Update on Mark E (krazeekayakerking today)
I checked in on him this morning while doing the domestics stuff, and he was on the western shore of Lake Okeechobee and it looked like he was determined to make a headlong shot across to the Mayaka locks. (noted one of the commenters on Locatoweb uses the Spud Moniker, same Spud as here? just askin’)
checked again at 3pm and the monster paddler has in the clear on the canals on the east side of that VERY SHALLOW lake. Not sure of its deepest section, but the maps I looked at a few days ago,,,, 10′ was about it. One good squall and that lake turns into a washing-machine, Gar-Uhn-Damn-Teed!!!! Since he cleared it so quickly, I would say, he didn’t see much in the wind department and he only shifted course once.
8.57 kmh average. (fer us Amurikins,,, thats 5.4mph) Dood is KOOKIN’ IT across the water,,, I can see now how he broke his GP so early in the game on this ‘tour’. (I own the same brand GP and its split at the edges on me once. Being on ‘tour’, I would say he didn’t have the means to repair that, nor the time since its a slow cure process.)
At the rate Mark is clearing ‘ground’, I may have to move my visit to SC up a bit. I want to meet up with this monster of paddles in Charleston Harbor area, spend an hour or so and treat the man to a damned good meal, and just shake his damned hand,,,,, ((and I know a kick-ass restaurant on Folley Island!!!)) Maybe even paddle alongside for a spell,,, (but I bet he would leave me gasping for air in the vacuum he leaves,,, FAST,,, the man is FAST)
UPDATED,,, Mark covered 35+ miles today, across open water and canals. THIRTY FIVE PLUS, on paddle power,,,,
Ive done a 35 mile day once, and had the advantage of current going my way and I was FLAT WHOOPED!!!
Rest well tonight Mark, you earned this one.
Dio's Workshop 
Yes , as a matter of fact that is me.
I’ve been across that same route six times in my sailboat. Though it has been awhile back…
You ain’t wrong about that lake being wicked , when it blows. I once was waiting at Mayaka lock to cross , and made a quick run down to Pahokee marina just south of Mayaka. With a squall on my ass coming from the north.
Just got in to the safe harbour and tied up , when the storm hit.
It went from fairly flat water , to honest to God ten foot curlers in water that was nine foot deep !!! Definitely a washer machine boat sinker . Let alone , in a freaking kayak.
He spent the night in Clewiston ( home Rowan and Marten fame ) known for bass boats and tournaments. Can’t wait to see the video about that , as he seemed to have trouble finding a place to camp ( not a very accommodating place for him to pick ) I’d imagine he just was looking for a flat spot without snakes and gators lol. If he had just continued down the rim route another few miles , there is a fish camp where they have spots to camp etc.
When I saw him coming out of Clewiston… Thought he was nucking futts and I immediately got on the weather radar to see whether the man was going to die or not ! Saw that the outlook was good and relaxed in relief for his sake. Expected him to camp just the other side of Mayaka. He apparently debated for quite awhile… because there’s a place to camp where he was just sitting for so long . But…there is also a good sized pond chock full of gators…
Kinda knew he was headed to Indiantown marina when he started going again. I’m sure they were much more accommodating than Rowan & Martins.
That whole route is difficult for kayaking/ camping. Between gators, snakes and spots to camp. Rich people houses all along the banks too.
Same here, if there was a way to contact I’d make sure help him in any way possible for me. He’ll be passing within a quarter mile of my place too.
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February 27, 2023 at 8:43 am