tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37236802788691339932024-03-13T03:41:22.120-07:00BurnhamGuidesOutdoor Writers and Travel GuidesMary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-60133215741821110362015-06-02T12:27:00.001-07:002015-06-02T12:27:53.407-07:00Air/Sea/B&B Kayak Hanggliding Package on the Eastern Shore of Virginia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggdcmq-oMpM/VW4CjhEMZHI/AAAAAAAAAYs/xQ9LKzzY9zo/s1600/Virginia%2BHanggliding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggdcmq-oMpM/VW4CjhEMZHI/AAAAAAAAAYs/xQ9LKzzY9zo/s320/Virginia%2BHanggliding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Explore pristine waterways, beaches, wonderful birdlife and soaring
views of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Paddle with the Authors of "Kayaking
for Everyone," Bill & Mary Burnham of Burnham Guides, take a tandem
flight with Virginia Hang Gliding, and rest easy at the cozy Spinning
Wheel B&B in historic Onancock.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkvipaKkvC4/VW4C6E2BBgI/AAAAAAAAAY0/MAJqGXsK-F0/s1600/seaside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkvipaKkvC4/VW4C6E2BBgI/AAAAAAAAAY0/MAJqGXsK-F0/s200/seaside.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b> Day one:</b> Burnham Guides takes you places few know exist:
pristine creeks with histories dating back to John Smith's encounters
with Native Americans; remote, wild barrier island beaches; wonderful
birdlife, both migratory and nesting. Destinations depend on weather
conditions, customer's experience, and availability. All gear is
included; all trips include a beginner kayak lesson, or an advance
strokes and balance course for more seasoned kayakers. <br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Day two:</b>
Fly like a giant bird and experience the beauty of the Eastern Shore
from several thousand feet in the blue sky. Professionally flown by an
experienced, licensed hang glider pilot and safely enclosed in a
state-of-the-art harness and glider, you will be towed into the sky by a
specially designed airplane and released to enjoy flight in its truest
form. Land back on the soft grass at our dedicated facility. Photos and a
video of your flight are also available. Add this to your "Life List"
and come paddle the sky with <a href="http://www.virginiahanggliding.com/">Virginia Hang Gliding.</a>
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<b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dxMWPF1JWxY/VW4DVNc8pwI/AAAAAAAAAY8/P0o73atuDHI/s1600/map-es-locator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dxMWPF1JWxY/VW4DVNc8pwI/AAAAAAAAAY8/P0o73atuDHI/s200/map-es-locator.jpg" width="177" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Lodging:</b>
The <a href="http://www.1890spinningwheel.com/">Spinning Wheel B&B</a>
is your comfortable "base camp" for your air/sea adventure. From this
historic, friendly home, you can walk or bike to all that this charming
1680 Colonial port has to offer: dining, shopping, art galleries and
more.<br />
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<a href="http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia.html#hanggliding" target="_blank">Click here</a> for details and pricing. Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-59140155736694130682015-05-13T09:22:00.001-07:002015-05-13T09:22:26.414-07:00New Assateague Island Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--huAvX-NFqw/VVN4PZg7jeI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/3bCSlkD7BPs/s1600/banner%2Bponies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--huAvX-NFqw/VVN4PZg7jeI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/3bCSlkD7BPs/s400/banner%2Bponies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Experience a barrier island as few people do on a backcountry expedition with <a href="https://burnhamguides.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burnham Guides</a>. <span class="fsl">Join us for an unforgettable adventure paddling with the ponies and camping in <span class="text_exposed_show">the pines. The first trip is May 26-29, 2015, with more dates available in September and October.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6nczsqteIo/VVN4TCSg1dI/AAAAAAAAAXY/AqBVXDXoSoY/s1600/Assateague%2Bpony%2Band%2Beagle%2Bby%2BJoel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6nczsqteIo/VVN4TCSg1dI/AAAAAAAAAXY/AqBVXDXoSoY/s200/Assateague%2Bpony%2Band%2Beagle%2Bby%2BJoel.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span class="fsl">Less
than three hours from D.C. on Maryland's coast, this national treasure
celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Famous for its wild horses
and white sand beaches, the 37-mile-long barrier island also offers
paddling through bayside marshes, hiking in maritime forests, and remote
backcountry camping.<br /> <br /> As always, <a href="https://burnhamguides.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burnham Guides</a> take care of all the details for you, from gear to healthy meals, unmatched guiding services and extras like yoga on the beach.<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> <br />
Trips are fully-outfitted, and include sea kayaks, camping gear, meals
and instruction. Other activities: Hiking, pony and birdwatching, yoga
on the beach, and optional stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Inaugural trip: <strong>May 26-29, 2015</strong><br /> 4-day/3-night (arrive the evening of May 25 to camp near the launch if you'd like)<br /> Cost: $795 per person.<br /> Discount for bringing own sea kayak and/or camping gear. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><strong>Next trips will be scheduled September through mid-October. </strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Email <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">mary@burnhamguides.com</a> or call 305-240-0650 for more information or to book a trip. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1651883428377831/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">More details.</a></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2QMr1Ls31ug/VVN4MXLEbKI/AAAAAAAAAXI/PyaUXtcHPXo/s1600/Assateague%2Bcampsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2QMr1Ls31ug/VVN4MXLEbKI/AAAAAAAAAXI/PyaUXtcHPXo/s320/Assateague%2Bcampsite.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><em> Required notice
from our National Park Service Commercial Permit: “This business is one
of a number of private businesses authorized within Assateague Island
National Seashore by written agreement to provide appropriate services
to Seashore visitors. The Seashore does not endorse this business over
any other authorized providers. Please direct inquiries and comments
related to the quality of these services within the Seashore to the
Superintendent, Assateague Island National Seashore, 7206 National
Seashore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811.”</em></span></span> </span></span><br />
Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-46359182152438979422014-07-14T05:47:00.000-07:002014-07-14T05:47:39.972-07:00New Virginia Adventures<style>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">New
Adventure Sampler</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A weekend getaway full of
outdoor fun and historic B&B’s centered around the 1680
Colonial port town of Onancock on Virginia’s
Eastern Shore. Options include a Seaside or Bayside trip, SouthEast Expeditions’
Kayak Winery Tour, Hang-gliding, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding. Families and groups welcome! </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Onancock
Challenge: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">SouthEast
Expeditions’ annual
Kayak/Canoe/SUP Races on Onancock Creek. There are 5K and 10K courses suitable
for all categories of paddlers: Kayak, SUP, Surfski, Outrigger Canoe and K1.
