Location: Rockland MaineLaunch Site:  Beach at intersection of Ocean and McCloud Sts.  Free parking, carry down stairs to the beach, no facilities.  Conditions: Sheltered commercial harbor to open ocean.  If the wind is from the south, as it often is, you may wish to stay inside Monroe Island, or you may not even make it beyond Owl's Head. Wildlife: Birds, harbor seals.Highlight: Postcard perfect lighthouse at Owl's Head.  Land on beach at northern tip of Monroe Island and...

Location: Homosassa FLLaunch Site: Public ramp at MacRae's marina and restaurant.   Conditions: Slow moving spring-fed river, marsh.  Watch out for oyster beds at low tide.  When the tide is running out, you will have to paddle hard "uphill" against the outrushing water near Sam's Bayou Marsh (see waypoint).  Use all waypoints for navigation...the channels can be confusing.Wildlife: Birds, dolphins, manateesHighlight: Monkey Island is unique, lots of wildlife, no power boats in the...

Location: Weedon Island State PreserveLaunch Site: Beach launch at the end of Weedon Drive NE.  Restrooms, waterConditions: Sheltered mangrove keys, open bay and gulf.  A strong south wind kept me from paddling to the downtown St. Pete waterfront.Wildlife: Birds, dolphinsHighlight: Unspoiled nature in an urban area.  Distance: 7.1 miles.Date Paddled: February 16, 2009

Location: Mayo MDLaunch Site: Dock at Carr's Wharf.Conditions: Tidal estuarie and marsh. Wildlife: Ospreys and shore birds.Highlight: Exploring tributary creeks until they disappear.  Distance: 8.1 miles. Date Paddled: June 8, 2009

Location: Hayward, WisconsinLaunch Site: Wild River Inn, rustic resort and kayak rentalConditions:  Having only my gel coat kayak, I rented a plastic boat from the Wild River Inn.  I wanted to paddle 16 miles to Springbrook, but the outfitter said the water was too low and would only shuttle me back from Stinnett Landing.  Half a beautiful trip is still a beautiful trip. Wildlife: Birds; so many fish (suckers) I could have scooped them out with...

Location: Cornucopia, WisconsinLaunch Site: Myers Beach.  Parking fee, restrooms.Conditions: This paddle needs calm or south wind.  Much of the fun is exploring the caves and you won't be able to get near them if the lake is rough.Wildlife: Birds Highlight: Paddling through caves. Distance: 13.8 milesDate Paddled: August 15, 2009

Location: Near Bayfield, WisconsinLaunch Site: Little Sand Bay on the Red Cliff Indian reservation.  Beach launch, restrooms, water.Conditions: Lake Superior and all that it can throw at you.  Be prepared for cold water, high winds that can last for days, sudden storms.Wildlife: Bald eagles, mergansers, deer, the odd snapping turtle.  Be prepared for black bears (they can swim!). Highlight: Paddling through caves, surfing big lake swells, historic lighthouse, pristine beaches, bald eagles everywhere. Distance: 15.4 milesDate Paddled: August 13, 2009

Location: Sandusky OhioLaunch Site:  Carry launch at Pipe Creek Wildlife Area.  Free parking, no facilities.  Conditions:  Sheltered harbor, a bit of  natural area in an urban environmentWildlife:  BirdsHighlight: Paddle near Cedar Point, an amusement park with some amazing roller coasters.Distance: 12.7 miles.Date Paddled: August 23, 2009

Location: Door County Wisconsin near Sturgeon BayLaunch Site:  Ramp at Potawatomi State Park.  Day use fee or Wisconsin State Parks sticker, restrooms, water.Conditions:  Launch into sheltered Sawyer Harbor, which is mostly protected from all but an east wind.  Paddle into the larger Sturgeon Bay southeasterly to the town of Sturgeon Bay, the capital of Door County.  Watch out for northerly to westerly winds on the big water, which is what we contended with on a cloudy...

Location: Washington Island WisconsinLaunch Site:  Ramp at Jackson HarborConditions:  Washington and Rock Islands are at the extreme northern tip od the Door Peninsula, which forms Green Bay.  From Wikipedia:  Door County is named after the strait between the Door Peninsula and Washington Island.  The dangerous passage, which is now scattered with shipwrecks, was known to early French explorers and local native Americans. Because of the natural hazards of the strait, they gave it the French...