Only about 8-10 miles distant from the St. Johns river is the Indian River Lagoon System, also known as part of the Intracoastal Waterway.

It is made up of the Indian river and all the inlets, creeks and rivers that feed into it.

From the east, salt water from the Atlantic flows through several inlets, and from the west fresh water flows towards the sea. It makes for a briney water, with different plants and wildlife than I am used to seeing.

I got a kayak first, then Judy and other girlfriends got interested and started getting boats and paddling too. Now I spend every weekend I can out in the kayak, with or without other paddlers!

The creeks and rivers we ride are typically narrow and winding, with incredible scenery - and often a manatee or dolphin encounter.

Let me show you some of the various places we have explored, and give you some info on where to launch and what to look for....

Crane Creek - the first creek I every kayaked in my own boat, it remains my favorite. There are different parts to the ride that make it interesting and beautiful, and my very best manatee encounters have been there.

Honest Johns - I brought my own boat and friends rented kayaks here so we could paddle around the intracoastal to see how they liked kayaking.

Eau Gallie River - lots of opportunity for adventure! You start off in salt water at the edge of the Indian River, heading east through the marina, then you can go north or south. North you can stop at the dam, or port your kayak over for another pretty ride. If you go South there are two short branches to explore.

Turkey Creek - this can be a long ride for a beginner, and you have to paddle against a strong current after a heavy rain, but absolutely beautiful. Expect to see lots of turtles, and if you're lucky, manatee.

Goat Creek - heavenly. Just heavenly. There are more flowers along this creek than any other I've kayaked, and some scenic spots you just wouldn't believe. For the brave, there is a totally wild portion at the end, but you must be willing to paddle through some tight spots.

Picnic Island - right off the shore from the opening to Goat Creek is a small spoil island. We like to take the dogs there to get out and run, and it's nice to walk in the shallows and enjoy the scenery.

Thousand Islands - paddle through tunnels of Mangroves, see stingrays in the shallow waters, and watch manatee feed along the edges. See a Rosy Spoonbill in a quiet lagoon. Take someone with you who will lead the way through spider webs.

Sebastian River - we haven't kayaked the Sebastian River yet, but here is a trip we took on a tour boat. It is wild and beautiful, and I look forward to kayaking it someday soon!