Seafood Boil to follow. Register online: <span style="color: #3366ff;">paddleguru.com/races/OnancockChallenge</span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fall Kayak Camping
Expeditions</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Autumn lingers on Virginia’s
Eastern Shore. Join us on special Fall kayak camping trips along the Chesapeake
Bay. We’ll
explore vast marshes and remote beaches by day, and enjoy cool evenings under
the stars on our exclusive island campsites.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rooftop of Virginia Hike & Bike: Columbus Day Weekend
Oct. 10-13, 2014</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Take a hike”
during peak foliage season in Southwest Virginia. Tackle Virginia’s highest
peak, Mount Rogers, on the AT the next. A cozy lodge deep in the
hollows of Grayson County is our base camp for hot showers, soft beds and
delicious meals as we toast each day's adventure!</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"></span></div>
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Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-44184585277030229592013-07-31T14:22:00.000-07:002013-07-31T14:23:21.601-07:00Early Booking Discount on Florida Kayaking Trips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAXUyPfsJ9Q/THa1Z8TAL2I/AAAAAAAAAL0/g-N-qsdO6wE/s1600/keywest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAXUyPfsJ9Q/THa1Z8TAL2I/AAAAAAAAAL0/g-N-qsdO6wE/s320/keywest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There's just one month left to our Early Booking Discount for Florida paddling adventures in the Everglades, Florida Keys, and on the Calusa Blueway. Book by Sept. 1 and receive 10% off.<br />
<br />
We've set the dates for our annual expeditions on three iconic water trails:<br />
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.burnhamguides.com/florida-keys-trips.html#kl2kw" target="_blank">Key Largo to Key West:</a> March 23-April 2, 2014</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.burnhamguides.com/everglades" target="_blank">Wilderness Waterway</a> (Everglades): Feb. 8-16, 2014 (other dates may be added)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.burnhamguides.com/calusablueway" target="_blank">Great Calusa Blueway:</a> November, December and February, we are working on the exact dates right now, so if you have a preference, let us know!</li>
</ul>
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Three, four and five day trips are also available in the Keys, Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands. Visit <a href="http://burnhamguides.com/">BurnhamGuides.com</a> for details.Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-46011388122541272912013-06-23T06:00:00.000-07:002013-06-23T07:30:10.894-07:00Everglades Adventures 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MzdktMhMrWs/Ucbu5ZglJ_I/AAAAAAAAAUE/QF7ZNkwq1Ck/s1600/everglades+smooth+water+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MzdktMhMrWs/Ucbu5ZglJ_I/AAAAAAAAAUE/QF7ZNkwq1Ck/s320/everglades+smooth+water+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Burnham Guides announces 2014 Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands multi-day kayak trips beginning Jan. 5 and running through March 15. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span style="color: black;"><span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl">There is truly no other
place like it on Earth. The diverse environments of Everglades National
Park and Ten Thousand Islands range from coastal beaches to brackish
mangrove swamp to freshwater sawgrass prairie. The birdlife is
unparalleled, with literally hundreds of species. Bill & Mary
Burnham, with Everglades expert Joel Beckwith, will lead paddlers
through mangrove mazes to fascinating interior routes, where camping is
on chickees and ground sites, and out into the Gulf of Mexico to camp on
gorgeous pa<span class="text_exposed_show">lm tree beaches.</span></span></span></span><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span></span></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwKXMPkzEPI/UcbuDheiHSI/AAAAAAAAAT4/vLPqDhjI9q0/s1600/PICT0132_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwKXMPkzEPI/UcbuDheiHSI/AAAAAAAAAT4/vLPqDhjI9q0/s320/PICT0132_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Choose from these fully-outfitted adventures: <a href="https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=gcqhvjuu7ha7sr7oohggu3bnpg%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York" target="_blank">View Trip Calendar</a></span></span></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;"><span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">3 days out of Flamingo, Everglades City or 10K Islands: $595 per person. </span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;"><span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">5 days out of Flamingo, Everglades City or 10K Islands: $995 per person.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;"><span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">
8-day Wilderness Waterway: Traverses the largest roadless area in the
Lower 48. Cost $1750. Typically begins in Flamingo and ends at
Everglades City. <b>Scheduled for Feb. 8-16, 2014; </b>additional dates available on request.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;"><span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Day trips are available on
request, schedule permitting, to places like Coot Bay Pond, West Lake,
Hell's Bay and Alligator Creek. $125 per person, includes lunch.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: black;"><span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <br />
Closest airports: Miami and Ft. Myers. All trips include sea kayaks,
camping gear, meals, and camping fees. 20% discount for bringing own
boat and gear. <br /> <br /> More details: <a href="http://www.burnhamguides.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">www.BurnhamGuides.com</a><br /> Email: mary@burnhamguides.com or call 305-240-0650 to make a reservation.</span></span></span> </span></div>
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<br />Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0Ernest Coe Visitor Center, Everglades National Park, 40001 State Highway 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, USA25.2866155 -80.898650924.3684165 -82.1895444 26.2048145 -79.607757400000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-418455657043341702013-05-31T07:34:00.000-07:002013-06-23T07:45:25.139-07:00Hike and Bike the Rooftop of Virginia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Since the publication of our first book, "Hiking Virginia," a dozen
years ago, countless people have asked us: "What's your favorite hike?"
