#ira otter

[pau-mccartney]

Otras características del personaje:

FAMILIARES:

• Miss. Gina Squirrel (Madre)

INTERÉS AMOROSO:

•Charlie Rabbit.

• Ralph Otter

MODISMOS:

•¿En qué te puedo servir?. (Pregunta de cortesía)

•¡Es fabuloso!. (Halago)

•Hermosa por fuera, dulce por dentro. (Halago a ella misma)

•Muchos piensan que soy un pastelito. (Expresión de aprecio)

•Yo soy una amiga increíble. (Frase de ánimo)

INTERJECCIONES:

•¡Aww!~. (Gesto de cariño)

•¡JiJiJiJiJi!. (Risa)

•¡GRRR!... (Expresión de ira)

•¡Conejito!... (Apodo a Charlie)

•¡Ugh!. (Gesto de disgusto)

[letstalkwhump]

Let's Talk Whump No. 19

Welcome to Let’s Talk Whump, a series of interviews that spotlight the amazing people in our whump community! I’m Izzy and I’ll be your host today. 

On this segment, we will be rumbling around with the one and only @justplainwhump!

Welcome to Let’s Talk Whump! Why don’t we start off with an introduction to let folks know a little bit about you? Perhaps something not whump related from the start?

Sure! Hi everyone, I’m Sara, in my thirties and from Germany. I love long rides on the train, otters and playing with words. 

Trains and otters are positively spiffy! What does whump mean to you?

Characters challenged by traumatic events out of their control. A chance to explore the bare essence of a character under duress. Finding out what stays, when everything is breaking apart.

How did you find the whump community? What made you want to join?

I’ve started as a writer with some original stories, and realized some of the things I wanted to put into my main character Alicia’s backstory were darker than the content I would post to my writing blog. I went to look if other writers on tumblr had gone down that road, and I found a story by whump-tr0pes that hit all the right buttons and vibes. It blew my mind to find out that there in fact was a space and a community for this sort of content.

I hit some bumps after that, having to acknowledge that however welcoming the whump community is, the gender of the protagonist mattered a lot more than I expected, and as a writer of female protagonists I felt estranged for a while. 

Luckily, however, with time I found more and more like-minded and super supportive writers and friends, and I’m proud to be a member of this community.

Would you say your view on whump changed since you joined? 

I’ve always been an OC whump writer, and still like to focus on female protagonists. Something unexpected I’ve come to love however is the collaborative, dystopian universe of the BBU. I am not an enjoyer of pet whump or highly conditioned protagonists, so at first I wrote this setting off as “not for me”. But while these elements are surely something present in some BBU stories, there is so much more behind it - stories on capitalism, on rebellion, on ethics, on what makes us human in the very core. And due to the collaborative sandbox concept of it, it’s perfect to connect to other writers, be it in roleplays, shared stories or just extended worldbuilding discussions. 

That’s actually an interesting perspective to see that in! Now, you gotta know this question was going to come up during this interview, so let’s have at it: You got any favourite whump tropes?

Too many. If I have to choose one, I guess it’s intimate whumpers. 

A whumper, knowing their whumpee, getting into their private space, testing out their limits and breaking through them. A thumb on whumpee’s cheek, gently wiping away a tear after suffering torture from those same hands. An off-handed comment about a secret nobody should know. A hand wrapped around whumpee’s neck, tender now, but a lingering threat.

Oh my, I can feel the whumperflies already from here!!! Would you care to honor us with a favourite piece you've written?

My favorite longer story is “Mark and Gemma Get A Pet” (Mark and Gemma get a pet), a short novella set in the BBU about a “normal” middle-class couple being gifted second hand human pet Ira, and the wild downward spiral this sets in motion. It’s written from all three POVs, and focuses on the mundane evil of the BBU. What I love about it, the depiction of how easily the narrow line between a perfectly normal life and becoming the villain of the story can be crossed. Especially Gemma has been a fascinating character to explore and I got the feedback that I’m not the only one enjoying her character arc. 

As a short story, there’s “Match”. Another BBU story about a villain thinking he’s just a dude, until the circumstances make him realize he isn’t - but he could’ve been. I am very proud of the setup of this story, the pacing, and the absolutely devastating gut punch in the end. It’s just a very neat and round thing; and if one is vaguely familiar with the BBU it perfectly works as a stand alone. 

