#Mike's Coastal Expeditions

[mikescoastalexpeditions]

Great Places You Should Visit during Kayak Tours in Naples

Are you a nature lover or do you love being around water? If so then Naples Florida will surely appeal to you. With its beautiful beaches, untamed nature, warm weather and still waters, this place is simply great for kayaking. For every skill level, Mike’s Coastal Expeditions has a number of kayak tours in Naples, Florida which allows every paddler to appreciate the beauty of nature in this region. In case you are a thrill seeker, a holiday maker or simply someone who wants to see some wildlife, a kayaking tour in Naples has many attractions that will leave a lasting impression.

1. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Rookery Bay is an extremely interesting and atypical place in Southwest Florida. This estuary which is almost a hundred thousand acres in extent has many healthy inhabitants such as manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and many more species of birds. If you are kayaking in Rookery Bay, you get to paddle around the mangroves and experience the sights and sounds of this sanctuary in all its glory.

Tours offered by Mike’s Coastal Expeditions are fun and educative because they help you appreciate the significance of estuaries and the animals and birds present in these regions. People who appreciate nature and want to experience kayaking Rookery Bay, will definitely find this place worth visiting.

2. Keewaydin Island

Adventurous kayakers will appreciate the fact that Keewaydin Island is off the beaten path and can only be accessed by boat or kayak. This barrier island is primarily unspoiled and possesses stunning beaches, making it a great addition to a guided kayak tour in Naples. While you enjoy paddling towards the shores of Keewaydin Island, be ready to see playful dolphins, diverse seabirds, and some more wildlife.

Given its geographical features, the island is less developed thus providing easy access to its visitors into the serene beach. Kayakers can land on the banks for some time and take in the beautiful environment. It is perfect for lounging or swimming in the clean waters of the Gulf.

3. Gordon River Greenway

Located within the city of Naples, the Naples Kayaking Experiences: Gordon River Greenway has a great kayaking treatment. This manmade waterway allows you to the greens of the mangroves and a view, only a couple of minutes from the heart of Naples. The Greenway which looks so close to the city is an invitation to the great outdoors which is why everybody loves it; tourists, and all who have business in this region, who want to balance exploration and comfort.

However, guided tours offered in this area are for the purpose of appreciating the unique coastal mangroves and the wildlife within them, as most of them are coastal. The mangrove-fringed narrow calm water of Gordon River also offers a perfect introduction to the sport of kayaking for beginners. However, the shores bustling with local birds such as herons and egrets, and even alligators would still be enticing for expert paddlers as well.

4. Clam Pass Park

Clam Pass Park is yet another scenic place where about exploring Naples on a kayak. The park contains a distinctive tidal inlet that connects a mangrove swamp with the sea. Kayaking through the pass offers shaded mangrove tunnels and sections of open water thus an interesting varied kayaking excursion.

Mike’s Coastal Expeditions presents engaging tours through Clam Pass where visitors experience sight-seeing while getting educated on the area’s plant and animal life. This is one of those places rich in shorelines and different environments that shed many waters in one kayak trip. After your paddle in the park, guests can unwind as it also features a beach with great scenery and fine white sand.

5. Barefoot beach preserve

If you want to enjoy an exotic place that has been preserved well, then you have to make sure to add the Barefoot beach preserve among other kayaking Naples tour attractions. The preserve is situated on one of the most beautiful southernmost uncluttered barrier islands in Southwest Florida, as such it provides a vista of how the region was before the encroachment of civilization.

During the kayak eco trip, as a small group, you will glide along still warm shallow waters where you will try and hunt for creatures. The reserve is really rich in the variety of fauna offering a chance to get inspired by spotting marine turtles, dolphins, edible wading birds and many other creatures. There’s also Barefoot Beach which offers a picturesque seaboard in true landscaping artistry ideal for photographers.

Why Choose Mike's Coastal Expeditions?

Mike’s Coastal Expeditions has the Best Kayak Tours in Naples for everyone who can or cannot paddle. The guides are trained and enthusiastic about the region and share more information on wildlife, ecology and history of the region. Each group is structured to enhance the scenery of the waterway in line with the comfort and enjoyment of the patrons.

Along with these highlights, it is also possible to visit other beautiful places in and around Naples with the services of Mike’s Coastal Expeditions guaranteeing that there are no two similar adventures. Be it paddling through tunnels of mangroves, cruising in the Gulf or discovering remote islands, their every tour vanquishes the natural magnificence of Naples in an exquisite manner.

Book Your Next Trip

Keen kayakers or those who are away from the sport for a long time, a guided kayak tour in Naples is a wonderful way of getting acquainted with the South West Florida ecosystems. Rookery Bay, Keewaydin Island and Clam Pass are just a few of the must-see places that offer plenty of Mother Nature’s wonders to enjoy. Contact Mike’s Coastal Expeditions now and delve into the pristine coasts of Naples before they get spoiled.

[kayakingtours]

Mike's Coastal Expeditions: Unforgettable Kayak Tours in Naples

Welcome to Mike's Coastal Expeditions, your top choice for unforgettable kayak tours in the picturesque landscapes of Naples and Bonita Springs. As a family-owned kayak tour agency, we pride ourselves on delivering 5-star experiences rooted in strong family values and a passion for adventure.

Experience the Best with Our State-of-the-Art Hobie Kayaks

Our tours feature Hobie Kayaks, known for their superior performance and design. With the innovative MirageDrive pedal system, you can enjoy hands-free propulsion, making it easier to explore serene waterways and mangrove forests. Our eco-tours often include encounters with dolphins and manatees, providing a unique and personalized guided kayaking experience suitable for all abilities.

Why Choose Mike's Coastal Expeditions?

At Mike's Coastal Expeditions, we offer a family-oriented adventure through breathtaking scenery. Discover the joy of kayaking, witness wildlife up close, and explore some of the best kayaking spots in Florida. Our tours in Naples and Bonita Springs, including the renowned Big Hickory, offer clear waters and exceptional paddling routes perfect for exploration.

Our Premier Services Include:

Pedal vs. Paddle: Enjoy easier and more efficient kayaking with Hobie Kayaks' pedal system.

Free High-Resolution Photos: Capture memories with complimentary high-res photos.

5-Star Eco Kayak Tours: Join our highly-rated eco-tours for an immersive experience.

Inclusive Amenities: Free ice-cold water, coolers, dry bags, and comfortable life jackets designed for kayaking.

Private and Custom Tours: Opt for private custom tours, evening fishing tours with LED lights, or guided sunset kayak tours.

Family-Friendly: Our tours are great for all ages and abilities, making them perfect for family outings.

Explore the Magic of Coastal Kayaking

Book your coastal tour today with Mike's Coastal Expeditions and enjoy an unparalleled kayaking experience in Naples and Bonita Springs, Florida. Paddle through stunning locations, keep an eye out for manatees and dolphins, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of southwest Florida. Experience the thrill of adventure and the joy of kayaking with us!

Discover the Wonders of Big Hickory

Big Hickory in Bonita Springs is one of southwest Florida's prime destinations for coastal kayak adventures. Known for its crystal-clear waters and exceptional paddling routes, it provides an ideal spot for exploration. With our premier Hobie kayak rentals, you can fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere of this stunning location. Navigate through meandering waterways and keep an eye out for manatees, dolphins, coastal birds, and other marine wonders that make this area so special.

Tailored Adventures for Every Enthusiast

At Mike's Coastal Expeditions, we believe that every kayak tour should be a unique adventure tailored to your interests and abilities. Whether you are a seasoned kayaker or a first-timer, our knowledgeable guides are dedicated to providing a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience. Our custom tours can be adapted to include fishing, wildlife photography, or simply enjoying the serene sunset over the water. We are committed to making your kayaking adventure as memorable and enjoyable as possible.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Tours

We are passionate about preserving the natural beauty of our coastal environments. Our eco-tours are designed to minimize impact on the local ecosystem while maximizing your enjoyment of the natural surroundings. We educate our guests on the importance of conservation and responsible wildlife viewing. By choosing Mike's Coastal Expeditions, you are supporting sustainable tourism practices that help protect the incredible marine life and habitats we all cherish.

