Today I'm on my way to the Sea Islands to meet a few of the guys from the Florida Sea Kayak Association. They sound somewhat hard core, and are very excited to paddle these Point 65 boats. I have spoken to Franklin (club president) and Greg (dude looking for a new boat) several times on the phone, and am looking forward to getting on the water with them. Unfortunately the pace of traffic through Georgia combined with my delayed departure have caused a quick change of plans. Instead of heading to the coast to find some surf and chop, we're heading to the St. John's River for a quick test paddle that will allow Franklin to get home to his week-old child before his wife has time to plan his untimely demise.

At the put in there are 5 of us (David & John round out the crew) and 5 very cool kayaks. These guys have great toys. It seems fitting that the first time the XP hits the water it's being handled by a paddler with a critical eye. Greg is used to a more stable design, but handles the XP well. I probably should have been right there with him extolling the virtues of the XP and teching out on all the gear. Instead I let him feel it out while I scooted around with Franklin and enjoyed being out of the car and the water. Although this was a secondary plan, I think it's a great place to play with a new boat. Good currents. A little breeze & chop. Even a couple of wading birds on the Shore. We're in the Intracoastal waterway for the most part, but I can't help thinking that this is the last time I'll paddle Atlantic waters for a while. Cool.

After we put away the tape measure and exhausted both sides of the rudder/skeg debate. It was time to get back on the road. I was recharged after a little time on the water with new friends, and packed up wishing I had some more time to get them to show me the real paddling treasures in this part of Florida. As I loaded up the Jeep Greg showed me a couple of satellite pictures of our intended destination and gave me directions to the beach and a good bar. Did I mention that these guys are great hosts?

I couldn't help myself. Instead of heading West I had to dip my toes in the Atlantic one last time. I followed Greg's directions and found the beach and the bar with no problems (or stop lights).

On the deck of the Sandollar bar I watched Pelicans head home for the evening as I broke out the road atlas and checked out what lies ahead. I have a lot of ground to cover and a lot to do while I'm there. Excellent. Inspired and nourished I hopped in the driver's seat and dialed my friend Bo's number as I chased the sun over the horizon. We're meeting tonight at his place in Cross Creek, and he's a couple of hundred miles West of me on his way there. We realize that we'll be passing his favorite pizza place right around dinner time and agree that the last one there should pick up the tab. I should have gotten directions first. Lesson learned.

Oh yeah, and “Blue Highway” does indeed have the best pizza in Micanopie.