Sunday, January 11, 2009

Poker Run Aftermath

We paddled in a Poker Run yesterday and had a ball. Janet, Dottie, and I took part in the benefit Poker Run for Three Sisters Spring at King's Bay in Crystal River. When you play poker in a kayak, you go from station to station in your kayak collecting cards. Once the cards are turned in, winners are established and prizes are awarded.

We set a brisk pace as we paddled to a station about 30 minutes away (by kayak) in order to answer the bonus question. Our plan was to execute the longest paddle before the wind came up. We were successful in our effort and completed the much closer card stations with no difficulty.

Before turning in our cards and leaving the water, we lingered over Hunter Spring. As we sat very still in our kayaks over the deep spring waters, we could see several manatees and their young. One of them came up right in front of my boat and snorted. It was thrilling. All in all, we had a spectacular day paddling the beautiful water, sitting in the shade for a picnic lunch, and, as Dottie said,.." enjoying nature at its best."

2 comments:

amelia said...

Don't you worry that you'll be knocked over?

We canoe a lot in the summer and I always feel most vunerable in it. Can't do it this time of year as the lake is a solid sheet of ice!!

Shannon & Elizabeth said...

wow, i have always wanted to swim with manatee. i am so amazed at how close you were to them! that's worth the price of admission :-)
did you actually get the bonus? and how did you do in your poker game?