Book Your Adventure Today

Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the stunning coastal landscapes of Naples and Bonita Springs with Mike's Coastal Expeditions. Our tours are in high demand, so be sure to book early to secure your spot. Whether you are looking for a peaceful paddle through mangroves, an exciting wildlife encounter, or a relaxing evening on the water, we have the perfect adventure waiting for you. Join us for an experience that combines the thrill of kayaking with the beauty of nature, all under the guidance of our expert team.

Join Our Coastal Community

Becoming part of Mike's Coastal Expeditions means joining a community of nature lovers and adventure seekers. We love sharing our passion for kayaking and the coastal environment with our guests. Follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest tours, wildlife sightings, and special events. We invite you to share your own kayaking experiences and photos with us as well. Together, we can celebrate and protect the natural beauty of southwest Florida.

Book your tour today and start your journey with Mike's Coastal Expeditions – where adventure and nature meet!

[djmarinizelablog]

djmarinizela's masterpost

Fanfiction:

Free-Falling

(from Archive of Our Own)

Skydiver and tea shop owner Levi Ackerman meets the town’s resident mad scientist and tries to convince himself that he’s not falling for her.

SOS

(from Archive of Our Own and Fanfiction.net)

Levi is a reclusive senior student who shares an apartment with Mike, Nanaba, and his best friend, Hange, who he’s secretly in love with. Oddly enough, they also belong to the same secret club with a special operations squad. The 104th cohort is a bunch of freshmen misfits, while Erwin’s the newest instructor who doesn’t know how to teach. And they say school is fun.

Handle with Care

(from Archive of Our Own)

Levi Ackerman is a single father who has been concealing the truth from his five-year-old daughter, Micia. So when Hange Zoe randomly shows up on their doorstep, Micia mistakenly believes that her family is finally complete.

Down with the Gold

(from Archive of Our Own)

Archeologist Dr. Hange Zoe teams up with Erwin Smith, head curator of the Sina National Museum, in order to retrieve the stolen astrolabe from the ancient ruins of Shiganshina. They are eventually joined by Levi Ackerman, a renowned treasure hunter who prefers to work solo. Can the three of them do the job together and solve the mystery behind a legendary treasure?

Surf Town Summer

(from Archive of Our Own)

Levi's the lone surfer in this little coastal town where nothing fun ever happens. Everything changes when one eccentric tourist from the city adds some color to his life.

Bookends

(from Archive of Our Own)

“I’m in love with you,” he says quietly. “I always will.”

“Levi,” Hange breathes.

In which Levi and Hange venture on a trip to the cabin by the lake so they can figure out where their relationship is headed.

Sycamores

(from Archive of Our Own)

Levi and Hange finally get to live their dream of staying in the woods, but are they really content with it?

Like a Phoenix 

(from Archive of Our Own; in collaboration with @ItsShailaM)

Hange Zoe is a model in the world of fashion. She loves the paparazzi, adores her career as well as her penchant for talking, sometimes to others, often to herself.

Meanwhile, Levi—well, he thinks she’s something else, and they’re both in for a treat.

You are Light-Years Away (Or: How Hange Zoe Became a Writer)

(from Archive of Our Own)

Imagine Hange as a writer pining after her best friend after all those late night conversations over cheap beers and schoolwork. Sometimes she wonders what could have changed had she confessed.

Ultimate Bonding Experience

(from Archive of Our Own)

Hange and Moblit follow Levi and Petra on a date. It's a disaster.

But for the Lovers

(from Archive of Our Own)

Hange’s a water bearer who encounters a mystery of the seas.

If Only We Had More Time

(from Fanfiction.net)

After Petra died during the 57th Expedition, she was mysteriously sent back to the past where she could make a difference. But how could she change it when she wakes up in the Underground after being found by Levi, Furlan, and Isabel?

[watch me fall apart, watch me fall apart]

(from Archive of Our Own)

Levi Ackerman is your mentor and you’re his student. That’s all there is to it.

But love happens, anyway.

Tumblr Tags:

A Study of Levihan Fanfiction on AO3: What do writers often create and what to readers often consume? View the dashboard here.

Attack on Titan: everything about Attack on Titan / Shingeki no Kyojin

Levihan: Levi Ackerman x Hange Zoe

Levi Ackerman: posts about Captain Levi

The Writing Life: quotes and anecdotes from favorite works and authors

Original Posts (djmarinizela): links to ao3/ff.net, short drabbles from prompts, screencaps from the anime and the manga, meta essays etc

Tumblr Asks / Prompts: answered messages and responses to questions

Pick a Prompt: send me something to write about (it helps me with my future fics, too!)

Questions about Writing: ask me questions about the writing life (and low-key i’ll pretend to be an expert if it’s of any help)

External Links:

Twitter

Archive of Our Own

Fanfiction.net

If you like my fics, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/djmarinizela

[thegrandimago]

Described as ‘gorgeous’ by the man who found it, the great fox-spider has not been seen since 1993

One of Britain’s largest spiders has been discovered on a Ministry of Defence training ground in Surrey having not been seen in the country for 27 years.

The great fox-spider is a night-time hunter, known for its speed and agility, as well as its eight black eyes which give it wraparound vision. The critically endangered spider was assumed extinct in Britain after last being spotted in 1993 on Hankley Common in Surrey. The two-inch-wide (5cm) arachnid had previously also been spotted at two sites in Morden Heath in Dorset. These are the only three areas in Britain, all in the comparatively warmer south, where it has been recorded.

Mike Waite from Surrey Wildlife Trust discovered the elusive spider after two years of trawling around after dark looking for it on the Surrey military site, which the MoD is not naming for security reasons.

“As soon as my torch fell on it I knew what it was. I was elated. With coronavirus there have been lots of ups and downs this year, and I also turned 60, so it was a good celebration of that. It’s a gorgeous spider, if you’re into that kind of thing,” said Waite.

The great fox-spider is one of the largest members of the wolf-spider family, hunting spiders that do not use webs to catch prey. It chases down beetles, ants and smaller spiders before pouncing on them and injecting deadly venom. The prey is immobilised and its internal organs liquefy. The spider – which poses no risk to humans – feeds using fang-bearing jaws.

M0D sites are often kept open because military exercises cause minor disturbance to the vegetation, which stops succession of shrubs and trees. Waite used aerial photos to find bare sandy patches, which suit the spider’s ambush-style hunting techniques, and spotted the first one next to Jeep tracks. In total, he found several males, one female and some unidentifiable immature spiderlings.

Nick Baker, TV presenter and president of the British Arachnological Society, described the discovery as “the most exciting thing to happen in wildlife circles for quite some time”. He said: “It’s about as handsome as a spider gets, it’s big and now it’s officially a member of the British fauna again.”

The great fox-spider, a native species, was first found 120 years ago and has been seen only a handful of times since. Despite their size, the spiders are difficult to spot because they are mainly nocturnal and have effective mottled brown camouflage. During winter, they dig burrows under rocks and line them with silk, going into a sort of hibernation state.

The MoD heathland where the spider was found is managed by the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust. It is recognised as a nationally important site for populations of rare birds, reptiles and invertebrates, especially sand lizards, smooth snakes, Dartford warbler and nightjar. MoD sites are often good for wildlife because they are protected from human activity and are large enough to give wildlife space to move.

The great fox-spider likes warmer climates and is more common on the European mainland, particularly on coastal sand dunes in Holland and Denmark.

“It makes me think how hard have we looked for it on our coasts? Have we been looking hard enough?” said Waite, who believes the spider could be more widespread than people think.

Waite is now conducting nocturnal great fox-spider hunting expeditions on neighbouring sites and hopes one day to write a scientific paper about them. “It seems to be the most important thing I’ve done in a long career. It has inspired me to make something of it and find out as much as I can about this species in the UK,” he said.

