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Warren has been testing his new Pentax Optio W10. Click one of the links to see more photos in Flickr.
He has another set with the same camera: Swimming With Manatees.
While taking me out on a kayak trip, Peter and Joyce Long were interviewed by a local news team regarding another looming ecological disaster. Polluting the the world’s largest limestone spring.
In the well-edited sound bites they represent cautious environmentalism.
I visited Peter and Joyce Long at their new active retirement community just outside Ocala, Florida.
It’s a perfect Truman Show gated community catering to those age 55 or older who no longer work — but who refuse to slow down!
36-hole golf course, softball fields, swimming pools, aerobics, dance studio. 80 clubs and organizations catering to every interest, even synchronized swimming. We were waiting for the fitness centre door to open at 6AM each morning.
Two neighbours were both recently widowed. They met through the Singles Club and are now getting married.
If you are currently living in a SITCOM (Single Income, Two Children, Oppressive Mortgage) you want to email Peter — peter.long@longsworld.net — to learn more about what it is like to retire to Florida.
Also, check Peter’s photos of our Kayaking and Cycling day trips. Flickr (free) membership required.
Next travelogue on this trip >> Daytona Beach, Florida
This is Joyce Long from a TV interview where she was asked her opinion of another huge new proposed housing development which threatened to pollute pristine Silver Springs — the world’s largest limestone spring.
Joyce and I in a double kayak pushed hard up river because other boaters told us that monkeys had been spotted. These must be the most northerly monkeys in the wild in North America. They are descendents from escaped movie monkeys.
Six Tarzan films were shot here.
Next travelogue on this trip >> Florida retirement?
I just posted a one page summary of how to get your butt into a kayak on Isla Espiritu Santo (Holy Spirit Island) off the coast of La Paz, Mexico.
It’s the best single kayak destination in North America, I reckon.
And a bargain if you rent your kayaks rather than sign on for a guided tour.
I plan to expand the site to include diving, fishing, boating and hiking. Then to offer advertising space.
check the site — IslaEspirituSanto.com
The highlight of my 4-day trip was snorkeling with sea lions at Los Islotes. They hugged & kissed us. Wow!
I wasn’t too worried when one took a love bite at my knee cap. (Rangers told us they have only had to evacuate one bleeding tourist back to La Paz, so far.)
White sand beach camps, desert canyons adorned with hanging fig trees, snorkelling with tropical fish, towering rock cliffs, sea caves, ringtail cats, leaping manta rays. That’s what I’m talking about.
Writing the travel adventure book Unforgettable Things To Do Before You Die (2005) authors Steve Watkins & Clare Jones were personally guided by Manuel — also my guide in 2006. I should write a book too! Or at least post a website on how to kayak Isla Espiritu Santo. …
For the full travelogue in 60 annotated photos jump to the permanent webpage in Rick’s travelogue archive. 
Next travelogue on this trip >> La Paz, Baja
Twice before I tried & failed to get to this idyllic island.
But thrice is charmed. I am booked Feb. 1-4th. Wish me luck
I am a client with the BOA company out of La Paz.
Next travelogue on this trip >> Unforgettable Things To Do Before You Die – kayak Baja.