To celebrate the release of the new, full-color 3rd edition we're going
to take you there! <br />
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Join us Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 11-14, 2013,
at one of our favorite places in all of Virginia: Mount Rogers during
peak foliage season. We'll hike up Virginia's tallest peak and coast by
bike down the Virginia Creeper Trail, all from a cozy basecamp.<br />
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<a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=rpixiugab&v=00112DoRdDy4tEuTYZyYrKz94_9k1RQeoJrQJ-BioOI7Q5exU0MDrFuIpkhw3-Zr8OQQN_zF1ZrzoG6cqw4DBhE0enilaXm2nN7iZsxFKybN-Jq6pLPsZvqaHsxyOqQ--OfI8wmfj1HAGo%3D" target="_blank">Click here </a>for all the details. Call 305-240-0650 or <a href="mailto:mary@burnhamguides.com" target="_blank">Email</a> to reserve your spot! <br />
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<br />Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0Mount Rogers, Jefferson National Forest, Wilson Creek, VA 24363, USA36.6598406 -81.544557511.137806100000002 -122.8531515 62.1818751 -40.2359635tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-17339351050137556352013-05-13T07:54:00.000-07:002013-06-23T07:55:28.314-07:00Douro River Kayak, Portugal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ogTfgn7M20/UccLeg2jf0I/AAAAAAAAAU8/UUPB4Ercq5g/s1600/dourokayak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ogTfgn7M20/UccLeg2jf0I/AAAAAAAAAU8/UUPB4Ercq5g/s1600/dourokayak.jpg" /></a></div>
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Burnham Guides is going international!<br />
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The Douro River is an extraordinary place, magical some say. For 10 days, from Sept. 20-29, 2013 we will experience this firsthand as we kayak to four World Heritage Sites on an expedition filled with mystery, beauty, history, nature, gastronomy and wine. The river's high steep banks vary from sheer granite walls rising several hundred feet to Roman-era terraced vineyards built over centuries. Our paddling will begin in Spain, and aided by the gentle flow of the river, end at the sea near Oporto, Portugal.<br />
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<a href="mailto:mary@burnhamguides.com" target="_blank">Email</a> for details.Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-26571482237007654132013-04-19T08:09:00.000-07:002013-06-23T08:30:06.806-07:00Thanks for a great season!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GkTIQWIUZiY/UccSDQjbeCI/AAAAAAAAAVM/jGK-Xwmb2Fc/s1600/CHCA+group+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GkTIQWIUZiY/UccSDQjbeCI/AAAAAAAAAVM/jGK-Xwmb2Fc/s320/CHCA+group+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cincinatti Hills Christian Academy was our biggest group ever, great kids who paddled 50 miles to Key West!</td></tr>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Our
2013 Florida kayaking season is done and one for the books! 13 trips, 70
days on the water and 100 great customers! Many thanks to those who
helped along the way, from co-guiding, to boat-lifting, to re-supplying.
We truly could not do it without you!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ehjheBF01Oo/UccSmb-OHvI/AAAAAAAAAVc/W6miNGlnb3E/s1600/P1000270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ehjheBF01Oo/UccSmb-OHvI/AAAAAAAAAVc/W6miNGlnb3E/s320/P1000270.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calusa Blueway, a new trip offering this year</td></tr>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">We are not back on the Eastern Shore of Virginia for the summer, guiding trips for <a href="http://www.kayakonancock.com/" target="_blank">SouthEast Expeditions.</a> Come see us at our little shop at <a href="http://www.onancock.org/" target="_blank">Onancock Wharf!</a></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Mary & Bill</span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Visit <a href="http://www.burnhamguides.com/" target="_blank">Burnham Guides to see what we have planned for Winter 2013-2014!</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CAAHhIuCbM/UccTy66iC7I/AAAAAAAAAVs/rOEzxIIkn3I/s1600/IMG_5528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CAAHhIuCbM/UccTy66iC7I/AAAAAAAAAVs/rOEzxIIkn3I/s320/IMG_5528.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8-day Wilderness Waterway, Everglades</td></tr>
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Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-27497666459148198342012-12-19T07:20:00.002-08:002012-12-19T07:20:42.637-08:00Save Old Seven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From our winter "base camp" at <a href="http://www.knightskeyrvresortandmarina.com/" target="_blank">Knight's Key</a> campground in Marathon, we can walk or bike the Old Seven Mile bridge span that leads 2 miles out to historic <a href="http://www.pigeonkey.net/" target="_blank">Pigeon Key</a>. The other night on a sunset bike ride I saw people of all ages and abilities: walkers, joggers, bikers, skateboarders, and a woman in a wheelchair. Dogs are welcome too (just please, pick up after them).<br />
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It's really become an important means of recreation for many people on an island where the highway, US 1, is pretty dangerous for pedestrians and bikers. From it height you can watch for dolphins, sea turtles and sharks in the water below.<br />
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It's also historic, one of the original bridges Henry Flagler had built back in 1912 as part of the railroad from Miami to Key West, thus connecting that island nation to the mainland for the first time in history.<br />
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Long story short, it's falling apart, and the DOT, which owns it, really isn't in the business of fixing bridges that don't carry vehicles anymore. They would rather close it for safety reasons.<br />
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Enter the <a href="http://www.friendsofoldseven.org/" target="_blank">Friends of Old Seven</a>, a volunteer group that is raising funds (DOT will match them), to fix the bridge. The volunteers are out there everyday, with an information table set up at the entrance to the bridge. For a donation you can get a T-shirt, tote bag or a bumper sticker for you bike like I did!<br />
<br />Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-49966132704162225252012-12-17T12:20:00.000-08:002012-12-17T12:20:37.342-08:00Holiday discount on two awesome Florida kayak trips in February<span style="color: red;">Happy Holidays! </span><br />
