Florida is an unusual place, with the equivalent of wilderness just a few yards from bustling civilization. Take a kayak or a canoe and paddle around the corner from a public launching ramp and you might be surprised what you can see. Here are some images taken within an hour or two drive of St Petersburg/Tampa. Want to see Florida for yourself? Drop in on Sweetwater Kayaks for local knowledge and pick up "Sea Kayaking in Southern Florida" (Nigel Foster) Also see Kristin's "planet Kri-Kri" entry about the manatees.