When you have a day off and the temperature, tides, and wind are all favorable it would be a crime not to get out on the water. Luckily for me, I don’t have to travel far to launch since I can drop in right across the street from my house.

My kayaking rather confused Puff (one of the street kitties that adopted me after the hurricanes last Fall). He followed all the way down to the water and watched from the shade of a mangrove tree as I drifted away.

I paddled up Bear Creek for a bit, enjoying my neighborhood from a different perspective. There’s often a chance to spot manatees, dolphins, or even otters but this morning it was just me and the birds. Speaking of birds, the Mallard hen I photographed has an odd little addition to her brood, not entirely sure what kind of duck it is, but it’s hers now.

A quick paddle under the Gulfport Boulevard bridge and I entered the Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve. At this point I had several options; south to St. Pete Beach, east to Gulfport, or north to Treasure Island. Since I knew the day would heat up quickly, I kept it short and paddled out to Jack’s Island in the middle of the bay.

This small crescent of a key is supposedly privately owned but the owners allow day use. I had the beach to myself for most of my visit, it was so very relaxing. Just what I needed since I had a house project waiting for me that I was not looking forward to (more about that soon).