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Bill and I are in the Keys, prepping for a busy paddling season in South Florida. There's a light breeze off the ocean and both the water and air temperatures are in the high 70s. Perfect paddling weather!<br /><br />We're offering a holiday special on two very different, truly awesome trips in February, 2013, each with excellent paddling and wildlife-viewing.<br /><br />Book either the Everglades <a href="http://burnhamguides.com/florida-keys-trips.html#everglades" target="_blank">Wilderness Waterway</a> (Feb. 9-17) or the <a href="http://burnhamguides.com/florida-keys-trips.html#calusa" target="_blank">Great Calusa Blueway</a> (Feb. 12-16) <span style="color: red;">by Dec. 31 and take $100 off</span>. Details on both are below and on our <a href="http://www.burnhamguides.com/florida-keys-kayak-trips.html" target="_blank">Website</a>.<br /><br />Need a last-minute <span style="color: red;">Christmas gift or getaway</span>? Our first trip of the season launches Dec. 27-30, island-hopping through the Florida Keys backcountry.<br /><br />
Wishing you a season of love and a <i>much</i> more peaceful New Year,<br />Bill & Mary<br />
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Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-991769501436876672012-11-01T12:53:00.000-07:002012-11-01T12:53:55.282-07:00Paddle the Everglades Winter 2013<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfAVtWv2bUI/UJLRKH1VL5I/AAAAAAAAARk/bjx8_p3p6nM/s320/evergladesbanjo.jpg" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/LRKb7aVIMgo" target="_blank">Click to watch video of Everglades paddling, set to Joel's own music</a></td></tr>
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The Everglades: There is truly no other place like it on Earth.<br />
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Burnham Guides' Everglades expert Joel Beckwith guides you through an environment recognized internationally for its mixture of rare habitats. Paddle with us from coastal beaches into mangrove swamp and freshwater sawgrass prairie.<br />
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Joel's knowledge of the 'Glade's little-known, seldom-paddled routes makes our trips always unique and unlike any other, with nightly stops at remote chickees and gorgeous palm tree beaches fronting the Gulf of Mexico. <br />
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2013 trips (we will add dates if there is demand):<br />
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8-day, 100-mile Wilderness Waterway, Feb. 9-17<br />
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5-day trips: <br />Flamingo Loop, Jan. 31-Feb. 4<br />Everglades City Loop, Feb. 22-26<br /><br />
Fishermen: feel free to bring your gear. Birdwatchers: See Joel's <a href="http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view?trip_id=295430" target="_blank">2012 Trip Report</a> for a list of the dozens of birds he identified. People are now reporting Flamingo sightings as well.<br />
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Closest airports: Miami and Ft. Myers.
All trips include sea kayaks, camping gear, meals, and camping fees. 20% discount for bringing own boat and gear.<br />
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<a href="mailto:mary@burnhamguides.com" target="_blank">Email</a> or call 305-240-0650 for more information or visit <a href="http://burnhamguides.com/florida-keys-trips.html#everglades" target="_blank">BurnhamGuides.com </a>Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0Everglades National Park, 40001 State Highway 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, USA25.2866149 -80.898650224.3678044 -82.162077700000012 26.2054254 -79.6352227tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-17587407948150211332012-10-25T12:24:00.000-07:002012-11-01T12:30:28.847-07:00Great Calusa Blueway Paddling February 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Burnham Guides is expanding! We've come up with a new, five-day kayak trip on the Great Calusa Blueway, Feb. 12-16, 2013. Coinciding with Valentine's Day, why not bring your sweetheart, or meet afterwards at the gorgeous <a href="http://www.loverskey.com/" target="_blank">Lover's Key Resort</a>.<br />
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Spend five glorious days paddling with dolphins, manatee and wading birds on Florida's southwest Gulf coast. We'll pass the famed beaches of Sanibel and Captiva, stay on Cayo Costa, Florida's least-visited state park (accessible only by boat), and explore the watery mangroves tunnels of Sanibel Island's <a href="http://www.fws.gov/dingdarling" target="_blank">Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge</a>.<br />
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The trip includes two nights of island camping, a night in a beachy cottage on Sanibel, and a bayfront inn in the funky fishing village of Matlacha, home of the "fishingest bridge in the world." We'll average 8 to14 miles daily, 55 miles in all. <br />
<br />Cost: $1150 per person, all-inclusive of kayaks, camping equipment, lodging and food. Discount for bringing your own kayak and/or camping gear.<br />
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<a href="mailto:mary@burnhamguides.com" target="_blank">Email</a> or call 305-240-0650 for more info. Don't delay as trip size is limited.<br />
Bill and Mary Burnham, authors of the "Florida Keys Paddling Atlas." Visit <a href="http://burnhamguides.com/florida-keys-trips.html">BurnhamGuides.com</a> to learn more about our Everglades and Florida Keys trips. Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-3356490346503573572012-09-22T13:07:00.000-07:002012-11-01T13:16:14.151-07:00Paddle Key Largo to Key West March 2013<br />
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March 17-27, 2013: Join the exclusive list of those who have paddled the entire 100-mile island chain on the signature trip inspired by our award-winning book, the <i>Florida Keys Paddling Atlas</i> (participants receive a complimentary copy on booking).<br />
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Beginning in Key Largo with a St. Patrick's dinner, we'll paddle 10 days across Caribbean blue waters to land at the southernmost point in mainland USA.<br />
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New in 2013, we're taking paddlers Gulfside to traverse the vast Lower Keys Backcountry for a more primitive and remote experience.<br />
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Fully-outfitted trip includes kayak, camping gear and all meals. Optional massages during the rest day at the halfway point!<br /><br />
Limited to 8 paddlers, this trip has filled up the last 2 years, so don't delay! <br />
<br />5-Day Half Marathon Option: March 23-27<br />
