Sailing Sarasota

Our [iKayak Sarasota] guide invited us to a garden party this afternoon at "his house" seen here. Just tell them George sent you, no problems.

This upside down jelly fish has a sting, but it isn't very poisonous or deadly.

Julie sets off fromthe motor boat in the little "sun fish" sail boat

We weren't the only ones to take advantage of the gentle winds.

An anhinga comes swimming close to our kayak

The highlight of our tour was going into the "mangrove tunnels". We were through here in the morning, unfortunately low tide for the day.

This is the 20K+ sq.ft house built by the woman who reportedly got GW Bush elected (the first time).

Sailing past the Selby Botanical Gardens

and then dives under

It was really neat tucked away in here. And to think that we're just outside of downtown Sarasota. This is a great area - so many things to do outside!

Julie being shown the dagger board [keel] that is inserted through the top of the boat. Very similar to our windsurf board.

Sailing is surprsisingly easy [with a boat this small and stable], so we got the hang of it pretty quickly.

I have never seen an anhinga swimming underwater, but this is it. Supposedly they like the kayaks because we create a shadow where small fishes gather for "protection".

As we paddled through the mangroves, we heard constant small pops, or clicks (same sound as making a knocking sound for baby with your tongue) that were oysters shutting themselvses as we neared.

I can't wave, I have to hold the line! -- It's called a sheet, and I can hold it.

Andrew is stoked to be on the water. Full sail ahead!

Upside down jelly fish! They live in mangrove forests and shallow lagoons along tropical coasts.

Exiting one section of the tunnels we had to disembark and push the kayaks through the ankle-deep water.

Our sailing lesson took place in Sarasota Bay, with a pleasant view of the city's skyline.