Nykography - Kayaking

Alligator Weed Curiosities

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 17:34:45 GMT

Closeup photo of the flower of Alligatorweed

Click on any image above for a larger view with commentary.

Alligatorweed Flea Beetle (Agasicles hygrophila), native to Brazil, was released in California and all southeastern coastal states in 1964 to control the spread of the exotic invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides which many kayakers know as Alligatorweed.

The Alligatorweed Flea Beetle has enlarged upper leg sections on their hind legs which allow them to jump a long distance if disturbed, hence the common name, "Flea Beetle." Kayaking into a thicket of alligatorweed when the beetles are active will result in beetles jumping everywhere, including onto your clothing and kayak. Not to worry, the beetles do not bite.

Alligator Flea Beetle eggs are laid on the bottom of alligatorweed leaves so larvae will have abundant food when they hatch. Mature larvae burrow into and pupate in the hollow stems of the alligatorweed plant and emerge as adults through the holes in the stems.

Source: http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/agasicles_hygrophila.htm

Apple Snail Laying Eggs

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 21:37:25 GMT

Above: Short video of an Apple Snail laying eggs. The eggs are flowing up.
Below: View of how dense the Apple Snail eggs are in Three Mile Creek.

Three Mile Creek Critters

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:40:52 GMT

First time I saw Apple Snails laying eggs. A very interesting process.

Keep in mind that the Apple Snail shell is almost as big as a Tennis Ball. It is a big snail.

One by one the Apple Snail eggs flow upward from it's body. It is remarkable to see the parade of eggs flowing freely only held in place by its fluid. From when a single egg leaves the body pouch to when it gets to the egg mass takes about 10-15 seconds. The slime is also used to glue the eggs together.

Another interesting critter seen in Toulmin Spring Branch on a submerged log is what looks like a decorated leech. It can elongate to about 5 inches and moves much faster than expected.

Here is another one of those odd looking leechy critters. I certainly won't be swimming in Toulmin Spring Branch!

Kayaking – Conditions Can Change Quickly

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 01:25:46 GMT

Did a little kayak trip in lower Dog River this afternoon. On the way back turbulence from a passing front kicked up the winds from nothing to 20 mph instantly. The waves went from 3 inches to a foot chop in a minute. If I had been in a regular Paddle kayak I would've been struggling hard to make it back. Thankfully I was in my Hobie pedal boat and the wind did not play a big factor going into the 20 mph wind. I love my Hobie pedal kayak!

This is just a reminder to kayakers - when you're out on open waters wind and waves can change in an instant. Be Prepared for the worst every time you go out kayaking.

In Touch With Dog River

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 02:01:17 GMT

Doggone Fun on Dog River

Bayou La Trash's Annual Blessing of The Fleet

Tue, 07 May 2013 02:14:36 GMT

Above Photo: This year only one kayaker braved the 25 mph winds to join the Boat Parade.

Below Photo: Bayou La Trash's annual Blessing of the Fleet. Why Bother?

Turtle Deedaling

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:59:58 GMT

Deedaling on a Turtle. Rob Was Here.

No, the turtle was not dead.

Happy Easter Weekend

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:16:06 GMT

Upper Dog River

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 12:12:44 GMT

Ducks

Great Egret

Rabbit Creek

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:44:03 GMT