<br /><a href="http://burnhamguides.com/florida-keys-trips.html#kl2kw" target="_blank">Click</a> for more details. <a href="mailto:mary@burnhamguides.com" target="_blank">Email</a> or call 305-240-0650 to book your seat paddling in paradise.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-einxzdrCcKU/UJLU9gHds1I/AAAAAAAAAR0/DjCixzXsJME/s1600/Key+West+or+bust.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-einxzdrCcKU/UJLU9gHds1I/AAAAAAAAAR0/DjCixzXsJME/s320/Key+West+or+bust.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0Key West, FL 33040, USA24.5557025 -81.782591424.497932499999997 -81.8615554 24.6134725 -81.7036274tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-6266300938655892582012-08-23T07:35:00.000-07:002012-08-23T07:35:20.832-07:00Early Booking Discount on Florida Keys & Everglades Kayaking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVC3NVgGyqM/UDY_CfcyPEI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/3KzhmSto-I8/s1600/special_offer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVC3NVgGyqM/UDY_CfcyPEI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/3KzhmSto-I8/s1600/special_offer.jpg" /></a></div>
Book a trip by Sept. 1, 2012 and receive 10% off any of <a href="http://www.burnhamguides.com/" target="_blank">Burnham Guides</a>' Florida Keys kayak camping trips
November through April, or the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands in
February. <br />
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<a href="mailto:mary@burnhamguides.com" target="_blank">Email</a> for more info or call 305-240-0650 to reserve your seat paddling in paradise. Then Share or Forward this offer to friends you want to join you!<br />
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We still have room left on the following trips--Visit our <a _mce_href="https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=gcqhvjuu7ha7sr7oohggu3bnpg%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=gcqhvjuu7ha7sr7oohggu3bnpg%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York" shape="rect" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">Trip Calendar</a> for more dates!<br />
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Everglades:<br />
-3-day Flamingo Loop: Feb. 3-5, 2013<br />
-5-day Everglades City: Feb. 22-26, 2013<br />
-8-day 100-mile Wilderness Waterway: Feb. 10-17, 2013. <i>space is limited</i><br />
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Ten Thousand Islands: 3 to 5 day trips offered throughout February, 2013<br />
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Florida Keys:<br />
Trips begin mid-November, 2012 through April, 2013<br />
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-5th annual Key Largo to Key West, 100-mile paddle: March 17-27, 2013. <i>Offered just once a year, so space is limited!</i><br />
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-Easter Week Florida Keys Paddling: April 1-5, 2013. <i>Just 4 spots left</i><br />
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Mary & Bill, <a href="http://www.burnhamguides.com/" target="_blank">Burnham Guides</a><br />Paddle with the Authors of:<br /><em>"The Florida Keys Paddling Atlas" </em>&<em> "Kayaking for Everyone</em>"Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-34400649164983686472012-05-09T16:33:00.001-07:002012-05-09T16:36:53.692-07:00Take this Poll: Where should we go next?<script language="JavaScript" src="http://survey.constantcontact.com/poll/a07e5wufrk6h21024bi/start.js?v=1&w=300" type="text/javascript">
<br>
</script><noscript>JavaScript needs to be enabled for polling to work. &amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href='http://www.constantcontact.com/survey/index.jsp?pn=chambermembers&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;cc=ViraWidPOL'&amp;amp;amp;gt;Online Surveys&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt; by Constant Contact.&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;</noscript>Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-69055027284809791182012-03-02T07:05:00.000-08:002012-03-02T07:05:19.149-08:008-day Everglades Adventure trip report & 2013 tripsCheck out our Inaugural 8-day Everglades trip:<br />
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<a href="http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view?trip_id=295430">Burnham Guides 8 Day Everglades Kayak Trip - Kayaking/Canoeing trip - Spot | SpotAdventures</a><br />
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And more photos on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Burnhamguides" target="_blank">Facebook</a> Page. <br />
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It was so phenomenal, we're planning on running it again in 2013, so let us know if you are interested and want to know the dates as soon as they're set. Just drop us an <a href="mailto:mary@burnhamguides.com" target="_blank">Email</a>, or sign up for our <a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001ud8mz_jvjBRS1c7vs9rYX4r4xJVAQcfC5YmGX6eqKudJGt3IVIiiN5S2s7yhxfFJo7UnZ2gBsBtM_1Rz8cK6yFReSkJIKgWXb2d4gkcEpgcVTr99zNAsCQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">Newsletter</a>.<br />
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Here are the trips we will be offering January through April 2013. There's a possibility we will add December trips if there is interest.<br />
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3, 4 and 5 day trips in the Lower Keys Backcountry<br />
8-day Everglades Wilderness Waterway<br />
3 and 4 day Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands<br />
Annual 10-day Key Largo to Key West: mid-March<br />
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It's not too early to book a trip for 2013. The first person who books gets their dates and then it goes on the calendar!Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-18026835828878952502011-12-20T14:53:00.000-08:002011-12-20T14:53:08.467-08:00Historic Pigeon Key Free Family Fun Day Jan. 14, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GaNT1UKepo/TvERGG43NfI/AAAAAAAAAQA/eab176Ox2Ww/s320/09132011-FlaglerFlyer.jpg" width="247" /></div><style>
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</style> <a href="http://pigeonkey.net/" target="_blank">Historic Pigeon Key</a><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Bill & Mary Burnham, authors of the “Florida Keys Paddling Atlas,” will lead a free paddling trip from Knight’s Key, under the Seven Mile Bridges, out to historic Pigeon Key for the Marathon Flagler Centennial Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bring your kayak to Knight’s Key Campground for the 9 a.m. launch. Burnham Guides will be providing some for free: Call 305-240-0650 or email <a href="mailto:mary@burnhamguides.com">mary@burnhamguides.com</a> to reserve one. Enjoy the Family Fun Day, from 10 a.m. -4 p.m., featuring reenactments, free kayaking, demonstrations, period games, dancing, music and food. Dress 1900s-style for the 1 p.m. costume contest! The Burnhams will give a slide show and book-signing at 11 a.m.</span>Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-49299978029047419412011-11-29T16:08:00.000-08:002011-11-29T16:08:25.638-08:00Gift the Gift of Adventure<span>Give the adventurer-seeker on your list a truly unique experience on a "Paddle with the Authors" kayak camping trip in the Florida Keys or Everglades.<br />
