April-2011 – Kayak trip at Isle of Capris

During Easter week of 2011, we were very excited to host daughter Katy Neilson and her family plus daughter Daria Bishop and her family. In the Neilson family are Katy, son-in-law Chris, grandson Justin who was 16 and granddaughter Noelle who was 12. In the Bishop family are Daria, son-in-law Andy, granddaughter Summer who was almost 12 and grandson Baxter who was 9. The four kids are extremely compatible and greatly enjoyed hours in the pool or playing on the pool table in our lanai.

One of the highlights of the visit was a kayak trip led by Joseph from Saltwater Sports. We met up with Joseph on the Isle of Capri. Joseph is a terrifc kayak guide. He gives kayak orientation, picks a fun route with interesting things to see, patiently encourages all paddlers, and points out and explains wildlife sightings.

Not wanting to risk fancy cameras, we took a point and shoot, which we passed around from kayak to kayak.

 Our kayaks await our big adventure

Our guide, Joseph

Saltwater Sports staff launch the kayak of Katy and Noelle

Finnegan/Neilson/Bishop paddlers. Son-in-law Andy Bishop was kind enough to paddle me, as my back was bothering me that week.

Daughter Daria is obviously enjoying a fun, sunny kayak adventure

Katy and Noelle share a giggle with other family paddlers

Joseph took us to a small island that was available due to favorable tides.

Justin Neilson and Baxter Bishop on the little beach island

On the beach island, family members learn from the guides and search for shells. Summer Bishop shows off a stone crab claw.

Wildlife highlights were paddling with dolphins and sighting a pair of eagles in the trees above the mangroves

Back home, I asked Katy and Noelle Neilson to pose with Daria and Summer Bishop.