The Beginning
With the kayak secured to the bed and cab of the pick-up truck, on Saturday, November 27, 2021, we departed on a 421-mile road trip to Big Lagoon State Park, Pensacola, Florida.
Over the previous two months, I had made plans and arrangements to paddle sections of the CT along the Florida Panhandle. For one reason or another, they all fell through.
I finally concluded that I needed to return to my original plan, paddling the CT alone, with minimal assistance and not depending on anyone other than my wife.
From our house to the Big Lagoon SP, the starting point of the Florida Saltwater Paddling Trail, it is a seven-hour drive. My wife has a job that would not allow her to take time off during the workweek. We agreed that we would drive the four-hundred miles on Saturday, camp the night, and she would return on Sunday, the 28th. I would then put-in, and start the journey.
Due to storm damage, the starting point was inaccessible by road. The only option available was the park’s boat ramp, a mile from the starting point. Debbie had a long drive ahead of her, so I had her drop us (kayak and me) off at the boat ramp. She took a quick photograph and departed.
Months of preparation, making sure I had all the equipment I needed; it did not take long to realize I had brought more than I could stow or carry. The first item to go was the carrier – it was left next to the trash can hoping someone who could use it would take it.
Half a kayak marks the trailhead. Next to the marker, a box holds the trails log. Immediately after logging in, I started the 1,515-mile saltwater trail. A lone bald eagle perched on a pine tree watched as I commenced.