One of my favorite places to go and relax is Pass-a-Grille Beach. It’s at the southern end of Saint Petersburg Beach.  I actually tried to get a little writing done, but instead I lost focus and ended up chasing birds around in the hopes that I could get some good video.  

If you are looking for a good, laid back stretch of beach on the Gulf of Mexico, this is it.  They have a weekend crafts market, lots of places to get a bite to eat, and four miles of white sand beaches with none of that spring break-style racket going on.  For you fancy-pants people out there - the Don CeSar Resort is just a short walk up the beach.  

I’ve got a video of Pass-a-Grille in HD on my YouTube channel, check it out here:   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRS1idfOYro

Enjoy!

More great pictures from Kayaks and Beyond!

Who says Florida doesn’t have Fall colors?

Thanks to Kayaks and Beyond for the pictures!

OK, this is a call to all those networkers out there. I’m trying to expand my social networking stuff, so if you have a profile on Linkedin, Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter, then let’s do the whole “connect” thing. How about it? Add me to your networks and friends list, and I’ll add you back.   Click the buttons below, and thanks a bunch!

Thanks to Kayaks and Beyond for the great pictures!  

Visit the Florida State Parks website for more information about Ochlockonee River State Park.

Man, I can’t get enough of kayaking right now.  I’ve been taking short trips down the Withlacoochee, researching upcoming paddling locations, working on my skills, and thinking about taking a American Canoe Association certified instructor course.  

Recently I received a CD from Kayaks and Beyond that is chock full of paddling pictures from the Ochlockonee River State Park, St. Marks, Wakulla River and Econfina Creek.  The pictures were taken during  the annual meeting of the Professional Paddlesports Industry Association that was held in Panama City.  I’ll get these pictures resized and posted for all of you to drool over.

I’ve put together a few short videos of some spots that I’ve visited in the last few days.  Ever get that urge to just drive around and see what’s shaking at certain places that you haven’t been to in a while?  I took a good drive all through the Withlacoochee State Forest, stopped out at Lizzie Hart Sink, Tillis Hill, and Mutual Mine.  After that, I headed over to Homosassa and hung out at Macrae’s for a little while.  I always love the vibe of old Homosassa down by the water.  Lots of people having a good time, boats coming in, others being launched.  

The last stop was out at the Chassowitzka River Campground and boat ramp.  This is one of my favorite places to just go sit and watch people launching kayaks and small boats.  It’s got that old fish camp feel that you can hardly find these days.  

Check back tomorrow, I’ll post one or all of the videos as time permits.

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Holiday!

Looking for a great social network just for outdoors folks? Head on over to Hiker’s Journal! You can set up your own personal page, participate in the forums, and add videos and pictures.
Rory Partalis is a great guy from Atlanta and has put together one of my favorite sites to visit. Get on over to Hiker’s Journal!

This probably will offend a lot of so-called purists, but I communicate via wireless broadband while outdoors.  I’m frequently thumb-typing away on my cell phone, updating Twitter and sending Qik videos wherever possible.  Some might say that this type of activity takes away from the reason why a lot people retreat to trails and other remote areas – to escape the day-to-day grind and the constant distractions that consume our lives. 

I admit, I don’t like it too much when people talk a whole bunch on their cell phone while outdoors either.  There’s a fine line between keeping people informed on your whereabouts and being annoying.  Letting someone know that you are fine and the trip is going well and as planned is one thing, but blabbing on and on to your cousin in Shreveport about when the next Phish concert is or how much beer you drank the night before is a little inconsiderate.  We’ve all experienced these people at trail shelters, campsites, or passing by in a canoe, right?  Right.

This is what makes services like Qik and Twitter great for updating friends and family while on a long hike or a multi-day adventure.  You’ll be hard pressed here in Florida to find a place where you can’t find a decent enough signal to send a text message.   Sending live video with Qik allows for others to share a little bit of your adventure, and Twitter messages can provide a discreet way to pass along updates on how your outing is going. Doing this while a bunch of folks are not around or not making a spectacle out of yourself are both good things.  Now you can use technology to stay safe, inform others of your location, and share your adventures without being that guy whose phone will probably end up in the campfire.  

I’ve submitted the term “Treets” to be added to the Twittonary.  It’s derived from Trail Tweets, and can be used to let people know that you are sending a tweet while out hiking, biking, trail running – whatever.  Here are some examples:

“Latest treet – just passed the A-B connector.  Should be at campsite in two hours.”

Or:

“Holy treet!  I think I just saw a Skunk Ape!”

Be on the lookout for interesting treets from me here:  twitter.com/kevinmims  (and follow me!)  and come up with some more outdoor phrases to add to the Twittonary.   Now, hit the trail and do some treeting!