[sciencespies]

The Forgotten American Explorer Who Discovered Huge Parts of Antarctica

https://sciencespies.com/nature/the-forgotten-american-explorer-who-discovered-huge-parts-of-antarctica/

The Forgotten American Explorer Who Discovered Huge Parts of Antarctica

The early-1900s exploits of intrepid explorers like Robert Scott and Edward Shackleton captured the public imagination. With the benefit of cameras and deft handling of newspaper media, the Edwardian British explorers, alongside their Norwegian rival Roald Amundsen, established themselves as heroic polar pioneers. In the process, however, the south polar exploits of their American forerunner, Charles Wilkes, have been largely forgotten.

It was the round-the-world expedition by Wilkes—whose scientific collection constituted the first treasures of the infant Smithsonian—that first established the continental dimensions of Antarctica. But in a twist of 19th-century international politics, that claim to Antarctica was denied to the Americans by the pole-hungry British. Fast forward to today, and the United States finds itself in another nationalistic race to capitalize on the frozen southern continent. This time, its sparring partner is China.

Amundsen might have been the first man to reach the South Pole, in 1911, but the discovery of the Antarctic continent occurred several generations earlier. In January 1840, when Wilkes was commander of the United States Exploring Expedition, he charted 1500 miles of the east Antarctic coastline in his flagship U.S.S. Vincennes. Before this American expedition, only small, rocky outcrops of Antarctica had been sighted. Most exploreres believed an open polar sea or, at most, a scattered archipelago lay at the planet’s far south.

In a remarkable coincidence, a French expedition led by the legendary Jules Dumont D’Urville reached the same stretch of coastline on the same day. But D’Urville stayed just long enough to plant the French flag on a tiny offshore island before sailing back north. Wilkes, meanwhile, against the advice of his medical staff and officers, braved the cold, ice, and howling katabatic winds to claim glory for the Vincennes.

Charles Wilkes barely had time to announce his Antarctic triumph before British rival James Clark Ross (celebrated discoverer of the North Magnetic Pole) began to steal his thunder. Wilkes’s mistake was to send the lagging Ross his historic first chart of the east Antarctic coast. A year later, when Ross retraced Wilkes’s route, he found the American had been deceived in places by glacial reflections and had mistaken ice shelves for actual coastline, marking it several degrees too far north. These errors did nothing to undermine the substance of Wilkes’s discoveries, yet Ross and the British Admiralty built a public case against the American claim—with great success. Most 19th-century maps of Antarctica do not recognize Wilkes’s remarkable 1840 feat. Even his obituaries in American newspapers made only passing mention of Wilkes’ polar discoveries.

Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, commander of the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838 to 1842

(Thomas Sully, U.S. Naval Academy Museum)

In the 20th century, Wilkes would finally get his due. In 1912-13, Australian explorer Douglas Mawson was the first to revisit the east Antarctic shores mapped by the Vincennes. Mawson so admired Wilkes’ navigation of the ice pack in a wooden sailing ship that he christened the entire coast “Wilkes Land,” which remains the largest continuous territory on Earth named for a single individual.

Wilkes’ rehabilitation reflected the changing power dynamics of the polar great game. The British and French eventually ceded the argument, and corresponding territory, to the United States as the world’s emerging polar power. During the Cold War, the United States continued to assert its leadership in Antarctic affairs, brokering the international Antarctic Treaty of 1958 and investing in cutting-edge polar research. Much of what we know about climate change, for instance, comes from secrets revealed in drilling Antarctic ice cores, an outgrowth of America’s interest in polar science.

2015 photograph of McMurdo station, Antarctica

(Mike Lucibella, NSF)

Today, the Antarctic landscape is changing—and not just from melting glaciers. America’s interest in Antarctica appears to be waning, and so too is its influence.

In the decade following the 2008 global recession, funding for the Office of Polar Programs, which oversees American facilities and research in Antarctica, fell by 8 percent. Plans for the long-overdue replacement of aging facilities at McMurdo Station, the United States’ Antarctic headquarters, were drawn up during the Obama administration, but a further proposed cut of more than 10 percent in the 2021 budget places those rebuilding plans in jeopardy just as work is set to begin. Without modernization of McMurdo, which in its size and sophistication has long been the envy of other nations, the perception of America’s declining interest in Antarctica will grow.

China, long relegated to spectator status in Antarctic affairs, stands to gain the most. With four Antarctic stations already, China is now in the advanced planning stages for a fifth station—this one to be located in the heart of “downtown” Antarctica, on an island in the Ross Sea adjacent to McMurdo. The image of a rusting, outdated American station alongside a gleaming, state-of-the-art Chinese facility will communicate more clearly than a hundred polar policy papers the reality of the power transfer already under way in Antarctica, where China’s investments in icebreakers, communications hardware, and station infrastructure dwarfs that of other nations, including the United States.

China’s 35th Antarctic expedition sends 37 members of two inland expedition teams to the Kunlun and Taishan stations in Antarctica Dec. 18, 2018.

(Xinhua News Agency / Getty Images)

The French, British, and American expeditions of the 1840s sailed south in the hope of discovering a Terra Australis laden with mineral treasures, only to find towering glaciers and deathly cold. A couple of centuries later, it’s China that is determined to reap Antarctica’s mineral riches.

As the northern ice melts, the Arctic Ocean is already the scene of international jockeying for mining rights. But as China scholar Anne-Marie Brady has documented extensively, Beijing views Antarctica as the last great terrestrial frontier on Earth, hosting great deposits of coal, natural gas, precious minerals, added to plentiful fish stocks in the surrounding ocean and even vast freshwater reserves locked up in Antarctic ice. China intends to exploit the continent fully once the current Antarctic Treaty expires in 2048, if not sooner. With nations hungry for new sources of oil and mineral wealth, and China laying the groundwork for industrialization of the pole, the stakes for Antarctica couldn’t be higher.

An obvious irony looms over this new Antarctic rush. If Antarctic glaciers are already melting, and the consequent sea-level rise threatens to inundate coastal cities across the globe, why would any government make plans to exacerbate global warming by exploiting fossil fuel reserves in Antarctica? Will the 21st century end with oil fields in an ice-free Wilkes Land or strip-mining in the forested Transantarctic Mountains that are currently buried in ice? It seems outlandish, but this is exactly the future that Beijing’s plan could trigger, even if public pronouncements from China conform to the diplomatic polar language of international collaboration and disinterested scientific research.

As the nation with the greatest historical investment in Antarctica, the U.S. has the resources and authority to lead an international re-commitment to south polar conservation. By reaffirming its leadership role at the pole, America can ensure that the great game of the 21ar century does not repeat the mistakes of those of centuries prior, when the world’s pristine frontiers were fought over and ransacked with little thought for environmental damage, or for what future human generations might do once the last wilderness on Earth melts away.

This story is adapted from the author’s new book Land of Wondrous Cold: The Race to Discover Antarctica and Discover the Secrets of its Ice.

#Nature

[epfloutthere]

In the NoMads lands

Well, apparently we are No Mads. It’s an anagram, sourcing from the special echo that still rings in our ears after a month of intense fieldwork in the land of Nomads. From the cold and wind swept Arabel Plateau, where time seemed to be frozen, we rapidly found ourselves back to the heat of Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek, navigating through the Kyrgyz bureaucratic reefs, to obtain the necessary permits for the exportation of our samples. Such violent change shook the inner peace we acquired up there can really drive someone mad, so the title of the blog update goes. Far from that the calmness of Nomadic life and vivid images of the vast Kyrgyz countryside, monopolize our thoughts since our return back home.

From the Capital to the Mountains

Kyrgyzstan is the country where the Nomads house, the yurt dome, is omnipresent and the Tunduk, the central part of the yurt, is proudly illustrated along with 40 rays of sun in the country’s national flag. The Kyrgyz mountain ranges of Tien Shan and Pamir Alay, hosted the second (after Nepal) High Mountain Asia expedition of Vanishing Glaciers project. This expedition was a dive into the unknown, as it was the first encounter with the mountains of Central Asia for all team members. Besides the mountains themselves, it was our first flirt with the Nomadic culture and an introduction to the way that Kyrgyz alpinists treat their home mountains, a behaviour that has been largely inherited from the Soviet times.

