Lets Go Kayaking

Kayaking on the lakes of Citrus County is a wonderful experience no matter what time of year. This week end we arrived between the thunder storms and Lake Henderson was a thing of beauty. The waters had layed down and the gray skies not only kept the heat of the day at bay but allowed the perfect lighting for photographing the colorful kayaks and their oarsmen as well.

The local kayaking club members couldn't wait to introduce us to their favorite sport and I was immediately "suited up" for a most enjoyable ride around the lake.

Kayaking isn't difficult. That boat skimmed along with the least of effort. There are kayaking opportunities all over Citrus County and wonderful places to explore in the many Lakes and Rivers and Springs of the area.

Lake Henderson, in downtown Inverness, has two parks where you can launch your kayak. Liberty Park is at the end of N. Apopka and Wallace Brooks Park is at the end of E. Dampier St.
The history of kayaks is long and very little has been recorded in the past. Archeological evidence is scarce, since much of what was used in kayaking was recycled and that which was abandoned did not survive the elements. A few fragments of
ancient kayaks do survive, but many of the oldest artifacts are carvings of kayaks in ivory and other materials. Much of what is known from the past comes from oral histories of the kayaking peoples or from the writings of European and Russian explorers and traders contacting the Inuit, Aleut and other cultures. Some of the earliest writings that mention kayaks are from the Norse that settled in Finland around 1000AD. After that, most writings date after 1500AD, when Europeans returned to the American continent.

While you are visiting Inverness and staying at Jan's Highland Guest House (http://vacationhomerentals.com/42553) kayaking on the chain of lakes is a great way to spend a day or two.

Inverness Kayaking sites include:

http://soggybottomtours.com/
http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Riversport.Kayaks

So I'll see you on the water.
Bye for now, Jan