The Big One...it didn't get away!

John loves to fish. He doesn't get much time to fish in Vermont. We always have too many house projects and other obligations. Here in Florida is where he really can spend as much time as he wants..just fishing. He fishes from his kayak in the rivers and creeks and he surf casts when we are on the oceanside. Yesterday we explored the Tomaka River Basin which consists of the Tomoka River and several creeks which surround the Tomoka State Park. I go along for the ride...I take my camera to look for birds, unusual plants and critters along the shore. It is easy paddling for both of us. When we launched our kayaks, we saw a manatee poke his snout up out of the water for a quick breath. These inland rivers and creeks are where manatees spend the winters. They are extremely dependent on warm water and will travel longs distances to find a warm hole to hang out in. They are difficult to spot because of their dark coloring. They often have water plants growing on their backs so they look like submerged boulders. We try to stay clear of them, not because they are aggressive. Quite the opposite. They are gentle but very clumsy and will accidently bump the underside of a kayak.

John had a few bites as we headed up the river and I saw a few birds, brown pelicans, ospreys, ahinghas and commorants. Suddenly John had a huge bite on his line and this is what he pulled out.... A good size trout.

We had a lovely morning. It is not really warm here but we can still wear our shorts and sandals. What more can you ask for really.

John built a very cool trailer for our kayaks. We can walk it or pull it behind our bikes. It is so much more convenient than carrying our kayaks or driving to the launch site.

February 28... Our 43rd wedding anniversary. It seems hard to believe!

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