The extensive piedmont of the Pamirs with carefree camels and horses, which unlike us seemed to have no reason to bother for the stormy conditions up on the mountains (Photo © Matteo Tolosano)

The capital Bishkek is a good example of a fast developing and expanding central Asian city. Many green spaces and parks with running waters constitute a safe hideout from the blazing summer heat. Old Soviet grey and blocky shaped buildings alternate with traditional and more delicately shaped constructions of Central Asian architecture and a fast evolving commercial center occupied by western style modern constructions, make up an interesting visual mix in the crossroads of the Soviet past, the Kyrgyz present and the globalized future. Bishkek is one of the very few places in the world, if not the only, that people drive from both right and left sides, which apparently is the aftermath of second hand automobile importation from different corners of the world. The overall calm vibes of the city apparently help a lot in avoiding car crashes and accidents and the relaxed attitude of the Kyrgyz people is evident from the second one disembarks from the airplane. Bishkek is intelligently placed in the corner of a large fertile plain, receiving water from the glaciers of the proximal West Tien Shan Mountains, which on a clear day one feels that can really “touch” them.

Pleasant walks through many of Bishkek’s green parks, historical monuments and well maintained governmental buildings, with the glacier-covered summits of Tien Shan Mountains posing in the background (Photo © Matteo Tolosano)

Familiar landscapes but…

The proximity of a large number of glaciers to Bishkek and their relatively low elevation, makes them an easy target for scientific research and after our recent Himalayan high-altitude, long-distance marches in cold and snowy conditions, we could not pass by such a luxurious reality. Ala Archa valley is a major touristic destination, where many local people spent their summer weekends to get the coolness of the glaciers’ waters, while flinging to various activities such as daylong barbequing, and some volleyball and hiking for digesting. As one moves higher in the valley, the scenery is changing and encounters with trekkers and alpinists become dominant. The landscapes were visually familiar, resembling parts of the Alps, but the wakeup call of being in Kyrgyzstan and not in the Alps, was the diet in our base camp, which involved large portions of meat from breakfast to dinner. For sure, this is not the best place for people with vegetarian or vegan rituals…

It could have been anywhere in the Alps, but it’s not. The beautiful Ala Archa valley had a little surprise for us on its upper reaches (Photo © Mike Styllas)

In Ala Archa, we worked with a big team of porters, as our goal was to sample six glaciers spread along the valley. This meant that we had to move our camp almost every day. In our efforts to pace ourselves over successive long climbs, we had to walk, or crawl across awkward metallic constructions that resembled river bridges and we came upon locations dubbed “The Dream of Idiots”, which blew philosophical dilemmas in our heads, such as “Are we also idiots to be up here?” Of course, such mental loops were blown away by the next day’s strenuous climb. Our work in the end of the valley exposed us to a new experience. A ghost building, which resembled an old Soviet ski station that was operating year round. It was hard to imagine the place crowded with people from Bishkek and workers from Lenin Factory both winter and summer. People were arriving there either by big mining trucks through the road (?), or by helicopters sponsored by the USSR state…different times, different realities, but good food for imagination and of how our world has been changing.

Remnants of another era and a reminder of Global Changes… Glaciers were reaching the buildings of the year-round ski station that was flooded with people from Bishkek back in the Soviet times. Hard to imagine nowadays (Photo © Mike Styllas)

The Pamirs If the access to Ala Archa valley from Bishkek was short and easy, then our drive to the heart of the Pamirs proved to be long and difficult. Nevertheless, the two days of driving to reach Pic Lenin base camp, was an interesting northeast-to-southwest traverse of Kyrgyzstan. As one approaches the city of Osh, which stands there for 3,000 years, the route passes through ever-changing landscapes. For several kilometers, the road moves on the borderline with Uzbekistan. The more south we moved the more the Uzbek culture was becoming dominant, but anywhere in the landscape, we could spot the nomads and their yurts, as white dots into the green background.

Alternating landscapes on the drive to Osh, confirmed our initial view that Kyrgyzstan is culturally and geologically a diverse country. The golden hills were another piece in the puzzle (Photo © Matteo Tolosano)

For novices to Pamir mountaineering reality, like ourselves, the arrival in Pic Lenin base camp by automobile, was an interesting experience. After crossing the extensive piedmont of the Pamirs through the bumpy dirt road, we were warmly welcomed by Michail, the base camp manager. Right away like all the aspiring summiteers of this 7000-meter peak, we were placed in already set tents. The whole setting resembled a tight and well-organized high-mountain camping, rather than a base camp. Nothing like we faced before, but again we were assured that this structure is another remnant of the Soviet style of mountaineering.

The whole setting was exhilarating with large glaciers originating at 7000m and terminating down to 3600m, making them accessible. The retreat of these monstrous rivers of ice and rock has done a great job in leaving behind huge moraines that we were called to surf down in our efforts to approach their terminus. Thanks to their sandy texture, it was fun to go down, but not easy to come back up. Aside such pleasurable moments, the daily challenge was to get out of base camp as early as possible in order to avoid the afternoon storms, which were of great severity. The heat of the extensive piedmont at the foot of the gigantic Pamirs, results in high rates of moisture build up, turbulence and instability, which are a daily phenomenon. Large cumulus clouds are formed rapidly, strike the mountains with thunder and lightning in an amazing speed. Several times, we got caught unprepared, as we were basking in the sun waiting for our experiments and incubations to finish and minutes after we were enveloped in the dark clouds with hail and rain coming along in a package deal. Our success rate to avoid this repeated pattern was destroyed by the fast moving storms and accounted for a mere 25%. After more than a week in this special location with Pic Lenin towering above our heads, we said goodbye to a few fellow mountaineers we met during our and stay, wished them good luck in their summit bids and moved on to the coastal region of Issyk-Kul lake in search of dry weather and warmer temperatures.

Fieldwork below the emblematic Pic Lenin, along with our support team. Despite the worrisome faces, this was the only day that we escaped the storm and were not drenched (Photo © Andrey Savinykh)

To the heart of the Nomads land Leaving behind the cosmopolitan Ala Archa valley and Pic Lenin base camp, we opted for the mountains above Issyk-Kul Lake, which have a smooth morphology and a special sense of solitude. Issyk-Kul Lake is listed in the world’s Top-10 largest and deepest lakes and is an important body of water for Kyrgyz people, as it is the most famous place for summer vacations by the water. Its extensive surface area is 11 times larger than Lac Leman and from the coastline, one can easily spot glaciated peaks. The lake never freezes in the winter and thus provides ample moisture for the adjacent mountains to be covered, not to say buried, with snow. The place is particularly cold during the winter, as it is struck by polar outbreaks that resume from the persistent Siberian anticyclone. Even though we knew that summer up there lasts for less than two months and that with this particular climatic setting, snow can fall anytime, we had to live through it, just to confirm the theory.

Vincent De Staercke greets a polar morning on August 15, 2021 in our Arabel Plateau camp (Photo © Mike Styllas)

The landscape in Ak Shirak and Arabel Plateaus is dominated by extensive flat areas, dissected by glacier-fed rivers and sparse bogs, where the cattle water themselves, bounded by a rolling topography and smooth valleys occupied by glaciers. Nomads and their yurts contemplate the visual monotony of the landscape. Their sheep and cattle along with the clouds were the only moving objects in this otherwise immobile scenery.

The vast Arable Plateau with its rolling topography and wetlands. Time seemed to be frozen there (Photo © Mike Styllas)

Surprises are everywhere though. On a rainy day when we had to strip down and cross a deep river, two young Shepard kids appeared out of nowhere riding their horse and donkey. They spotted us from the distance as we were trying to find a safe passage through the raging river and offered their equidae as a gesture of help and friendship. Struck by the Kyrgyz sense of solidarity in this vast and empty territory, the least we could offer was a cup of team in our base camp and a visual tour of our scientific equipment that triggered wonder in their sights.

