Paddling the Cedar Key Backwater

Yesterday we spent most of a delightful day paddling the Cedar Key Backwater Trail. Starting in a small tidal creek on the mainland, it takes paddlers through near pristine wilderness to the picturesque built environment of a traditional fishing village. As we entered the Gulf of Mexico and headed for the Cedar Key Beachfront Park, we encountered a marvelous expanse of mirror-like water.

Cat Island Paddle

Finally, last Tuesday, the weather gods smiled and after 4 cancelled attempts we paddled the final of the 12 trails that will be in the Friends Paddling Guide! Not only are we relived to be finished with the research, but it was a fantastic paddle. More photos are here on the Friends of Refuges website.

Fantastic Cedar Key Weekend

Talk about a fun-filled weekend! We started with an adventuresome paddle at Shell Mound. If the Gulf looks flat between the Shell Mound launch ramp and Hog Island, and the wind is blowing about 10 miles an hour, what will the waves be like on the outside of Hog Island?  Adventure! Ride those little waves in your tiny little kayak! Splash on through! Of course I didn't get the camera out until I was back to the calm side, so you'll just have to trust that it was pretty darn fun.

Russ blogged about it on Random Ferments.

Off we go

Pretty little waves

Looks calm enough on this side if the island

Russ and our friend Mark

I love floating up next to the sea grass, but it is still hard to see how it is attached to the bottom.

Slow Food Gainesville came to Cedar Key to learn about the clamming industry and to share a pot luck dinner. Check the Slow Food description HERE.

to the Clam Shack

Learning from Leslie Sturmer

Clam types

Leslie answers our questions

Look at the tiny seed clams

Almost too pretty to eat

The Small Boat Meet was this weekend too. Sometimes Cedar Key looks quiet and boring. Cedar Key deceives.

Party for the Small Boat Lovers at Jeri and Bob's

More partying