Paddling around Homosassa

After waking up a little late, we had a cold cereal breakfast then took the dogs on a walk around “the cube” but because of the heat and humidity we wished we had walked them earlier.

The kayaks and gear were already loaded on Marks pickup so we drove the 16 miles to Ozello where we found the boat launch on John Brown Road. We were able to launch a little after 9:30 am. There was a strong wind blowing in our faces making progress paddling very difficult. In addition, we crossed several bays and other large bodies of water.

We paddled around many of the islands, oyster bars and mangrove growths as we made our way north back to Whittington’s house. As we paddled, we saw ospreys, young bald eagles, some herons and egrets. Several brown pelicans were diving for fish.

By the time we arrived back to the dock behind Whittingtons house, we were exhausted, and arms were sore from paddling against the wind. The time was close to 2 pm by the time we pulled the kayaks up on the dock.

Mark and I drove back to Ozello to get the pickup and see some of what was in the small town of Ozello.

Back at the house, Mark and I modified the door to the new corner cabinet to better accommodate the swing out shelving. It was a fairly straightforward job changing the direction that the door opened.

We all showered, changed and got ready to go out to the Marguerita Grill for dinner. We met neighbors, Kenny and Jody from Minnesota. We ordered three pitchers of Margaritas for the six of us. I ordered the Captain’s platter and Mary had the Aspen crab cakes then helped me with the platter. The owner, Sam, came around to tables welcoming everyone and checking that everything was good. Flags were passed our as Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the USA” and veterans were recognized.

Back at the house, we refrigerated our leftovers and relaxed before bed.