What's your writing style like on average?

I write when inspiration strikes. And even then, I’m a very slow writer, and tend to be so glad when the words are finally out that I post them right away. 

I’d like to get to a more regular schedule or to writing longer pieces with some planning in advance, but my life doesn’t allow for it. So my followers need to live with random streaks of creation in between seasons of drought. 

Toolwise, I do write everything on my phone. It’s horrible for my eyes, and given the weird autocorrect of my phone keyboard, it’s also horrible for my sanity. But it’s also just so practical… 

Hey, you know what they say about inspiration. You gotta write when the spoons are there and when the mind is going brrrrr. Is there an easy thing for you to write?

I enjoy giving my characters a voice, both in narration and in dialogue, and often these are the elements of my writing that just flow.

I *would* probably struggle with description - but I just don’t write a lot of it and leave that to the readers, and as of yet nobody complained.

When I really struggle with writing, it’s usually because I’m too fast and I myself don’t know what it is I’m going for; and a signal that I’ll need to figure that out. Sometimes I *do* figure it out. Sometimes I just pause that project. Writing is what I do for fun, and if stops being fun, I stop to write.

I can absolutely respect your struggles as it’s not always so plain and simple to know where a story is headed, let alone not getting stressed at times. Is there anything you're working on at the moment? 

I’m hosting an event at my sideblog, bbu-on-the-side, to bring together the BBU whump community! It’s going to start next week and has a mixture of prompts, most community based, and I hope to bring together many lovely and inspiring creators! If you’re a BBU writer, roleplayer, or plain enthusiast, I’d be glad to see you there: 

Ooooh, that sounds like a wonderful event and I do hope that those interested in those tropes/genre join in with you! Do you have a joke or pun you would like to share to spread some smiles today?

Knock knock. Who’s there? UUuuuuuh. Kn… knuckles? [Seriously if you want to smile, watch Kung Fury, it’s a 31-minute short film, for free on youtube, and it’s absolutely hilarious. I’m a simple girl. And I melt for barbarian ladies on giant wolves fighting laser-raptors.]

Knock knock jokes are the pinnacle of comedy, and I already got the movie queued up to watch. Is there anything you can impart on us in terms of advice?

Writing is a craft, and you get better by practise. 

That’s kind of a bland advice, I know, but it works for me. Just write. And you’ll find out what works and what doesn’t. And if it’s hard for yourself alone, get someone you trust, and talk it through with them. 

But never forget - your story belongs to you, and you’re the one to tell it! Writing the story you want to tell will always end up being way way better than the one you think somebody else wants to hear.

Well said and I concur. This is now the time to give a shout out to those you hold dear and close!

Honestly, there’s too many. I have many recommendations on my blog and always forget someone and then feel horrible about it. Just one - @whumping-newbie, my first whump friend who I had the honor to meet several times in real life in the past years and whose support and encouragement are invaluable!

Anything you'd like to add?

Happy Whumping everyone, and: be excellent to each other.

Well thank you so much for taking the time to get interviewed with us, @justplainwhump! 

*As a quick discretionary note: @justplainwhump is an 18+ blog only, so minors please do not interact with their works or with their blog please.*

And there you have it, folks! Another segment of Let’s Talk Whump may have ended, but we have more to show next time and it’s coming to a hellsite near you! Have a Whump-tastic day/night!

[wearetheshirttales]

Switch back! Switch back!

[stylesloveclub]

ira that otter pic was adorable, i love them so much AND YOU TOO 🥰 the test went well but i felt really bad because we had to wear our uniform and one girl didn’t and the tutor didn’t let her do it :( I WOULD HAVE BEEN SO STRESSED 😧 anyways big hug for you back ❤️

HEY LOVE U!! omg that is such a WACK POLICY SHE DIDN’T GET TO TAKE THE TEST ??? IS SHE GONNA BE ABLE TO MAKE IT UP ???? i would’ve Died omfg .. LOTS OF HUGS!! also i have a headache :( 

[leupagus]

you will miss the green and the woods and streams

A Schitt’s Creek AU thing I wrote for @broadlybrazen, which boils down to “lol what if Schitt’s Creek had been Schitt Records can you imagine.” 

