David Harraden is every bit the character we hoped he'd be - outspoken, passionate about the everglades, and an encyclopedia of off color jokes. We had a wonderful time with him and the kids impressed him at least with their spunk if not manners.
We did a "skiff assisted" three day kayak tour. The skiff is a 23' fiberglass outboard boat that carried us and the kayaks to interesting places to paddle. That might be considered cheating in some circles, but allowed us to cross windy bays to reach bird nesting areas, mangrove tunnels, alligator lairs, and other hot spots of nature that we would have otherwise missed.
We sat in the skiff at sunset to view thousands of birds returning to the one small island they ALL roost in at night. Thousands of birds of every species descended on this one acre plot of poo covered trees for the evening. As the sun set in the west an orange moon rose over the island as the birds argued for space on the crowded branches. An hour before sunrise the next morning we were up for hot coffee and back to the same island to view the birds departing for a day of hunting. First a few, then hundreds filled the sky as the sun rose, and the moon set. Not a bad way to start the day.
Kayak excursions to view alligators, orchids, and the mazes of mangrove tunnels filled the day. We spent the evenings sharing stories about Burning Man festival and Tannerite.
David Harraden is a naturalist, entrepreneur and raconteur. David is one of a kind and offers a unique and personal experience for those seeking a wild and natural experience. In a world full of cookie cutter business and watered down adventure, this man delivers the real deal.
So cool you went to the Everglades! My grandfather would take us fishing there as kids. No kayaks, but large fish, and large gators.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoying following the adventure, even at this early stage.
-J