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We make your shopping easy: We'll send a personalized gift certificate, wrapped up with a signed copy of our "Florida Keys Paddling Atlas" or "Kayaking for Everyone" included. </span><br />
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<span>Short on time? We can email the certificate right to their in-box up until Christmas Eve.<br />
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>From an easy Keys overnight to our new 8-day Everglades' Wilderness Waterway, we have a trip for every skill level. Visit <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=rpixiugab&et=1108864829652&s=0&e=001v6FSBXaUG71VprSdP7rVSGDkJzJ2rl5tYLQH9zilx8LIm-RSJYrxexHc4VGL4AZT_q9Iv3lvW0VjlTZWuJPjYmuknieAM44eyov9tUIBO0cBAq3X6k45zCHOwHJGbbMjRtHGF3Kqdkk=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">BurnhamGuides.com</a> for details. <a href="mailto:mary@burnhamguides.com?" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Email</a> or give us a call at </span>305-240-0650 to place your order. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>-2-5 day Florida Keys: mid-January through early April, 2012 <span><a class="imgCaptionAnchor" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=rpixiugab&et=1108864829652&s=0&e=001v6FSBXaUG71VprSdP7rVSGDkJzJ2rl5tYLQH9zilx8LIm-RSJYrxexHc4VGL4AZTsyNKKZKO7xAsJM9tv9ILOfU3ePX5qy5BuFsZJxWOd8ktNFJV1Ahisnq4fmaXA6PflcZDmIF6xTM=" shape="rect" target="_blank"><img align="right" alt="Group lower keys" border="0" height="124" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.6" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs029/1106634318321/img/6.jpg" vspace="5" width="175" /></a> <br />
-8-day Everglades' Wilderness Waterway: Feb. 16-23 </span> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>-10-day Key Largo to Key West: March 13-22</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>-No expiration date </span></div><span>-<span>Pricing is easy at $175 per day: Includes kayak, camping gear, all meals, and instruction.</span></span>Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-84193351406663100422011-11-26T16:14:00.000-08:002011-11-29T16:38:12.421-08:00New: Everglades Wilderness WaterwayWe've added a brand new offering to Burnham Guides' fully-outfitted kayak camping trips: 8-days on the 100-mile Wilderness Waterway trail through the Everglades.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9a-aUT4WsrI/TtV4pIqqBRI/AAAAAAAAAP0/NnXVFiZkjqo/s1600/everglades-s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9a-aUT4WsrI/TtV4pIqqBRI/AAAAAAAAAP0/NnXVFiZkjqo/s1600/everglades-s.jpg" /></a></div>Experienced guides take paddlers through the mangrove maze of Everglades National Park on a 100-mile expedition between Flamingo and Everglades City. We'll go both inside, where camping is on chickees and ground sites, and outside, on palm tree beaches.<br />
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<b>Dates: </b>Feb. 16-23, 2012<br />
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<b>Difficulty:</b> This is a strenuous trip, for experienced paddlers able to kayak up to 15 miles per day.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Cost:</b> $1400 per person includes sea kayaks, camping gear, meals, camping fees & shuttle back to start. <i>20% discount for bringing own sea kayak and camping gear. Limited to 6 people.</i><br />
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<b>Closest Airport: </b>Miami<br />
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<b><i>Call 305-240-0650 or <a href="mailto:mary@burnhamguides.com"><b>E-mail</b></a> for more information. </i> </b>Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0Everglades National Park, 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, USA25.2866149 -80.8986502000000224.7666319 -81.463462700000022 25.8065979 -80.333837700000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-9035401240392787872011-10-02T12:59:00.000-07:002011-10-02T14:42:11.547-07:00Florida Paddling Trails Association: Why join?<a href="http://www.floridapaddlingtrails.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Florida Paddling Trails" border="0" height="90" src="http://www.floridapaddlingtrails.com/upload/fpta12090.jpg" title="Florida Paddling Trails" width="120" /></a><br />
A few days ago I realized that we had inadvertently let our Burnham Guides membership with the <a href="http://www.floridapaddlingtrails.com/">Florida Paddling Trails Association</a> (FPTA) lapse. I quickly and easily renewed online and was soon enjoying the benefits once again!<br />
<br />
As a kayak guide business we get great exposure on their website, which is visited by thousands of paddlers on a regular basis. Individual or family memberships have many benefits as well (including 10% off or our Florida Keys trips!), and help the greater Florida paddling community.<br />
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Bill and I are most familiar with the Florida Keys Overseas Paddling Trail, which we've been working with since 2003. It's now part of a network of water trails around the entire state known as the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Then there are all the river trails, like the Suwannee. FPTA is the official steward of ALL paddling trails in Florida. It takes a huge network of volunteers to make this work.<br />
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So take a look at their website, consider joining and maybe even becoming a Trailkeeper in your region. Anyone who goes on our trips is encouraged to do a beach clean-up along the way, making you an automatic volunteer!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">The major missions of the FPTA are:</span><br />
<ul><li>Develop water trails</li>
</ul><ul><li>Protect the environment along the trails</li>
</ul><ul><li>A resource and voice for paddlers</li>
</ul>Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-51773277589021783222011-08-18T13:11:00.000-07:002011-08-18T13:11:30.910-07:00Paddling Perks<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Burnham Guides' Florida Keys winter trips include all the basics for a multi-day paddling adventure: kayaks, gear, camping gear, all food and water, and even the toilet! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkIsxQ1bYFE/Tk1pb3kWPUI/AAAAAAAAAOU/_OH-ptAYn3k/s1600/IMGP0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkIsxQ1bYFE/Tk1pb3kWPUI/AAAAAAAAAOU/_OH-ptAYn3k/s200/IMGP0254.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine, Licensed Massage Therapist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But in addition to necessities, we like to provide little treats and luxuries at the end of the paddling day. As soon as our boats hit the sand, we are pulling out the appetizers for an al fresco spread.<br />
