Today was a hot day and I was fighting the tide most of the day.  But that is just part of the experience I guess. It was just a short 15 mile day but it took a lot out of me for some reason. However, I did like what I saw today, nice houses, some undeveloped spaces and turtles.  I stopped and got a pic of a star fish, and a short time later a Loggerhead Turtle popped up. All I could hear was, DUDE!! (another shameless reference to Finding Nemo).  At the end of the day there was a second turtle sighting near Jupiter inlet.  Other wildlife I saw: Osprey, King Fisher and of all things a female Loon. The loon took me by surprise, I mean I see and hear them in Canada all the time. But when she called I was taken aback, she has a nice winter address anyway. The only close call I have had thus far was today. A big boat was coming out of an idle only area and hit the gas. I was no more that 100 yards away, I thought I could duck behind a breaker that was there but was just short. The wake actually crested and caught me broad side nearly flipping me over. I was in maybe 2 feet of water but still I was soaked and mad. I should have done as I have thus far and paddled bow first into the wake and I would have been fine but I didn’t. Better choices next time. Jupiter inlet was hairy, lots of boats, some wind and a lot of construction. Got through it unscathed but it was something. Once around the corner and leaving the inlet I was on the rising tide and all of a sudden I was flying again. Great way to end the day.

This is the last day with assistance. Peg picks me up we go out to dinner and then back to the B&B for our last night together for a while. Tomorrow she drops me off and I am on my own. Peg visits my brother for two days and calls me. That will be my last chance to quit easily. I don’t see that happening but that is the plan. After her call she heads back home. She has enjoyed gardens and touring while I paddled but that now comes to a close. She did find she liked it and promises to connect again in a few weeks. She has been soooooo supportive of this hair brained idea of mine and I thank her completely.

Take aways: 1 Fighting tides is no fun 2 Unexpected things are going to happen and are good and bad.