Our fellow young shepherds appeared out of the blue and after donating their horse and donkey for us to cross the river, showed a particular interest in our scientific apparatus (Photo © Matteo Tolosano)

Our scientific mission was heavy with an ambitious goal of visiting 10 glaciers in three different locations within these vast open spaces. Even though the distance and the elevation gain to reach the glaciers were not that great, we could succeed this goal without the help of our guide Andrey, and his team of young porters, Ruslan, Mirsaid and Nikita. Our success would have been diminished even more without the base camp support of our lovely cook Shasha and his team Elia, Boris (in Ala Archa), Timoja, and Nastia (in Arabel Plateau). For many years, Andrey has been involved in social work mainly working with orphans. Our team of young porters was a delicate pick from Andrey. Besides the heavy workload, it was an enlightening experience to talk with the young Kyrgyz generations about issues regarding their lifestyle, the way the see their mountains, their need to go abroad and their dispersed worries of the post 18-year old life. Bridging connections with the Kyrgyz youth left us with a very sweet taste of an expansion of our social horizons, as we had not experience anything similar in our previous expeditions.

From the anagram to the epilogue Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains, the Nomad, the yurts, the meat and cheese diet, the mix of Uzbek, Kyrgyz and Soviet temperaments, the clash of generations between western older and central Asian your people, briefly account for the colors that filled the canvas of our Kyrgyzstan expedition. However, the privileges do not stop there. The last time that our colleague Amy Holt from Florida State University had the chance to join us was in the volcanoes of Ecuador during pre-pandemic times. We shared a lot in the mountains of Ecuador, but since then we could only meet with each other virtually. Things worked out again and we were delighted to have spent this long lasting expedition with Amy on board. An additional member always brings new aura to the team. We admired her persistence in setting her molecular organic carbon analyses lab by her tent under any conditions, while the rest of us were seeking shelter in our warm sleeping bags. Scientifically speaking, it is very challenging to fingerprint the sources of carbon exported by the glaciers and we are happy having a small contribution to this effort.

Early morning delicate lab work involving organic carbon molecular analyses preparation. Pipettes were frozen but persistence wins. Delighted to have Amy Holt in our Kyrgyzstan expedition (Photo © Matteo Tolosano)

As in Nepal, it has been a great pleasure to share with Tom Battin an extensive period of this expedition as well. Conesus has been made that for scientific projects that involve a great deal of fieldwork like Vanishing Glaciers, it is fruitful and exciting for the fieldwork team to spend as much time as possible with the Principal Investigators out there. The angle is different, the discussions colorful and richer than in the campus and the bonding gets stronger, as we all have to live through the same tight situation, resulting from the weather, the local dietary habits, the cultural gaps and so on.

Our expedition would have not even started without the close collaboration with the Central Asian Institute of Applied Geosciences (CAIAG). We are thankful to Dr. Bolot Moldobekov, Dr Ryskul Usubaliev for their overall support to our project and particularly to Dr Nargiza Shaidyldaeva and Mr Ruslan Kenzhebaev, for running with us the bureaucratic ultramarathon in Bishkek.

Besides acquiring scientific knowledge through fundamental research, we are delighted for the cultural and social encounters and Kyrgyzstan was no exception to this rule (Photo © Tom J Battin)

With a great sense of accomplishment not only the scientific goals, but for expanding our vision of this world and understanding a bit more of how our world has been changing, we send our wishes to the EPFL community for a healthy fall semester.

MMMV

[certainheartrunaway]

DX World News

  DX World News

8Q7GB — MaldivesAugust 8, 2019, 2:28 AMUPDATE by Gil, IZ2DLV /8Q7GB — Customs checked my baggage but with Maldivian license and serial numbers on it was an enough to explain why I was traveling with 60kg of equipment. Nika Island is a wonderful location, owner is Ham Radio friendly and bungalows are secluded enough to have your equipment hidden. The 2 antennas […]

[QRT] CY9C — St. Paul IslandAugust 8, 2019, 1:25 AM#CY9C is QRT 2019–08–08 1140z. Final logs posted. 73 de VA3QR/CY9 @RACTWEETS @AMSAT @AmsatUK @DX_World @DAILYDX #hamradio #hamr #dx #amateurradio — Phil A. McBride (@VA3QR) August 8, 2019 #CY9C II — Day 6 — Posted at https://t.co/02auqhhKT0 @RACTWEETS @AMSAT @DX_World @DAILYDX #HamRadio #AmateurRadio #HamR #DX pic.twitter.com/F0ot0H4NVi — Phil A. McBride (@VA3QR) August 5, 2019 Take […]

Media

CY9C.mp3 (2.0 MB)

[UPCOMING] TO5M — St Pierre et MiquelonAugust 7, 2019, 2:58 PMJUNE 25, 2019 — It’s our pleasure to announce our DXpedition to FP, more accurately to the “Ile aux Marins” as TO5M during August 10–18, 2019. Our plan is to be QRV on all bands, 6–160m, using mostly vertical antennas, a Hexbeam for the higher bands and beverage receiving antennas for the low bands. We will […]

RA1ALA/9 — Shokalskogo Island, AS-083August 7, 2019, 4:06 AMOn August 9th, Mike RA1ALA will join the Arctic research vessel “Kartesh” which is currently in the Kara Sea. After some days sailing he hopes to arrive (and be active from) Shokalskogo Island AS-083 (Shokalsky Island) on or around August 20th. Special permission is needed to visit this island as it’s part of a Nature […]

JD1BNA — OgasawaraAugust 6, 2019, 1:33 AMKazu, JD1BNA will be active from Hahajima Island, Ogasawara during September 25–30, 2019. QRV on 160–17m, CW/SSB/FT8. QSL via JL1UTS (direct).

K6VVA/6 — White Rock, NA-187August 5, 2019, 2:12 PMOn the IOTA-chasers group the following info was posted by K6VVA. Last Thursday I had a very productive 3 hour in-person meeting and lunch with the Government Official who granted written permission back in March for access to NA-187 (White Rock). During our meeting, I also extended an invitation for the Official and a Marine […]

K5P — Isle Au Pitre, NA-089August 5, 2019, 2:06 AMA group of operators plan on activating Cat Island N5C (NA-082) and Isle Au Pitre K5P (NA-089) between Oct 4th-6th 2019. The plan is activate both islands simultaneously. The operators include W5GAI, AD5A, K0AP, N5LN, AD6D, AB5EB and possibly others. QSL will be via K0AP for both operations.

N5C — Cat Island, NA-082August 5, 2019, 1:59 AMA group of operators plan on activating Cat Island N5C (NA-082) and Isle Au Pitre K5P (NA-089) between Oct 4th-6th 2019. The plan is activate both islands simultaneously. The operators include W5GAI, AD5A, K0AP, N5LN, AD6D, AB5EB and possibly others. QSL will be via K0AP for both operations.

3W9QR — VietnamAugust 5, 2019, 1:24 AMYosuke, JJ1DQR will be active from Da Nang, Vietnam as 3W9QR between October 23- November 1, 2019. QRV on 40–6m mainly SSB. Also participation in the CQWW DX SSB Contest. QSL via JJ1DQR Bureau or Direct.

5H3MB — TanzaniaAugust 5, 2019, 1:00 AMNEWS UPDATE — 5H3MB will again be active from Tanzania during September 25 to October 28, 2019. SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 — From October 24 to November 28, 2018 Maurizio will again be in Tanzania (mission for work in the Ilembula orphanage and hospital). In his spare time he will be QRV as 5H3MB on the HF […]

3W9KJ — VietnamAugust 4, 2019, 9:20 AMJacek, SP5APW informs DX-World that he and his wife are going to visit Dao Co To (AS-132) during end September / start October. Activity planned as 3W9KJ (pending). Jacek says that due to various reasons this time he will operate 100W to wire antenna. Main mode will be FT8/FT4 with some SSB if conditions allow.

