Kayaking through the Mangroves

A short distance from the mooring field is an area of Mangroves that can be explored by kayak. Mangrove plants, or walking trees as they are sometimes called, are an important component of the Florida ecosystem. They provide shelter to many fish and creatures. Their unique structure recycles important nutrients and they protect the banks from erosion.  One afternoon Tom and I decided to check it out.  We were a little hesitant because there have been several snake hunts underway in the Florida everglades to help eradicate the unnatural, human introduced, (of course) population of boa constrictors that are damaging the ecosystem due to the large amounts of prey they are eating and their rapid reproduction.
The mangrove area is thick and at times you have to lay down in your kayak to get under the branches.  I was actually more concerned about spiders than snakes but still! Anyway we took off to explore map of water trails in hand.  There is supposed to be a loop through the mangroves but we never made it all the way.  They were so thick and passage so narrow you couldn't paddle. It was more of a push yourself under and through. After a while it became more annoying than fun so we turned around and came back out the same way we went in.  Did see bugs but thank goodness no snakes.

Marathon Turtle Hospital: So sad but so happy someone is helping

Just a 10 minute bike ride from the marina, the Marathon Turtle Hospital was a visit I won't ever forget. Its far from a fancy facility, with a variety of tank sizes under a cover that keeps the heat of the sun off of those that are healing and will return to the wild and those that are permanent residents. 
A few of the permanent residents suffer from a syndrome called Bubble Butt. The name may be funny but these guys have heavy weights glued on their backs to help them swim underwater. Without the weights they could only float on top of the water. The result would be to die of starvation. The most common cause of this injury is boat props. Slow down people and keep an eye on your surroundings!!
Others had intestinal injuries from eating plastic bags or balloons. In the water these resemble jelly fish to a turtle. Tom and I have seen so many mylar balloons and floating garbage bags while boating the ocean. It is really upsetting. If you would like to read more google Marathon turtle hospital. You can even adopt one of the turtles to support their care. You receive a photo and periodic updates. I did this using my granddaughters names so they would get the updates. They really enjoyed it.