Today was much like yesterday, great weather (just too hot 86), low traffic and a long paddle (20.4 miles). This puts me ahead of schedule but I am sure that will be eaten up somewhere. It was great today that the tide was with me all the way.

Tides are funny and you have to be conscious of them as you pass an inlet. When you pass the inlet the advantage or disadvantage changes. I passed an inlet early in the day today and was on the rising tide, then about half way to the next inlet (my end of day) the tide changed and drew me out on the falling tide. That kept my speed up and got me through the 20 plus miles. Winds were mild and felt good as they cooled my sweet soaked shirt. They were mostly from the east and not in my favor other than to cool me.

I did see many different birds, Snowy and American egrets’, Green herons, Pelicans, Cormorants, Osprey and others I couldn’t identify (I know they were some Ibis and other storks). There were the crazy Iguanas, falling/jumping in the water, and other quick lizards on shore. I had a Manatee swim right under me today, and I got a pic of his/her back. They are neat critters, big, slow gentile fellows.

People are still giving me thumbs up and stating how relaxing it looks. I need to let them know the first 3 miles are relaxing after that the next 17 are just rote. I keep repeating Dory’s song “Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming”, with the obvious change to paddling.

So take aways for today: 1 the sun is not my friend, I am burned on my arms. I’ll need to wear my long sleeve Columbia brand shirts. They are light weight and dry quickly with and SPF of 60. Sun screen on the face is a must (even with the wide brimmed hat). I also use a toke (I believe that is the term) around my neck; just a tubular piece of light weight material, that I can wet to cool me off as well as to cover my neck. 2 finding places along the route, a marina or gas station, where you can get cold drinks is more rewarding than you can imagine. Found one today and that gave me new life. I carry water but I can’t keep it but so cool.

Happy day