Completed 3 day/2night kayak paddling/camping trip with my 29 yr old son in two Eddyline Fathom kayaks. First day started out in a light drizzle and paddled from Chokoloskee Island to Sweetwater Bay Chickee(GPS showed 18 mile track in light winds and benefited from incoming tide) and spent the night on the platform with cool temps and light breeze, bugs were manageable with spray. Day 2 paddled down Chatham River through Storter Bay to the coast and then finished up with 3 mile open water paddle to Pavillion Key(12 miles wind out of the east/northeast but battled incoming tide/current). Set up camp on the beach at Pavillion, and had a great campfire. Day 3 paddled back to Chokoloskee Island in cross wind of 10 kts, with incoming tide(8 miles). Awesome trip: some huge gators, flocks of White Pelicans, Porpoises, and Roseate Spoonbills sighted. Highly recommend if you enjoy solitude and unspoiled Everglades Scenery!
Safety Notes
Large alligators present throughout first two days so don't spend any time near waters edge of sitting still in your kayak in the backwaters. Just keep a good eye out for them and they do their thing while you do yours.
Gear Notes
Tent, REI camping chairs, sleeping pads, down bags, Pfillows, backpacking stoves, freeze dried foods,dromedary bags with all water needed: slightly over a gallon per day each.
Conditions
Overcast day 1 with temps in the low to mid 70's daytime to high 50's at night. Some rain on day one mostly light drizzle. sunny remainder of the trip with comfortable temps
Trip Details
Trip Dates:
12/18/2022-12/20/2022
Sport/Activity:
Kayaking
Skill Level:
Advanced
Water Type:
Flat/Sheltered Water, Open Water/Ocean
