Kayak

Conquering the Quieter Side of Key West

Crocs Cleared of Crunching Key Largo Kayakers

State wildlife officials said Wednesday it is “highly unlikely” that a crocodile or alligator attacked two Upper Keys kayakers last month.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers and biologists have investigated the claim that an American crocodile was responsible for injuring two kayakers during an early morning trip in Sexton Cove in Key Largo, agency spokeswoman Gabriella Ferraro said.

The FWC cannot determine what the kayakers encountered, but found no indication of a multiple-tooth bite pattern characteristic of a crocodile or alligator bite, and said the scratches were not consistent with either a bite or the number of toenails on either reptiles’ feet.

It is possible a large crocodile or alligator overturned the kayak in an attempt to flee, but no animal reportedly was seen, Ferraro said.

The kayakers — Leigha Poulson and Mike Gregory — reported hitting something in the water and overturning. While in the water, something brushed against them, leaving them with abrasions and punctures, they said.

American crocodiles, a shy and reclusive animal, are an endangered species success story. Since 1975, their numbers have increased from fewer than 300 to more than 1,500 adults. Today, they are classified as a threatened species.

As the crocodile population has grown, the number of complaints about them has risen, Ferraro said. Conflicts between crocodiles and humans, however, are still very rare. Because crocodiles grow large, people must use caution when near them or recreating in areas where they are found.

Poulson and Gregory reported having their kayak flipped by a large animal they did not see, and neighbors in the area had told them that crocodiles are known to inhabit those waters, he said.

“I landed on something big and hard,” Gregory said. “I felt its tail.”

Gregory didn’t feel a bite, but suffered some kind of puncture wounds, he said.

For more information about living with crocodiles, visit MyFWC.com/Crocodile.

The Wacky Sports Challenge (It’s a Keys Thing)

February 13 Mariners Hospital employees will host the Wacky Sports Challenge (It’s a Keys Thing)from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Coconut Cove Resort Marina. Proceeds from the event will be given to the National Kidney Foundation.

The event is co-sponsored by Coconut Cove and Clear Channel Radio. The highlight of the day will be the sports challenge in which teams compete in four events. Teams will navigate a unique kayak course, paddle across the raft lagoon, try to avoid the water balloon burst and comb through scavenger hunt territory.

Each team will have four or five members. Trophies will be awarded to the top three teams. The entry fee is $100. “you don’t need a team to come out to the challenge,” said Fran Glick, the day’s organizer. There will be entertainment, food and drinks, plus there is a beach and a pool on the property. They have planned the day so that everyone who comes will have a a great time.

Throughout the day, Clear channel will sponsor Cast for KIDneys, a chance for everyone to win a little Valentine’s Day Bling. Do not miss this fun day!

Contact: frang@baptisthealth.net or call 305-434-1601

Florida Keys Paddle Challenge Feb. 18-21 2011

Capacity: 100 people
Distance: approx 30 miles
Registration: $200/person
Meals: $100/person

Before the great city of Miami existed, Henry Flagler envisioned a railroad across the sea that would promote a cultural and economic connection with Cuba, the Panama Canal and South America. Construction began in 1904. On January 22, 1912, Henry Flagler rode the railroad to Key West, where the project was heralded by the press as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” It was Flagler’s vision that makes the Florida Keys an economically viable destination. Today the Keys are a paddler’s paradise, with shallow water in five shades of blue and green. We hope you can join us to revisit Henry Flagler’s vision!
Itinerary:

Feb 18 – Curry Hammock State Park check in and set up camp. Kick-off dinner, overview of the trip and mandatory pre-launch briefing.

Feb 19 – Curry Hammock State Park to Knight’s Key Campground(11 miles). Depart Curry Hammock State Park after breakfast. Rest stop is at Sombrero Beach (8 miles).

The crossing from Sombrero Beach to Knight’s Key Campground can be hazardous and this trip is only for the first 100 experienced paddlers with boats that are appropriate for the conditions, meaning that paddlers should be paddling sea kayaks with skegs/rudders and spray skirts mandatory.  We will spend the night at Knight’s Key Campground for dinner and an evening program.

Feb 20 – Knight’s Key Campground to Bahia Honda State Park. (9 miles) Rest stop at Molasses Key (4 miles), halfway across the 7-mile bridge. Depart Knight’s Key Campground after breakfast for the Seven-Mile Bridge crossing.

During the scouting trip, we had 4-foot seas; it was clear that conditions can range from very rough to very calm. If conditions are not favorable to attempt the crossing, we will have an alternative day’s agenda. The rest stop is about halfway between Knight’s Key and Bahia Honda at the Molasses Keys, two islands that are south of the Seven-Mile-Bridge.

Once you make it to the Molasses Keys, you are halfway home. We are on the ocean side for the whole trip until we get to Bahia Honda, where we cut into the bay side right after Ohio Key. Camping will be at Bahia Honda State Park on the bay side of the island.

Feb 21 – Circumnavigate Bahia Honda before departure.

After breakfast, we will circumnavigate the island and return to the camp for departure.  Don’t forget, Key West is now just 35 miles away.  Those wishing to forego the last day’s paddle can take advantage of attractions offered at the park, including snorkeling trips to Loo Key.  We will have a barbeque with many photos opportunities, after the paddle and before departure.