SV2RSG — Mt AthosAugust 4, 2019, 5:26 AMFollowing info on Monk Iakovos, SV2RSG provided by Theodore, SV1GRM: I am Monk Iakovos from the Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou of Mount Athos, bearing the distinct amateur radio call sign SV2RSG. I hereby take the liberty to contact you and write in the circumstances of what has been circulated as sporadic rumours regarding Mount Athos, […]

JA8COE/0 — Sado Island AS-206August 4, 2019, 5:09 AMTake, JA8COE will be active from Sado Island AS-206 during September 22–24, 2019. QRV on HF bands, CW/FT8/SSB. Focus on EU and low power NA stations. QSL via H/c, Club Log OQRS.

MS0INT — Shiant Isles, EU-112August 3, 2019, 1:31 PMThor DK7RD, Paul G4PVM and Col MM0NDX plan activity from Europe’s 5th most wanted IOTA — the Shiant Isles EU-112 — during August 23–25, 2019. QRV on HF bands, CW/SSB/FT8. QSL via M0SDV.

KH6VV/KH4 — Midway AtollAugust 3, 2019, 8:03 AMUPDATE II by Ron KH6DV..“We have a list of 10 well experienced expedition operators on the high interest list which is 1–2 fewer then we need. These were received in the first day and a half after the announcement. My hope is that now that we are into the weekend people will have time to […]

YP0F — Fericirii Island, EU-191August 3, 2019, 7:33 AMLook for YO3GA, YO4GKP, YO9RYJ, YO9RIJ and others to be active from Fericirii Island EU-191 as YP0F during August 27 to September 1, 2019. QRV on 160–10m, CW/SSB/FT8. Full QSL info on QRZ.com

K7TRI — Tillamook Rock, NA-211August 2, 2019, 11:45 PMA team composed of Yuri (N3QQ), Cezar (VE3LYC), Sandro (VE7NY), and Adrian (KO8SCA) will attempt to operate between Sep 6 and 9, 2019, from this iconic location. This rare IOTA reference was on the air once, 21 years ago, as is in demand by 94% of IOTA members. The team informs that the price tag […]

KL7RRC/P — Sledge Island NA-210August 2, 2019, 7:26 AMNEWS UPDATE — Yuri, N3QQ got in touch to say the KL7RRC/P NA-210 website is now online and actual dates of activity have been posted [August 27 to September 2, 2019] APRIL 28, 2019 — Yuri UA9OBA, Yuri N3QQ + others plan activity as KL7RRC/P from Sledge Island NA-210 approx August 25 to September 3, […]

RM0F/P & RV1CC/0 — Iturup Island, AS-025August 2, 2019, 6:28 AMRV1CC/0 and RM0F/P will be active from Iturup Island AS-025 beginning August 15, 2019. QRV on HF bands.

JA4GXS/0 — Sado Island, AS-206August 1, 2019, 1:53 PMKenji, JA4GXS will be active from Sado Island (Honshu’s Coastal Islands East) AS-206 during October 26–28, 2019. QRV on 17 & 20m, CW/FT8. QSL via H/c (direct/buro).

from dxerhamnews https://ift.tt/2YPTrX9 via IFTTT

[mikescoastalexpeditions]

Explore Naples & Bonita Springs with Clear Kayaks - Discover Coastal Beauty with Mike's Coastal Expeditions

Immerse yourself in the stunning coastal landscapes of Naples and Bonita Springs with Mike's Coastal Expeditions' clear kayak rentals and tours. Glide over crystal-clear waters, marvel at diverse marine life, and explore hidden mangroves on a guided eco-tour. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquillity, our clear kayaks provide a unique way to experience Florida’s natural beauty. Perfect for all ages, these tours offer an unforgettable journey through Naples and Bonita Springs’ pristine waterways. Book your clear kayak adventure today and paddle into paradise.

[kayakingtours]

Explore the Authentic Charm of MCE Tours

Embark on an unforgettable journey with MCE Tours, where every destination unfolds a story of authenticity and wonder. Our curated experiences promise to unveil hidden gems and cultural treasures, ensuring each adventure is a true reflection of local life and heritage. Discover the essence of travel with MCE Tours, where every detail is crafted to immerse you in the heart of your destination, creating memories that last a lifetime.

[bigdatanewsmagazine]

Vineyard Vines Taps First Insight for Predictive Analytics – WWD

Clothing and accessories line Vineyard Vines announced its partnership with First Insight, a technology company that collects real-time consumer data to create deep shopper insights through its predictive analytics model.

“Through First Insight’s predictive analytics, we will gain visibility into our customers’ preferences in a way that hasn’t been possible for us before,” said Mike Gaumer, president of Vineyard Vines. “By bringing winning products to market that align with the needs of our distinct customer base, we will increase traffic both in-store and online while engaging our customers more effectively.”

Gaumer noted that the company validated the ROI of the First Insight solution “through measuring a direct increase in online conversions and full-price sales.” He noted that deployment of the solution “is helping us deliver on two of our corporate goals: building great relationships with our customers and driving profitable sales.”

Vineyard Vines will gain access to sentiment data and real-time product pricing analytics to enable expedited design, buying, and pricing decision to improve sales, margins, and inventory turnover for its e-commerce and bricks-and-mortar locations.

“Vineyard Vines has built an iconic American brand synonymous with an upscale, relaxed coastal lifestyle,” said Greg Petro, chief executive officer and founder of First Insight. “By introducing the voice of the customer through predictive analytics, Vineyard Vines will increase speed to market with the right styles, targeted to their core customer.”

The partnership is one of the latest in a succession of brands and retailers deploying platforms to mine data for directive insights. As consumer preferences and expectations dramatically shift at a faster rate, merchants are charged with accelerating their supply chain in addition to finalizing nimble design and buying choices. Optimizing available data on existing consumer behavior enables retailers to inform updated business strategies for improved brand loyalty and increased revenue, among other attributes.

More from WWD:

Amazon Prime Day: the New Black Friday?

Ath-Leisure Market Swells Despite Hyper Saturation

Crash Diet Pricing: The E-Commerce Path to Success

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Originally posted on http://ift.tt/2utVWQ8

The post Vineyard Vines Taps First Insight for Predictive Analytics – WWD appeared first on Big Data News Magazine.

from Vineyard Vines Taps First Insight for Predictive Analytics – WWD

[arianelalibre]

Two weeks ago, #Metaxa12Stars #remycointreau invited 6 winners to join #mikehornexplorer on an expedition trekking on the coastal track, south of Sydney in Australia. It was a fantastic experience for the few lucky ones, learning wisdom of such a great man. I was asked to join the trek as a representative of the House of Metaxa and trusted contact person to Mike.

Mike Horn is an extreme explorer. This winter, he wrote history while crossing Antarctica by foot, without any dogs or any assistance on his expedition Pole2Pole.

Mike is passionate about  the world, the cultures and has 25 years of expedition behind him.

Furthermore, he is also a TV presentator, mainly for the French public. His latest M6 formats have more than 3,5 million viewers and his format “à l’état sauvage” was elected last week as favourite TV show in France.

Together with Mike, we can directly produce content, commercials and events activation, like-wise for #MercedesBenz, his main sponsor.

Many trips are planned where Active activation Events can be organized within his schedule #pole2pole that is continuing for  the next 1,5 year through Asia, North of Asia, then Russia, Kamchatka and the North-Pole before heading back to Europe and final destination in Monaco.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch since Mike asked me to manage his global image and sponsors !

http://www.mikehorn.com/pole-2-pole/ https://twitter.com/ExploreMikeHorn https://www.facebook.com/PangaeaMikeHorn/ https://www.instagram.com/mikehornexplorer/ http://www.6play.fr/a-l-etat-sauvage-p_5952

[kakoliberlin]

Wildlife Weekly Wrap-Up: 06/16/17

Your weekly roundup of wildlife news from across the country.

