Florida rivers are flowing cathedrals. They are avenues through time, allowing us to wrap ourselves in a rich historical tapestry, and they are showcases for wildlife and natural beauty. On some rivers, idyllic scenes are revealed bend after bend for miles and sometimes days, appearing to have changed little since early native people plied the waters in dugout canoes. Florida's rivers are seductive. Imagine gliding along a clear watercourse beneath a leafy canopy of maple, cypress and gum. The current swirls eelgrass in undulating patterns as schools of silvery mullet shoot past. Ahead, a manatee's snout breaks the surface in a loud whoosh, its gray body lumbering slowly along and showing little fear as you pass by. A red-shouldered hawk cries and soars over treetops while a black anhinga stretches long wings to dry while perched on a cypress knee. This is Florida, and the scene plays out daily in the Sunshine State. Coupled with other types of rivers such as mysterious blackwater streams and mighty alluvial ones, Florida is a paddler's paradise. This book is a celebration of Florida's rivers, especially if viewing them from a kayak, canoe or paddleboard. While this is not a guide book, paddling tips for each river are provided, along with a look at their rich natural and cultural history. The final chapter describes ways that you can help Florida's rivers
Doug Alderson is the author of several books, including America's Alligator, Wild Florida Waters, Waters Less Traveled, New Dawn for the Kissimmee River, Encounters with Florida's Endangered Wildlife and A New Guide to Old Florida Attractions, which the Florida Writers Association placed in the top five of published books for 2017. He has won four first place Royal Palm Literary awards for travel books and several other state and national writing and photography awards. Additionally, his articles and photographs have been featured in magazines such as Sea Kayaker, Coast and Kayak, Wildlife Conservation, Native Peoples, American Forests, Sierra, Mother Earth News and A.T. Journeys. Doug received the inaugural Environmental Service Award by Paddle Florida in 2015 "for conspicuous commitment, unflagging dedication and love of Florida's natural environment." For several years, he coordinated Florida's designated paddling trail system and helped to establish the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. He is currently the Outreach and Advocacy Director for Apalachicola Riverkeeper.