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You work pretty hard on our 100-mile Key Largo to Key West trip, so we schedule in a rest day with optional massages in camp!<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div>We like to eat well in the outdoors and figure you do to. People often ask, don't we have to resort to pre-packaged, dried food on our multi-day trips in the backcountry. The answer is a resounding NO!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JL2ipSKI6XE/Tk1qABV3U0I/AAAAAAAAAOY/HbPujNPedUY/s1600/appetizers+on+the+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JL2ipSKI6XE/Tk1qABV3U0I/AAAAAAAAAOY/HbPujNPedUY/s200/appetizers+on+the+beach.jpg" width="177" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apps on the Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Over nearly 20 years backpacking and kayak camping ourselves, we've learned some tricks of the trade for bringing the freshest food possible. The first night of a trip usually features some fresh Florida seafood, like mahi mahi or flounder, sauteed or in a taco with lots of key lime juice and cilantro.<br />
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Fresh vegetables and fruit that travel well are always available. We might have some pre-cooked Stone Crab along the way, or even Florida lobster, if we can get it.<br />
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That said, we don't eat seafood all the time. There's chicken, meat and tofu meals and we can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets as long as you let us know ahead of time.<br />
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Coffee lovers will not have to do without. We get it brewing before you get out of your tent. Mary is known for her camp coffee, and may offer your choice of drip, espresso, or even Cuban coffee (cafe con leche), her personal favorite.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FTsYET0mZs/Tk1l7mapDqI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/dtrjwbu4pD8/s1600/IMGP0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FTsYET0mZs/Tk1l7mapDqI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/dtrjwbu4pD8/s200/IMGP0208.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a Florida Stone Crab spread in the woods!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But an unbiased customer review probably means way more than anything we say here. So check out <a href="http://wiseoutdooradventures.blogspot.com/2011/02/kayaking-florida-keys.html">Wendy's blog </a>from last year's trip, where she describes the menu so much better than we can!<br />
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For trip details, go to <a href="http://burnhamguides.com/florida-keys-trips.html">BurnhamGuides.com</a><br />
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Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-31056362014145098892011-08-08T12:53:00.000-07:002011-08-18T04:03:16.747-07:00Early Booking Discount<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_407476744" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7HVWpPaPu9k/TVPx7HsyhPI/AAAAAAAAANo/BfGk6a9dLQk/s200/group+funny.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfSd7F5ufzY">Click for Slide Show</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">We've just updated <b><a href="http://burnhamguides.com/florida-keys-trips.html">BurnhamGuides.com</a></b> with the details on our 2012 "Paddle with the Authors" Florida Keys trips, ranging from 2 to 10 days mid-January through March, 2012.<br />
<br />
And for the first time ever, we are offering a sweet deal to encourage early bookings: <b>A 15% discount on trips booked by Sept. 30, 2011.</b><br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Mid-January through March, we are again offering 2-3 night trips in the Lower Keys Backcountry (click on the photo for a glimpse into this sublime experience), Seven Mile Bridge overnights, and the bucket-list trip of a lifetime, our annual 100-mile, 10-day Key Largo to Key West, scheduled for March 13-22, 2012.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"> </div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The 2012 Centennial of Henry Flagler's famous railroad from Miami to Key West will make it a very special year for paddling beneath these scenic bridges. The KL2KW "Century" trip will include some special historic stops and events. We're keeping the group small and we expect the KL2KW to fill up like last year's. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
If you book early, you will not only get a discount, but will have a good chance of getting the dates that work best for you. So if you are at all tempted, shoot us an<b> </b><a href="mailto:mary@burnhamguides.com"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>EMAIL</b>,</span></b></a> give us a call at <b>305-240-0650</b>, or check out <a href="http://burnhamguides.com/florida-keys-trips.html"><b>BurnhamGuides.com</b></a></span></div>Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-18410207287594700752011-03-05T06:49:00.000-08:002011-03-05T06:49:42.697-08:00Florida Keys Road Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eq4fT5NqO9g/TXJHba9KLbI/AAAAAAAAAN4/eEhYSx1ZQgc/s1600/route1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eq4fT5NqO9g/TXJHba9KLbI/AAAAAAAAAN4/eEhYSx1ZQgc/s200/route1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Many of our customers end up flying into Ft. Lauderdale or Miami since the fares are often less than Key West. If so, you can take the <a href="http://www.keysshuttle.com/">Keys Shuttle,</a> Greyhound bus, or rent a car and drive down. We've had requests for sights to see along the way, so we thought we'd post some of our favorites.<br />