You’re welcome/I’m sorry.

***

“Okay, but why are you making me do this.” David doesn’t ask, because it’s not a question; it’s a declaration, something he’s learned in the long years since he and Stevie were coworkers, then friends, then — something, almost, not quite — and now they’re people who drag each other to shitty bars in shitty basements in shitty Toronto, except only Stevie is that.

“I’m not making you do anything,” Stevie lies right to his actual face as they collect her beer and his wine from the bartender. “You offered to comfort me.”

“I don’t think I said ‘comfort’ so much as I said ‘support you in your time of—‘“ he waves at her generally, carefully not to spill. “Loss, or whatever.”

Not that Jake qualifies as a loss, per se; he hadn’t even tried to get out of the contract, which Stevie keeps saying is the important thing. And David of all people knows that above-average sex can only take you so far when the other guy is an emotionally illiterate carpenter/rockstar who responded to a breakup text with “bummer :P”

“Well, this is you supporting me.” Stevie takes a swig and leans back against the bar; David admires the clean line of her neck and chest the way he’s done a thousand times before, absentminded appreciation the way he looks at a beautiful coat or listens to a new record; letting it slip through his fingers, like everything else.

“You’re not…performing, are you,” David doesn’t-ask.

Stevie gives him a long look. “You’ve known me for over two years,” she says, even. “Do you think I’m likely to break out into song?”

“You’re a talent scout for a major record label,” he feels obliged to point out.

“Uh, first of all, it’s not major, and second of all, so are you,” she says.

This is, sadly, irrefutable.

*

When Ira disappeared to God knew where with the keys to the Rose family fortune, their lawyer had pulled them all into the living room with a chipper expression and a folder. David hadn’t listened, the sounds of furniture, paintings, his life being carted out the door overwhelming everything else. But Dad’s voice cut through.

“Schitt Records? That was a joke—“ and it still is a joke, almost two and a half years later. The biggest joke in the music industry, and David hears the laughter everywhere he goes.

*

Roland Schitt had been managing his wife and an extremely chipper singer-songwriter who went by “Twyla” and did tarot card readings after every set. Schitt Records was worth approximately nothing; probably why the government had let them keep it. When Dad finally exercised his ownership clause and made Roland an ex-officio (read: non-voting) board member, Roland had actually cackled with delight and wished them all the best, taking his “President of” title and a small stipend with him. Jocelyn and Twyla stuck around, although David still isn’t sure that Twyla’s all that aware of the change in management.

And anyway, as far as David’s concerned, the only thing of value at Schitt Records, at least at first, was Stevie.

*

They’d put Alexis back in the studio for want of any better ideas; David had found a semi-decent, semi-sober songwriter to give her some of the songs Meghan and Ariana had rejected. “Pullin’ Up Alexis” didn’t so much as crack the top 200 but it had put Schitt Records in the black, at least, even if Alexis did go white-faced and brittle at the awful venues David coaxed her into for the better part of a year — county fairs and no-name festivals where the audience wanted to jeer and heckle, where her dancing would get her laughed offstage if her singing didn’t. But every time he’d tell her she could quit (she couldn’t) and that they’d find another way to get the company on its feet (they wouldn’t), she’d lift her chin and smile and ask her where they were going next, and David loved her more than he’d ever, ever tell her.

And when the tour ended, David gritted his teeth and went out with Stevie to find something else. They found Ronnie, who hates them all but has hands like an angel on the piano; Jake who’s prettier onstage than off but who can draw a reliable crowd; even Ray, whose one-man band act is surprisingly lucrative, though David suspects that’s because anyone who listens can’t actually believe what’s happening.

Schitt Records still isn’t worth buying, but it’s worth something, now; worth spending late nights in small towns, worth sleepless weekends working festivals, worth more than David had ever expected to find.

But he’s still looking, he knows, for something else.

*

Even more insultingly, the open mic has a theme; “90’s Nostalgia!” which means too many bad covers of Alanis and one truly offensive attempt at “I Will Always Love You” that has David ordering his next glass of wine in a pint glass.

