many elements and factors in the past several years developed into the “Perfect Storm”, if you will and the topic has become controversial. There cannot be just one factor in the recent distress of the estuary. But this I do know, the peaceful kayak trip along the Indian River Lagoon reminded me that it is our responsibility. And it’s my responsibility to educate, to be a good citizen and not litter and help with a cleanup effort. However, I cannot change the weather causing the droughts, or the super bloom, the mosquito control or the water drainage. But I can do small things and encourage others that they too need to pay it forward for the sake of our children, our plants, and animals. I’m outraged that a considerable amount of the problem is pollution, which we can change. We ended up collecting bottles, beer cans and papers left behind from others. In addition, while we were out, we saw two jet skiers riding by at a fast clip and tearing up the sea grass that is a precious treasure to natures life cycle in our estuary. That encounter and the whole trip was an eye opener to the reality of the current situation and how it affects all of us.

Our tour included a narration of educational facts about the, the diverse species, the birds and the importance of our sea grass, fisheries, mangrove trees and much more. The adventure also provided a route that boats cannot go through because of the low-lying Mangrove trees. We carefully navigated our way through the spectacular scenic channel of the lagoon. Many don’t ever get to experience that kind of adventure at all. But now you can!

So, the take home message is this: everyone can and should do this eco tour, for fun, for education and because there is no excuse not too. We should be telling everyone to take the time, the kids, the grandparents, and the ones who have physical disabilities to experience this unique opportunity and help inspire all of us to make a difference. Check out their directory listing on this website in the services tab for more information.

Clean up organizations that Motorized kayak Adventures are involved with are, DEP, ORCA, Manatee Canter, Friends of Wild Cat Cove, and Spoil Island Sanctuary Project organization.
Keep memories of your tour alive. Motorized Kayak Adventures now has a gift store where you can order coffee mugs, framed pictures, clothing and other Motorized Kayaking merchandise. Use our stock images or upload your own. It’s easy to do and it makes a great gift for holidays, birthdays or any occassion.

You can get to the store in two ways: on any page near the top right side and under our phone number, just click the link button called”Visit our gift shop”; or go directly to the store at the following link –
http://www.cafepress.com/motorizedkayakadventuresgiftshop.1422971215

You can contact Treasuresfp to help you book a tour!

Michael Evans did a fantastic job capturing the beauty and the fun with these amazing pictures. Danny and Linda I want to thank you for the entertaining and informative tour. I also want to say a special thanks to James and Billy for the gift of this adventure.

You an contact us via the website to help you book a tour!

15 % off Saturday and Monday Mangrove Tours!