  WildSights:

Wild stories from the Week:

Even though President Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris Agreement, we will continue to fight climate change as it is one of the leading threats to wildlife and wild places. Join the #Iamstillin campaign today: http://dfnd.us/2s2abrA

Scientists warn US coral reefs are on course to disappear within decades: http://dfnd.us/2rjmqmi

Climate destabilization causing thousands of new species migrations: http://dfnd.us/2rWavcK

Papahānaumokuākea national monument turns 11 today. Help protect this remarkable achievement: http://dfnd.us/2rBK2kR

Celebrate World Sea Turtle Day by making a positive difference for sea turtles in your area! Here are five easy things you can do to save one of Earth’s most ancient creatures: http://dfnd.us/1dzNPp8

Facing the threat of increasing temperatures, no animal better exemplifies the looming problem of climate change than the American pika: http://dfnd.us/2sEqH3F

  Our Defenders in Action:

In Florida: Last month Kent Wimmer, our Northwest Florida Representative, participated in the Hands Across the Sands Rally held at the Florida Capital. People from various environmental organizations came together to voice their support for the protection of the oceans and the Gulf of Mexico. They also rallied against offshore oil drilling, seismic testing in the ocean, and pipelines across the ocean floor all of which potentially harm marine and coastal ecosystems.

In Florida: Our Florida staff, Elizabeth Fleming, Kent Wimmer and Mike Adams, participated in a state-wide Florida Wildlife Corridor Summit. The purpose of the summit was to collaborate with interested partners and stakeholders to help chart a future course for securing, connecting, restoring and protecting a statewide wildlife habitat corridor lands and waters network. Participants explored and considered innovative ideas and exchanged meaningful dialog about how best to achieve such bold state-wide conservation goals, that lead the nation. Over thirty years ago, wildlife corridors linking core habitat areas were conceptualized to extend throughout Florida and into Georgia and Alabama. Incorporated in 2010, the Florida Wildlife Corridor Inc. sponsored expeditions in 2012 and 2015 to highlight and advocate for conserving this habitat network. Defenders has advised the Florida Wildlife Corridor from its beginning and contributed to its vision for landscape-level conservation. Conserving habitat connections between the Everglades, longleaf pine and wiregrass forests, scrub lands, freshwater habitats landscapes and beaches are essential for restoring wide ranging species such as the Florida panther, manatee, black bear and protecting habitat for Defenders’ key species.

  The post Wildlife Weekly Wrap-Up: 06/16/17 appeared first on Defenders of Wildlife Blog.

from Defenders of Wildlife Blog http://ift.tt/2rzOJgt via IFTTT

[mikescoastalexpeditions]

Guided Standard Paddle Eco Regular and Clear Kayak and SUP Tour

Experience the beauty of Southwest Florida’s coastline with a unique, eco-friendly adventure that combines the thrill of kayaking and paddleboarding with a close-up view of its natural wonders. Whether you choose a regular kayak, a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), or a clear kayak, Mike's Coastal Expeditions offers a guided eco tour that caters to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.

Embrace Nature with Every Paddle

On this guided tour, you’ll navigate through pristine waterways teeming with wildlife. The natural landscape, from mangrove tunnels to expansive coastal views, provides the perfect backdrop for exploration. The tours, led by experienced guides, ensure you not only get a workout but also leave with a better understanding of Florida’s delicate ecosystems. Mike’s Coastal Expeditions prides itself on promoting sustainable tourism, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature while preserving it for future generations.

Clear Kayak Tours for a Transparent Experience

For a one-of-a-kind adventure, consider booking a clear kayak tour. These transparent vessels offer an unobstructed view beneath the surface, allowing you to see fish darting below, rays gliding gracefully along the seabed, and perhaps even a curious dolphin or manatee swimming nearby. The clear kayak tours at Mike’s Coastal Expeditions are particularly popular for wildlife enthusiasts, as they provide a truly immersive experience in Florida’s coastal waters.

Whether you’re navigating the waters of Bonita Springs, Big Hickory Island, or Estero Bay, the clear kayak rentals give you an unparalleled glimpse into the underwater world. This tour is perfect for individuals, couples, or small groups looking to enjoy a peaceful yet exciting adventure on the water.

Paddleboard Tours for Balance and Serenity

If you prefer to experience the tour from a higher vantage point, the stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tour is a fantastic option. Paddleboarding offers a great full-body workout, and standing on the board gives you a clear view of your surroundings, including the horizon and nearby wildlife. Mike’s Coastal Expeditions offers paddleboard rentals for both beginners and experienced paddlers, with guided tours that provide instruction and insights into the local environment. The calm waters make it easy to glide along the surface while taking in the beauty of the surroundings.

Regular Kayak Adventures

For those who prefer a more traditional kayaking experience, the regular kayak tour is a perfect choice. With stable kayaks designed for comfort, you can explore Florida’s coastal regions with ease. As you paddle through the serene waters, the guides will point out various wildlife species, including birds like pelicans and ospreys, fish, and other marine life. The regular kayak tours offer a more intimate connection with nature, as the quiet paddling allows you to get closer to wildlife without disturbing them.

Educational and Family-Friendly Fun

Mike’s Coastal Expeditions ensures that every tour is both educational and enjoyable. Their experienced guides are passionate about the local environment and love sharing their knowledge with visitors. Whether it’s learning about the mangrove forests’ role in protecting the coastline or discovering how to spot different species of birds, every participant leaves the tour with newfound knowledge about Florida’s ecosystems.

These tours are also family-friendly, making them a perfect choice for a day of outdoor fun. Children, adults, and seniors alike can participate, with flexible tour options to suit varying skill levels and preferences. For families, the clear kayak rentals can be especially exciting, as kids love being able to see the aquatic life beneath them.

Book Your Adventure

Mike's Coastal Expeditions offers flexible booking options for its clear kayak rentals, regular kayak tours, and paddleboard tours. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a larger group, there’s an option for everyone. Each tour is carefully planned to ensure safety, enjoyment, and a deeper appreciation of nature. With Mike’s Coastal Expeditions, you’re not just booking a tour—you’re embarking on an unforgettable experience that blends adventure, education, and environmental stewardship.

If you're looking for a guided eco-tour that combines adventure with the beauty of nature, book a tour with Mike’s Coastal Expeditions today. The clear kayak tours and SUP tours are popular choices for both locals and tourists, offering a unique way to experience Florida’s stunning waterways. Whether you choose a regular kayak or opt for a clear kayak rental, your journey through these beautiful coastal ecosystems will be one to remember.

[mikescoastalexpeditions]

Hobie Kayaks Coastal Tours in Naples

Naples, Florida, with its calm waters, pristine coastline, and vibrant marine life, is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the most popular ways to explore its coastal beauty is through kayak tours. Among the various options available, Hobie Kayaks coastal tours offer a unique and exciting experience that combines ease, adventure, and an up-close look at the natural wonders of the area. With Mike's Coastal Expeditions leading the way, you can enjoy a top-notch kayak tour in this picturesque environment.

Why Choose Hobie Kayaks?

Hobie Kayaks are known for their innovative design, particularly the MirageDrive pedal system, which allows paddlers to power the kayak with their legs rather than traditional paddles. This hands-free propulsion system offers numerous advantages. First, it allows you to move faster and more efficiently, covering greater distances with less effort. Second, with your hands free, you can focus on other activities such as taking photographs, spotting wildlife, or even fishing.

Hobie Kayaks are also renowned for their stability and comfort. Whether you’re new to kayaking or a seasoned paddler, these kayaks are easy to maneuver and offer a smooth ride, even in choppier waters. Their design makes them perfect for coastal tours, allowing you to focus on the beauty around you rather than the effort of paddling.

Explore Naples’ Coastal Wonders

Naples boasts a variety of stunning coastal areas that are perfect for kayak tours. Each location offers its own unique experience, from mangrove tunnels to wide-open bays, all teeming with wildlife. Here are a few top spots to explore during a Hobie Kayak coastal tour:

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: This vast reserve is one of the most pristine and diverse ecosystems in Florida. A Hobie Kayak tour through Rookery Bay takes you deep into mangrove forests where you can see a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and countless bird species. The calm, shallow waters of the reserve make it an ideal location for a relaxed yet immersive kayaking experience.