Stevie is laughing, though — she’s happy, in tune with the crowd who are clearly here for their respective friends onstage, leading the shaky ones through their choruses and cheering with far more enthusiasm than is merited when each of them wraps up.

“This is horrifying,” David tells her as some guy in his 60s gets gently ushered offstage and there’s a blessed lull.

“I know,” Stevie replies, eyes shining. “It’s great.”

And it is, in a weird way that David would never have enjoyed in his other life; he would never have set foot in here, would never have been friends with someone as grounded and solid and plaid as Stevie in the first place. So he takes a drink and doesn’t suggest they leave, but does pick a fight about sending Ray to ACL.

Stevie obligingly takes the bait and they’re halfway through the comfortable old argument about riders when David realizes the strummy-strummy lala in the background is a) recognizable, b) good, and c) infuriating.

The guy onstage is best described as “unprepossessing accountant,” wearing an ugly shirt and ugly slacks and uglier shoes and an astonishingly ugly fringed vest that’s probably (hopefully) a joke, judging by the wolf whistles from a table near the stage. But he’s got a smile like a searchlight as he rounds the corner of the first verse:

“I’m caught up in the midst of you And I cannot resist…”

David flails around until he makes contact with Stevie’s — okay, her face, which she’ll probably complain about later, but he’s too incensed. “He’s singing Mariah?”

Stevie swats his hand away. “He’s not bad.”

“I—“ David clutches at his pint glass. Fringed Vest, still grinning into the crowd and unaware of David’s newborn vendetta against him, continues.

Boy, if I do The things you want me to The way I used to do Would you love me, baby Hold me, feeling now Go and break my heart

The entire bar joins in on the chorus, Fringed Vest leading them like some hick accountant Pied Piper:

Heartbreaker, you got the best of me But I just keep on coming back incessantly Oh, why did you have to run your game on me I should have known right from the start You'd go and break my heart

Fringed Vest does not, thank God, try his hand at rapping the break but the crowd seems reluctant to let him actually finish the song, the choruses getting progressively louder and more boisterous until Fringed Vest puts a line underneath and steps back from the mic and they finally take the goddamn hint.

“That was—“ awful, he’s about to say, but the problem is that it wasn’t. There’s not a whole lot a Canadian accountant can add to Mariah Carey, especially with the advent of Lip Synch Battle. But it hadn’t felt patronizing or mocking; Fringed Vest knew every word, sang with a voice that couldn’t hold a match to Mariah but still expressed some sort of longing. He’d been joyful, earnest where most people tonight had clung to trite. It… worked.

He’s even more enraged.

“C’mon,” Stevie says, slipping through the crowd with the weary ease of someone who’s been doing this half her life. David tromps behind in her wake, bumping up against the same people Stevie glides past and almost losing her twice before she gets to the dinky curtain that is the backstage and ducking inside.

Which smells like vomit; David immediately flips through the various acts tonight and makes a bet with himself that it was the very sweet otter with the beard and the accordion even while Stevie is making her way over to the side of the stage where Fringed Vest is talking to somebody else and drinking — god, Red Mountain, David is vetoing any contract Stevie tries to push on this guy for that alone.

But Stevie’s introducing them and Fringed Vest extends a hand. “Patrick,” he says, grip firm. Up close he’s — not attractive, exactly, no eyebrows to speak of and a haircut that screams middle management, that smile still the most interesting thing about him. But it’s very interesting.

“David,” he admits, aware of Stevie’s narrowed eyes.

“David Rose,” Patrick says, worryingly. “You own Schitt Records.”

He blinks; this is possibly the first time anyone’s said the name of the company without smirking. “Co-own,” he corrects.

“You manage a friend of mine,” Patrick continues, “Ray? Butani?”

“We only manage one Ray, don’t worry,” Stevie tells him.

“How are you friends with Ray?” David demands. “He plays a vibraphone.”

“We both went to Rotman,” and that explains so much about both Ray and Patrick. “He was pretty excited when he signed.”

“Yes, the glamour of the pub circuit,” David says. “Who can resist the allure of all this,” and he almost hits a girl with beads in her hair and a banjo in her hand climbing onstage.

