Circumnavigation Complete

Yesterday, 06 May, around1230 P.M., I completed my circumnavigation of the Keys at John Pennekamp Park,which served as both start point and terminus to this adventure. I was met by my neighbor/friend Corey. We went out spearfishing and snorkeling from Corey's boat.  It felt damn good to be in a motorboat, and out of the kayak.  I got my first confirmed spearfishing kill.  I speared a "Sheepshead" fish, host to two sizeable fillets.  Corey and I will head back in a week or so to continue the hunt, looking to do a neighborhood "fish fry" after the next one.

I slowed my paddle stroke yesterday, as I flowed in to the channel which runs to Pennekamp. It was hard to believe that this journey was about to end.  After 208 miles, countless paddle strokes, bushwacking to camping sights,  surmountable setbacks (broken GPS) and beauty abounding.... my journey was over, yet just beginning.

Throughout this journey, I met a lot of interesting people.  Many of whom shared that they had always wanted to do something similar, but life, work, etc.... had disallowed them.  This journey was for all of those who are not able to journey,  for reasons imagined or otherwise. 

May we always pursue the courage to adventure, intestinal fortitude to persevere, wisdom to enrich others lives along the way, and open-mindedness to transcend the trappings of a proscribed existence. (JCK)

Less is more.  Live under your means. Happiness, nor true financial freedom, is determined by expensive cars, flashy jewelry, or the latest clothing line.  Build your appreciating assets and let your money money work for you.

Thank you for all of your support for my circumnavigation of the Keys by kayak journey.  I've loved receiving blog feedback from you all. I hope that my blog and travel adventures afforded you some pleasurable moments throughout your days.  Writing about the people and adventures certainly made for a rich/memorable experience, for me.

Please check out my final blog post for an "acknowledgements" page.... a tribute and thank you to all that have assisted, advised, and enriched my journey.

Future adventure's, with accompanying titles, I'm contemplating are:

1.  A Soldier's reflections on the Appallachain Trail
2.  Jonathan motorcycles America (Pacific Northwest concentration w/ Napa Valley tour)
3.  You can have your Paella and it, too (Adventures from Spain).
4.  Jonathan re-discovers the Gringo Trail (Adventures from Mexico"
5. USAA Road-Side Assistance to an 18 Wheeler: country cafes, strawberry wine, catfish, and driving myself to a PhD