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You’ll want to leave plenty of time driving down the 100-mile Route 1 Overseas Highway that island-hops the Florida Keys to Key West, the southernmost point in the Continental US. For one, it’s a gorgeous drive, recently named a Great American Road. For another, the speed limit is 45 to 55 with plenty of speed traps! <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2SNU-zC2prw/TXJMUmkQx_I/AAAAAAAAAN8/vIUv7VNvEdE/s1600/Map+46a+old+route+1+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2SNU-zC2prw/TXJMUmkQx_I/AAAAAAAAAN8/vIUv7VNvEdE/s200/Map+46a+old+route+1+sign.jpg" width="158" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic Route 1 sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Once you get off the Florida Turnpike in Homestead, you have a choice: the 18-mile recently redone “Stretch” or Card Sound Road, a toll road that costs all of a buck. If you take the Stretch, stop in at Gilbert’s tiki bar; if Card Sound, pull into Alabama Jack’s, a funky watering hole amid the mangroves. Keep your eyes fixed on the creek below for colorful fish and a manatee may even glide silently by.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Key Largo</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">You’ll start to notice numbered small green signs on the side of the road. These milemarkers start on the Stretch, around 112, and go down to 0 in Key West. It’s a great way to give directions in the Keys. There’s ‘bayside’ for Florida Bay, on your right if heading south, and ‘oceanside’ on your left, referring to the Atlantic Ocean.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At mm104 bayside is the famous Caribbean Club bar where portions of the Bogey and Bacall film <i>Key Largo</i> were filmed. Despite it’s claim to fame, it’s refreshingly un-touristy and family-owned for nearly a half-century. There’s usually some Harleys parked outside, dogs are welcome, and there’s a flock of wild parrots that perch above the waterfront picnic tables. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pop into Florida Bay Outfitters next door, a really neat kayak shop that sells our “Florida Keys Paddling Atlas.” Tell them Mary and Bill sent you!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">North America’s only living coral barrier reef draws divers and snorkelers from all over the world to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at mm 102.5 oceanside. Even if you don’t take the boat out to the reef, the park is a great introduction to the flora and fauna of the Keys, with nature walks and kayaks trails through mangrove tunnels, a small aquarium, and two beaches.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Islamorada (pronouned eye-la-mor-ada)</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">While fishing is legendary throughout the Keys, Islamorada is the ultimate destination for a deep-sea sailfish adventure, fly-fishing for tarpon in the nearby Everglades or flats fishing for bonefish. World Wide Sportsman at mm 81.5 bayside is a fun place whether you fish or not. It’s one of the more unique in the BassPro Shop chains, where you can step aboard the "Pilar," sister ship to Hemingway's famous fishing boat, or dine at the elegant Zane Grey Lounge overlooking the marina.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Robbie’s Marina, mm 77 bayside, is the jumping off point for a boat or kayak trip to Indian Key, the island ruins of the first seat of Dade County. A visit to the Keys isn’t complete until you feed the giant tarpon that wait off Robbie’s dock.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<b>Lower Keys</b><br />
Once you cross the spectacular 7 Mile Bridge from Marathon, you've entered the Lower Keys. This is where we do our <a href="http://www.burnhamguides.com/">Backcountry kayak trips</a>, and where you can see the endangered Key Deer. Stop in at the Key Deer Wildlife Refuge Headquarters on Big Pine Key to learn more.<br />
<b> </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Key West</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Cats jumping through flaming hoops, fire-eaters, clothing-optional bars. There’s no place quite as “ultimate” as the southernmost city in America, from the nightly Mallory Square sunset celebration to the Duval Street “pub crawl”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sloppy Joe’s is one of the more popular tourist bars, with lots of Hemingway claims to fame. Some of our favorite bars are the Green Parrot, Schooner Wharf Bar, and the Bull and Thistle (there’s a clothing-optional bar on the roof if you are so inclined!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wherever you choose to stop on your Florida Keys road trip, shoes are optional and the sunset lingers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For more information visit <a href="http://www.fla-keys.com/">Florida Keys Tourism</a> </div>Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-88425298375852069002011-02-21T11:59:00.000-08:002011-03-05T06:52:31.139-08:00Getting to the Keys: a Tip to Save on Flights<div class="MsoNormal"><b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-1ZiGf5Mqs/TWLCqAlud1I/AAAAAAAAAN0/4tBa43VaY2I/s1600/cheap+fares.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-1ZiGf5Mqs/TWLCqAlud1I/AAAAAAAAAN0/4tBa43VaY2I/s1600/cheap+fares.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">There’s still room on some of our March trips, but if you are checking airfares into Key West, you may get sticker shock! They were fairly low in January and early February, but now that Spring Break has kicked in, the fares have gone way up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here’s a tip that may help: Fly into Ft. Lauderdale, rent a car and drive down the Keys, and save up to half on your airfare. For example, we just did a quick search on cheapfares.com and SouthWest Airlines, and round-trip flights from Washington Dulles to Key West in March are over $500. Dulles to Ft. Lauderdale round-trip flights are starting at about $230 (plus taxes and fees, of course). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">US 1 is a recent designee as a Great All American Road and a spectacular drive across historic railroad bridges and Caribbean-blue waters. Leave enough time, as the speed limit is 45 most of the way, and you’ll want to stop off at some famous—and quirky—places, like the Caribbean Club in Key Largo and Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada, home of the giant tarpon. Our Lower Keys kayak trips start around milemarker 25 in the Big Pine Key area.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In a future blog post, we’ll list some of our favorites stops on a Road Trip to Paradise!</div>Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723680278869133993.post-3550635620182900812011-02-19T11:02:00.000-08:002011-02-19T11:02:04.311-08:00Backcountry Camping in the Lower Keys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/Q_h8oXuvlCY/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q_h8oXuvlCY&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q_h8oXuvlCY&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Check out our slide show of backcountry kayak camping in the Florida Keys. We do it in style!<br />
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Also, here's a <a href="http://wiseoutdooradventures.blogspot.com/2011/02/kayaking-florida-keys.html">blog post</a> from a customer on this trip. She did a great journal of words and photos: blow-by-blow of wildlife sightings, paddling routes and even menus!Mary and Bill Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15995072050567587910noreply@blogger.com0