“It’s got its charms,” Patrick says, still smiling.

*

[seekerofblood]

that nose gleam

[galacticvampirisms]

Honestly it’s been literal years since I’ve been tagged in something. Thank you @peachie5000. Today’s been a difficult day.

I don’t know who to tag so

Nickname Isaiah, Ilyssa, Ira Gender nonbinary, masc-leaning Astrological Sign Aries, or the Rooster if you like Fruits Basket and also the Chinese zodiac Height 5′4″ on a good day Sexuality bi/panromantic ace Hogwarts House Ravenclaw. I’ve known I was Ravenclaw since like 5th grade (so 14 years). I once took one of those pre-Pottermore psychology tests that told your percentage per house. I was 90% Ravenclaw (5% ish Slytherin lol). I’ve taken the Pottermore test several times and unless I am consciously choosing against myself, I get Ravenclaw. 

Ravenclaw. Favorite Animals Dogs (hopefully obvious), owls, otters, are all common faves. I also enjoy salamanders and axolotls, though I’ll never own either of them. Number of Blankets like 1, sometimes 2 or 3 if it’s cold. My dog eats them. Where I’m from I was born in Maryland, we lived in Virginia at the time, and I’ve moved a lot since. Mostly Alabama though. Dream Trip Please let me go to Cueva de las Manos. And Spain. Mostly Cueva de las Manos though. It’s a cave/cave system in Argentina where the walls are literally covered in hands and I just find that. Inspiring. People made that. 

I made a painting based off that and my feelings about the people who made the LGBT community who they are today. But it’s not the same as seeing that in person. 

People made that. Made their mark on the world in such a personal way. I want to do that. 

[appleflavoredkitkats]

yall if u dont read the bom fic called "four states one journey" ur missing a LOT

- u and ur 4s1j fans will bond over ur hatred on ira (what a bitch)

- white kevin,,, very white kevin

- gay connor,,, very very gay and horny connor

- 99% im screaming every chapter either at kevin or connor or both

- its very well researched and well written im shook

- also itS SO REALISTIC like i feel like this can be a real sequel to bom itself

- OCS ARE SO LOVABLE !!! no mary sues at all,,, brynn is a goddess hah (ira is still a bitch tho)

- u will cry. no exceptions. there will be a chapter that will just smack ur face with the feels

- arnold and naba are just so. cute. it hurts

- the characters develop so well,,,, how does one even write so well

- mrs price is the best mother try changing my mind i fucking dare u

- more than 200 000 words,,,,, AND THERES DIFFERENT PARTS,,, LIKE THIS IS SOME NOVEL SHIT

- the author is amazing and wonderful and if u dont respect them i WILL fight you

- the dogs. the d o g s. (and idk if its counted as a pet but oliver the otter)

- if u hate ira then whew wait til u meet mr price

- the relationships and romance !!!!! are so realistic and good and not cliche !!!!!!!!!

- I know i said the characters are well developed but i just wanna dedicate this part to connors development bc tbh this is the most unique way ive seen connor develop and probs the most realistic way too,,, its different and i love it

- naba and connor are best friends. thats it i dont need to give context its amazing on its own

- this is just the best fanfiction ever u cant change my mind i love everything about it

EDIT: HERES THE LINK AAAA https://archiveofourown.org/works/5680531/chapters/13086115

ANOTHER EDIT: Yall please read the tags first bc this fic goes through very heavy things,, if youve experienced them or is traumatized by them better off not read the fic bc it might trigger some things

[notebookmusical]

Top 5 composers, top 5 future goals, top 5 pre-1970s musicals, top 5 modern actresses (stage or screen idc), top 5 animals you'd want to own

                                 TOP FIVE ANYTHING ! ( askbox)

top 5 composers

1. cole porter2. sara bareilles 3. ryan scott oliver4. irene sankoff & david hein5. george & ira gershwin  

top 5 future goals

1. to be happy; not just happy enough.2. no matter what profession i end up in, or what degree i end up getting, i want to be able to help people and as cliche as it sounds, make the world a little better. 3. to make my mother proud of me. 4. to move. i don’t know if it’s to seattle seattle (not suburbs) or to new york or back to hong kong but i know i want to move somewhere.5. to have a cat or another dog 

top 5 pre-1970s musicals

1. an american in paris2. on the town3. west side story4. guys and dolly5. anything goes 

top 5 modern actresses

1. stephanie styles2. drew gehling3. betsy wolfe4. ana villafañe5. desi oakley 

top 5 animals i’d want to own

1. another dog! all dogs! 2. a cat!! 3. a koala4. an OTTER 5. a sloth 

* actually i wouldn’t like, want to own the last three but like, adopt via a sanctuary or something but !! 

