Life at Three Miles an Hour: Highland Beach

What does it mean to travel in a kayak at 3 miles per hour at 2 feet above sea level?

For most visitors to Florida this would be very constraining.  How would we get to see all the sights with such limitations?  The speed of cars and airplanes allow us to visit Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center and the nightlife of Miami on a long 2 week vacation.  We might even have time to drive the loop in the Everglades to see some alligators and that fabled sea of grass.

Seeing Florida at 3 miles per hour, why is that even desirable?  Granted, we have allowed ourselves a longer time frame than 2 weeks for our exploration.  Three months allow us to follow the adage:  the one who finishes last wins.  Here's how we answered that question...

It's about continuity, about being able to explore every nook and cranny from the start to the end points.  To see every inlet, watch every bird, gather every shell of interest.

It allows me to see and think horizontally.  The horizon where sea meets sky and the variation in shades of blue are very calming.  They're very zen-like. And I've been aware of the phases of the moon, the tides, the clouds, and the wind.  When we paddle each day the tides and wind and location are all unique.  It's a perfect convergence of aspects that will never be repeated again.

I've had time to think about the beauty of this place.  Florida does not have the majesty of the Pacific Northwest.  It does not have the towering mountains or large waves crashing on rocky shores.  Would those used to the West Coast see the understated beauty of this Gulf Coast?  Would they take the time to appreciate the subtle interplay of light and color?

It's not about the speed, it's about being outdoors.  It's about the connection of mind, body and nature. The mind is actively engaged in navigation, the body is moving on autopilot to respond to the water and wind. I'm immersed in the moment.  All the senses are alert and open to the experience the moment provides.  I'd like to say that it gives me time for insightful meditation. That's not really it, since the mind is focused outwardly rather than inward. It's enjoying the body moving with the boat through the water, the sounds and senses, about experiencing it all.

It's about slowing down so that time is not the precious commodity that you are afraid of 'wasting'. Slowing down so that watching the leaping and frolicking of dolphins, the mating ritual of the living sea snails, and watching the clouds form and drift across the skies all take on significant importance. They assume much more importance than acquiring wealth or prestige.

Traveling 10-20 miles per day when seen in this way is not a limitation  It allows each of us from our different perspectives to be in the moment.  To be here now.  And isn't that what the sages say is a life well spent?