I'm with you on all that you said Mat.

It's only been a few weeks since I decided to go for this and have been gleaning some tips from a paddlers forum that concentrates its activities in South Florida particularly Everglades National Park.

I could easily get by with my Merlin if I wanted to stay with just doing the wilderness waterway which is roughly 100 miles of backcountry mangroves laced with cuts and intersected by rivers. I have a strong suspicion, however, that I will eventually be drawn to the outside where a decked boat of some substance will be desirable. This will likely end up being an annual trip of sorts (Lord willing). Come on down if you want. Spring of 2012 is the plan. Going to pick the boat up this summer. They are just an hour from my house in Michigan......go figure! I'll drag my usual paddling partner along and I bet he will end up buying one to........LOL