Yesterday I finally got the chance to do the paddling trip that I had been planning. I kept intending to paddle to
Egmont Key State Park from Fort De Soto, but something often got in the way. Last time I actually had the kayak loaded and traveled south, however I had to meet up with someone later in Bradenton to look at, and subsequently purchase, some home theater chairs for the new set up in the den. this time, I finally made it to Ft. De Soto and parked near the fishing pier. After carrying the stuff to the water it didn't take too long to paddle the 1.8-2 miles to the key. Sure, taking the passenger ferry would have been easier and faster, but since when has anyone ever known me to do something like that?
Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge was more expansive and interesting than I had initially thought. Egmont Key has a unique natural and cultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood since 1858. During the 19th century, the island served as a camp for captured Seminoles at the end of the Third Seminole War and was later occupied by the Union Navy during the Civil War. In 1898, as the Spanish - American War threatened, Fort Dade was built on the island and remained active until 1923. Though almost all of the buildings were gone, the 8 miles or so of brick road and sidewalks remained. They offered an eerie feeling at times as the road would often just disappear into the overgrowth.
The well on the 'old well' trail was never found, but there were several interesting aspects; gopher turtle, old sidewalks, and even an old tennis court. There were a few seemingly huge logs around that were trip hazards, but overall it was a great experience. Before heading off there was a little bit of time to locate a geocache and relax for a while on the beach and enjoy some cookies, fruit, and some quite excellent homemade sandwiches (who needs Subway?). There was still a bit of time before dark to check out Fort De Soto on the mainland once everything was packed up. With the cool breeze, lovely view, and recent memories of the day, to me it added up to a perfect experience!
I had a really incredible time hanging out with Kristen and even though the crossing was a bit further and more rough than I had expected, I think she had a good time as well. We had an awesome walk around the island and some memorable experiences and I even got her introduced a bit to geocaching when we found a hidden cache along one of the trails. She really is a wonderful person and I am so very much looking forward to getting to know her.
This picture above is a panoramic picture stitched from a series of pictures taken at the intersection of two brick roads. It looks as if four roads are converging on a single point in relation to the viewers stance, however it is indeed a 360 degree view. The first road is looking west towards the Gulf of Mexico, the second road is looking north, third looking east towards Tampa Bay, and the last is looking south.
Kristen and I picked up seasonal passes to Disney yesterday so we could start visiting the parks before it got crowded for the year. We decided to hit the Magic Kingdom first. Most of the park is the same as usual, so there isn't a lot to report. 
I was in pretty rare form and had much of the boat laughing more at my jokes than the guides on the Jungle Cruise, mostly because they were probably more risque than the authorized Disney dialog. My favorites are always the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse as it is always special in some way. We watched the light parade go by and hit the haunter mansion and came out in time to get some shots of the fireworks. the castle was all dolled up in pretty lights that changed color. 
Next time I'll try to remember to bring the tripod so I can get some decent low-light shots.
