We learned a lot of new things over the course of our 10-day, 120-mile paddle. (If you’re just tuning in, we invite you to visit our previous Keys posts.) Today’s eureka:
#7: It’s possible to paddle in the shade.
The sun’s strong here. Luckily, mangrove forests are everywhere (but they’re tight quarters….just remember to take your paddle apart and maneuver with one half).
Short cut! Mangroves line more than 1,800 miles of shoreline within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
The dense tangle of prop roots make the trees appear to be standing on stilts above the water. This tangle helps the trees handle the daily rise and fall of tides. Most mangroves get flooded at least twice per day.
The red mangrove produces a spear-shaped seed that is up to 10 inches long and will float until it implants into soil.
Seeking relief (ahem) on a black mangrove island
Or you can paddle in the shadows of the Long Key Viaduct (1907) and modern-day Long Key Bridge.
The Long Key Viaduct was part of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad; today, it’s a bike and pedestrian path/fishing pier
Long Key Bridge was built to replace the Long Key Viaduct (1907), which still stands parallel to the bridge.
Sometimes you just have to make your own shade. (2G3K Gear Recommendation: the versatile UV Buff)…
Jean, is that you?
Hen at SPF 1,000
…Or you can simply take advantage of passing clouds.
Next up: Wildlife takes vacations too. 🙂
2 Geeks @ 3 Knots 
I’m late, as usual! Only a month! Oh, that sun! I know it! I LOVE sun protection clothing – I cherish my shirts. But on the water, you need so much more,as you make so fashionably clear. Mangroves are so interesting – I like your little tour of them here, feel like I’m there gain. I never saw them in FL, but I had a wonderful paddle through them in Bermuda, many many years ago. Memorable. And there are little crabs that clamber up the roots too, aren’t there? Bet you saw good birds!
Haha, we didn’t see the little tarantula-like crabs this time (thank goodness) but we welcomed the shade. We’ve got to write the bird post, doh!!