[verumheart-a]

——— character question sheet.

▌real name: Aria ▌/real/ name: Aria Terpsichore ▌single or taken: Single (verse dependent) ▌abilities or powers: Sonokinesis, very talented in the musical arts, strong swimmer ▌eye colour: Greyish-blue ▌hair colour: Pink ▌family members: Calliope (adoptive mother), Achelous (adoptive father) ▌pets: None, but there’s a seal that hangs around the beach that she takes care of ▌something they don’t like: hot weather ▌hobbies/activities: singing, playing the guitar or violin, swimming, dancing ▌ever hurt anyone before: yes ▌ever killed anyone before: no, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t left someone to their fate ▌animal that represents them: Seal or an Otter ▌worst habits: A bit of a pushover. She isn’t fond of conflicts, and sometimes won’t speak up if she’s in an uncomfortable situation. ▌role models: Master Ira and Master Ava.  ▌sexual orientation: Demiromantic Demisexual ▌thoughts on marriage/kids: It’s not something she’s thought about often, and while she would like to get married some day, it’s not something she’s super focused on achieving. She’s still babbey ▌fears: The Keyblade War happening (she doesn’t remember it did, as all Dandelions save the 5 chosen to be the new Union leaders had the memory suppressed), people from a united cause turning on each other, falling to the darkness ▌style preferences:  cute dresses and skirts!!! flats and little pumps!!! chokers!!! something comfy and with pockets!!! ▌someone they love:  she has a crush on someone, but she’s not going to admit it. Other than that, she’s very fond of her Chirithy ▌approach to friendships: ‘you like music? you like to just chill? got jokes and are playful and not an asshole? great we’re friends’ ▌thoughts on pie: a pain to bake, but tasty to eat! ▌favourite drink: Green tea ▌favourite place to spend time at: the beach ▌swim in the lake or in the ocean: both, but she can swim with her seal buddy in the ocean ▌their type: sweet, a little on the goofy side, who cares about others, enjoys music (bonus points for playing instruments), playful, but someone who can get serious when need be ▌camping or indoors: both!

TAGGED BY: i got it from myself lol TAGGING: be crimes steal memes do gay

[ezrecrack]

Water, Wildlife, and Sunsets: The Top 5 Kayaking Destinations in Florida

Where Are The Best Places To Kayak In Florida?

When people think about the tourist destinations in Florida, they usually picture palm trees, white sandy beaches, and Orlando theme parks. But Florida can certainly offer more. It’s one of the top vacation destinations in the country for a reason, after all.

The Sunshine State also has a diverse natural landscape that’s perfect for kayakers, adventure seekers, sightseers, and nature lovers. You can relax, unwind, and enjoy the view of some of the most pristine paddling trails in the country.

Since you're looking to make a trip to one of Florida's amazing waterways, consider reading this article, "What To Look For In A Roof Top Kayak Carrier"

Here we’re listing down some of the best kayaking destinations you wouldn’t want to miss.

1. Ichetucknee Springs State Park

At Ichetucknee Springs, you will find crystalline, ice-cold waters flowing from fresh water springs and feeding into the Ichetucknee River. It’s a National Natural Landmark and is well known for having some of the clearest water in the world.

It is located in the heart of agricultural flat lands in North Florida and is open all year round for kayaking and canoeing. Seasonally, Ichetucknee Springs is even open for tubing and swimming. But if you are more interested in taking your kayak and paddling through pristine, clear waters, then this is a great place to visit no matter what time of the year.

Visit Ichetucknee Springs during the weekdays in off-season and you may catch a glimpse of river otters, blue herons, turtles, and more. You will also see ancient moss-covered Cyprus and limestone banks that are perfect for a few photo ops. Talk about a relaxing day in Florida.

