Spring Break 2019 was definitely one for the books. I had the amazing opportunity to be asked to be an apprentice trip leader through the Outdoor Adventure Center, where I am currently employed, for a trip to sea kayak. My role as a leader was a very new experience for me as I have not gone on a trip leader training trip to better equip me for handling the position. But, I feel that I handled the pressures of the trip and felt that I connected well with the other trip leaders and the participants. The participants on the trip were very willing to learn and grow which made it easier for me to learn and grow as well.
The trip lasted nine days with a total of five days in the backcountry of the Everglades ecosystem kayaking island to island in the thousand islands region of Florida. Every night we were in the backcountry we stayed at a different island and camped there until the next morning. We were also able to see wildlife such as dolphins, jumping fish, a shark, a sea turtle, and algae with bioluminescence. The dolphins and fish could be seen as we were paddling and camping on the island which was really neat and beautiful to see. At one point while we were all taking a break on the water a large fish jumped out between two kayaks and became startled so it jumped further back and into one of the participant’s paddles which was a great moment. With the sea turtle, we had just gotten to our last island of the trip and as the entire group stood in the water a sea turtle came within five yards of the group and surfaced multiple times which was very surreal. My favorite moment with the wildlife was the algae with bioluminescence. We all woke up at four in the mourning and kayaked down a river within an island and were able to see the faint blue-green glow of the algae in the darkness when disturbed by our paddles which was probably one of the top visual moments of my life.
I was so blessed to have been able to visit the Everglades with such a great group of people and scenic moments. As I took time to reflect on the trip, I learned about the importance of getting outside of your comfort zone and trying something new as well as meeting new people. This was a new concept for me because with understanding that more experience comes more room to grow which is a way I never thought before. I also realized that I do enjoy sea kayaking and would love to help with future trips. 