Clam Pass Park: Known for its winding waterway that leads to the Gulf of Mexico, Clam Pass Park is a favorite spot for kayak tours. Paddle through the lush mangroves and enjoy the peace of this natural oasis before reaching the sandy shores of the Gulf. With Hobie Kayaks, you can easily navigate the waterway, keeping your hands free to snap photos or simply enjoy the view.

Gordon River Greenway: For those who want to explore a blend of urban and natural environments, the Gordon River Greenway is a perfect choice. This scenic waterway runs through downtown Naples and into the Gulf, offering an opportunity to paddle through nature while still being close to the city. It’s a great location for families or beginners looking for a gentle introduction to coastal kayaking.

Estero Bay: A bit farther north, Estero Bay offers a more expansive paddling experience. This body of water is part of Florida's first aquatic preserve and is home to dolphins, manatees, and a variety of fish and bird species. The wide-open waters of Estero Bay are ideal for Hobie Kayaks, as the MirageDrive system allows you to cover more ground effortlessly.

Mike’s Coastal Expeditions: The Ultimate Kayak Tour Experience

Mike’s Coastal Expeditions is one of the top providers of kayak tours in Naples, offering a range of options that cater to different skill levels and interests. Their Hobie Kayak tours are particularly popular, as they allow paddlers to explore the coastline in comfort and style.

With years of experience and a deep knowledge of the local environment, the guides at Mike’s Coastal Expeditions ensure that every tour is both educational and enjoyable. They take the time to explain the unique aspects of the area’s ecosystems, point out wildlife along the way, and ensure that paddlers feel safe and confident on the water.

One of the standout features of Mike’s Coastal Expeditions is their commitment to customer service. From helping you select the right tour to providing all the necessary equipment, including life jackets and safety gear, they make sure that everything is taken care of so you can focus on enjoying your time on the water. Their Hobie Kayak tours also include tips on using the MirageDrive system, ensuring that even first-timers feel comfortable and capable during the tour.

What to Expect on a Hobie Kayak Coastal Tour

A typical Hobie Kayak coastal tour with Mike’s Coastal Expeditions lasts about two to four hours, depending on the route and your interests. Tours are usually scheduled in the morning or late afternoon when the waters are calm, and the weather is pleasant. Expect to see plenty of wildlife, from playful dolphins to graceful wading birds and, if you're lucky, a gentle manatee.

Because Hobie Kayaks offer hands-free paddling, you can bring along a camera or binoculars to capture the incredible sights you’ll encounter. The tours are designed to be relaxing and informative, making them a great way to unwind while learning about the local environment.

Conclusion

Hobie Kayaks coastal tours in Naples offer an exceptional way to explore the area’s natural beauty. With the innovative design of Hobie Kayaks and the expert guidance of Mike’s Coastal Expeditions, you can enjoy a unique, hands-free kayaking experience that brings you closer to the water and the wildlife that inhabits it. Whether you’re gliding through mangrove forests or paddling along the coast, these tours provide an unforgettable adventure that showcases the best of what Naples has to offer.

[mikescoastalexpeditions]

Clear Kayaks Coastal Tours in Naples

Naples, Florida, offers an incredible coastal landscape that beckons adventurers from across the globe. Its crystal-clear waters, thriving marine life, and vibrant mangroves make it an ideal destination for kayaking enthusiasts. Recently, clear kayak tours have become one of the most exciting ways to explore this beautiful environment, giving you a window into the underwater world as you paddle along. With clear kayak rentals from local providers like Mike’s Coastal Expeditions, you can immerse yourself in this unique experience.

Why Choose Clear Kayak Tours?

Clear kayak tours offer a distinct advantage over traditional kayaking. The transparent design of the kayak allows you to see everything beneath the surface, creating a magical connection with the water and marine life. As you glide through Naples’ serene waters, you can spot fish, sea turtles, manatees, and even dolphins swimming directly below you. The clear kayaks are made from durable polycarbonate materials, ensuring both visibility and safety as you navigate the waters.

This immersive experience is perfect for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to explore the ocean in a new and exciting way. It also offers a unique opportunity for photographers, as the clear kayak acts as both a vehicle and a lens, allowing for stunning underwater shots without the need for a snorkel or diving gear.

Explore Naples’ Coastal Beauty

Naples is renowned for its diverse waterways, and clear kayak tours offer the perfect way to explore them. Here are some must-visit destinations where clear kayaks offer the best views:

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: This protected reserve is home to a thriving ecosystem of mangroves, fish, and birds. Paddling through the calm waters in a clear kayak gives you a unique perspective of the interconnectedness of these habitats. You can witness schools of fish weaving through the mangrove roots, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a manatee gliding beneath your kayak.

Clam Pass Park: Known for its scenic beauty, Clam Pass Park offers a mixture of beach, bay, and mangrove environments. The gentle waters and rich marine life make this an ideal location for clear kayak tours. The transparent kayaks allow you to see the gentle ripples of fish just below the surface, adding an extra layer of wonder to your paddle.

Gordon River: For those looking for a more relaxed experience, the Gordon River offers peaceful paddling with the added benefit of spotting a variety of wildlife. The river’s calm flow is perfect for clear kayaks, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely tour while observing the aquatic life below.

Estero Bay: Located just north of Naples, Estero Bay is a vibrant body of water where you can paddle through mangroves, estuaries, and coastal areas. Clear kayak rentals here allow you to explore one of Florida's first aquatic preserves, where dolphins and manatees are frequent visitors.

Mike’s Coastal Expeditions: Your Gateway to Clear Kayak Adventures

If you’re looking to rent a clear kayak and embark on a guided tour, Mike’s Coastal Expeditions offers some of the best options in Naples. Known for their top-quality equipment and knowledgeable guides, Mike’s Coastal Expeditions specializes in creating memorable kayaking experiences. They offer both clear kayak rentals and guided clear kayak tours, ensuring that paddlers of all skill levels can enjoy the beauty of Naples' waterways.

One of the key benefits of booking with Mike’s Coastal Expeditions is their expertise in the local environment. Their guides know the best routes for spotting wildlife, understanding tidal flows, and offering insights into the area’s ecology. Whether you're navigating the peaceful mangrove tunnels or exploring the open waters, their staff ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.

Their clear kayak rentals also come equipped with all the necessary safety gear, including life jackets and paddles, so you can focus on the adventure ahead. Additionally, their transparent kayaks are regularly inspected to ensure they provide optimal visibility and comfort during your trip.

Tips for a Perfect Clear Kayak Tour

Here are a few tips to ensure you make the most of your clear kayak adventure:

Book in Advance: Clear kayak tours are increasingly popular, so booking your rental or tour with Mike’s Coastal Expeditions ahead of time ensures you get the dates and times you want.

Time Your Paddle: Early morning or late afternoon tours often offer the best visibility. The water is typically calmer during these times, and you’re more likely to see marine life.

Bring a Camera: The transparent kayak offers unparalleled photo opportunities, so don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera or phone in a protective case to capture the beauty beneath the surface.

Stay Hydrated and Protected: The Florida sun can be intense, so make sure to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and consider wearing a hat and sunglasses for added protection.

Conclusion

Exploring the coastal beauty of Naples through clear kayak tours provides a unique and mesmerizing experience that connects you with the water like never before. With clear kayak rentals and tours offered by Mike’s Coastal Expeditions, you can discover Naples’ stunning underwater world while enjoying the serene, natural environment that Southwest Florida is known for. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or new to kayaking, clear kayaks provide an unforgettable adventure, making your journey through Naples’ coastal waters truly exceptional.

[mikescoastalexpeditions]

Explore Naples with Clear Kayak Rentals from Mike's Coastal Expeditions

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Naples with our clear kayak rentals, ideal for all ages and perfect for beginners! Paddle through enchanting mangrove tunnels, spot dolphins and manatees, and take in the stunning island views on one of our guided kayak tours. Experience the magic of the water in Naples and its surrounding areas like never before!