Tuesday, July 5, 2011

ACA Kayak Adventure

 Last month we had the pleasure of running our first American Canoe Association (ACA) Kayak Adventure. We also had our first ever intern with Out-Island Explorers, Michael (below). The trip had a great mix of folks. We had guests from New Jersey, Oklahoma, Ohio/Israel, Virginia and Hawaii. 
 They had perfectly calm water the week of their trip. However, they also had some scorching summer heat too. 
 Travis, below, was our ACA Rep for this trip. What a great guy to have out there on the water!
 Each time we have a guided trip we try to spear or reel in fresh fish for dinner at least one night on the water. After you catch the fish... you must clean the fish. This usually is a sight you'll see after cleaning a couple fish off the beach...
 A pretty decent size Lemon Shark. He apparently wasn't too intimidated by Dallas and the group as they stuck their heads in the water to see him through their masks because he came right up toward them. When my feet are safely planted are dry land I can enjoy these kind of moments, personally. When you're out in the water (usually after spearing for a bit at the same spot) and see one of these in the water with you... it is easy to feel a bit panicked. They are amazing creatures for sure!
 This group enjoyed a moonlight paddle (which was also a first for our guided trips). Partly to escape the swarm of mosquitoes that tried to eat everyone at sunset, but also because of the beautifully full moon and clear sky. 
 This particular night made me a bit jealous that I wasn't out there on the water enjoying the paddle with them. 
 The group from left to right: Travis, Donna, Carla, Corey, Ed, Michael & Dafna!
 The summer months in the Bahamas typically brings more afternoon showers and thunderstorms than the rest of the year. You can see a water spout in the shot below from one of the storms.  
 My little guys (Joss & Emit) and I drove the powerboat out to the group (about a 50 minute drive one way) to take them some cold drinks and give them a break from paddling to hit up a couple snorkel spots on their last full day out on the water. Everyone seemed pretty exhausted when we got there, but hopefully they were still having a good time. 
 The final morning of the trip they were somewhat stranded in the middle of a thunder and lightning storm that surrounded them. They found a slight gap in the storm and managed to paddle the final mile and a half back to their mainland. It was an adventure to say the least, and everyone made it back safely. As with most of our trips and groups that head out, they were all very excited to have a fresh water shower, air conditioning and a soft bed to sleep in that final night at the local hotel. 
Hope you guys enjoyed your Out-Island adventure with us!

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