Hello everyone!

[David James Knight]

I'm a third-generation Miami native, lifelong outdoorsman, and former Army officer/Iraq vet. I've canoed across much of ENP (pretty much all of the paddling trails south of Shark River), BNP, and Biscayne Bay, and trekked many times along the Florida Trail south of I-75. In fact, when I got married in 2010, my bachelor "party" was a hike through Roberts Lake Strand (to the dismay of my groomsmen, who were secretly hoping I had hid some strippers at the ground site near Roberts lake).

Late last month, my younger brother and I spent four days looping around Whitewater Bay in a 17 foot Grumman, from Coot Bay Pond to Joe River up to Cormorant Pass (with a detour through the Labyrinth to avoid rough water) to the Cutoff and then down Roberts River and out. We had to cross some rough water a few times in the Bay and I burned out my shoulder in the process. Looks like tendinitis, so could be worse, but still not fun. Clearly my mind has not come to terms with the fact that my body is hitting middle-age. At least it is late in the season.

Now, I'm interested in tackling the backcountry. I'm planning a trip across Shark River Slough from L-67 to Canepatch for next year, water levels permitting. I might even try it with a sailing rig if I can save up the funds.

I've also mapped out a very ambitious 130-mile route through the Miami-Dade canal system, from Oleta to the Miami River, then weaving from the Bay west to C-111, ending at the terminus of the Southern Glades Trail. I'd like to tackle that as a series of day trips once I get a solo kayak. (I'm in the market, particularly if anyone is looking for a trade!)

[Flex Kayakfari.com]

Welcome David! Strippers at Roberts Lake? Yeah sure, but would they dance on the big trees?! ;)