A solid day. Launched from Fred Howard Park on an 18 foot surfski and paddled the two miles to the southern end of Anclote Key. Very light chop and light winds for the crossing. After beaching, carried the surfski 150 meters to a concealed location well above the high tide line. Quickly transitioned to the run and started northward on the key. Water in the Gulf was calm, a large number of dolphins close to shore and a few manatees working their way south. Passed Anclote Key Lighthouse and for the 4.5 mile run north, passed maritime forest, beach and dune habitats and several mangroves. There are several points of the run where I had to go into the surf to bypass mangroves and ancient drowned maritime oaks. At the north end of the key, turned around and proceeded south retracing my route back to where the surfski was staged. Carried the surfski down to the waterline, launched and quickly covered the 2 miles and landed at Fred Howard Park for a total time of 2:50.
I carried my own water (none available on the key) and all necessary safety gear (life jacket, leash, extra water)
This was a different but beautiful challenge. Crossing open water than running in both hard packed and soft sand with some high water wading at times. This is a rare pristine key with no habitation other than the park staff. For the entire course I did not see one person other than the ranger. I highly recommend anyone with intermediate paddle skills take this route and experience a rare untouched ecosytem while pressing themselves physically.