2. Rainbow River

Rainbow Springs is very popular. And if you ever travel further west in North Central Florida, you should definitely stop by. This first magnitude spring pumps fresh water into Rainbow River.

In a gentle current, it flows 6 miles into the Withlacoochee River. If you want to go on a refreshing water adventure, this is a great choice: there are plenty of flora and fauna to admire along the way, plus the moss-covered pine and Cyprus. Just like Ichetucknee Springs, Rainbow River has plenty of turtles and river otters.

You will be launching at Rainbow Springs Park in Dunnellon, where the paddling trail will take you past the Ocala National Forest, and then cruise all the way back to a loop in Rainbow Springs. Rainbow Springs happens to be the fourth largest spring in the state.

It was designated as a National Natural landmark in 1972. Although it was originally a tourist attraction in the 1930s, it is now a protected wilderness area, which only serves to preserve its beauty. Kayak rentals are available at the park if you want to explore this place of magnificent beauty.

3. Manatee River

Manatee River is situated in West Central Florida, and is one of the finest paddling trails in the state, flowing 46 miles through Manatee County to Tampa Bay. It’s a popular spot among kayakers, and the Upper Manatee River Run is a great place to soak your paddles.

The trail is a 9-mile paddle stretch that runs from Fort Hamer Country Park to Manatee Dam. This is actually the perfect pick for beginners because it’s not too challenging. The place is made more beautiful by the moss-covered mangroves, pine, and scrub.

This is a great kayaking destination if you want to see even more wildlife. You can watch out for birds, manatees, and other wildlife. On the weekdays, the river is mostly empty, so you can feel like you have the whole place all to yourself. The experience is truly exhilarating. Bring your own gear or rent one for the day.

If you get tired, there are sandbars along the way where you can stop off for a picnic and stretch your legs.

4. Cedar Key

The city life is fast-paced and stressful—and if you want to shake off the stress, head to Cedar Key. Sometimes the top destinations are littered with tourists, and that’s not really ideal. But this quaint fishing village off the Gulf of Mexico is the perfect getaway.

It offers pink and purple hued sunsets if you stick around until the evening, and all throughout the day you can enjoy kayaking. It’s a great place for paddling. It starts off as a 30-minute paddle to the historic Island of Atsena Otie, which is an ancient Native American water trail.

After exploring and admiring the beauty of Cedar Key, you can paddle back to shore under a Florida coast sunset. Take your time to spot wildlife like blue herons and eagles.

If you visit during the summer time, you’ll get to see the return of Leatherback turtles. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins playing around in the gentle blue waters.

5. Oleta River

This one is right in the heart of the bustling metropolis of Miami. You might be surprised to see this beautiful mangrove forest—it is the largest urban park in the US. Kayaking is a great way to explore all of the inlets of Oleta River, including the Haulover Inlet nearby—that is, if your arms are ready for a workout.

Stop by the 200 ft. sandy beach for a swim. There are also plenty of nature trails to explore and enjoy. You will also find lots of local flora and fauna that are typical of South Florida.

Even if you’re a beginner, you can enjoy the wonders of Oleta River because there are guided tours available. But this one is also suitable for those who want to explore on their own. The place is large enough to offer many different choices, and it’s up to you how you want to enjoy your adventure.

Our Recommendation: The EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Kayak Loading System

If you’re going to invest on a kayak carrier, why not go for one of the best in the market? With the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System for kayaks, you can load your kayak all by yourself—and in just a little over a minute! EZ Rec-Rack makes the easiest to load, roof-mounted carrier, you can strap your kayak on and then easily slide it on top of the minivan.

This piece of innovation was developed, crafted, and patented by Ira Mercurio after realizing that this has never been done before. With the right attachments, you can load your paddle boards, surf boards, cargo boxes, etc!

This multipurpose loading system gives kayakers the ability to just enjoy their trip and not sweat the small stuff. This way, you can focus more of your energy on having fun and doing what you love: whether it’s a relaxing trip on peaceful lakes, or a more challenging adventure in twisting rivers.

best kayak loading system

from EZ Rec-Rack http://bit.ly/2DfyQA1

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