Dodged An Aligator In Kissimmee!

Dodged a bullet….errr an alligator and lived to tell the tale!

I’ve recently retuned form a whirlwind tour of Kissimmee Florida where I ate my way around the world (literally) at the World Food Championships and squeezed in as much adventure as humanely possible in four sunshiney days.

A spent a day meandering though the glorious Epcot in the enchanting Walt Disney World, enjoyed an airboat ride, kayaked, did a little bit of shopping, ate countless gourmet meals, and braved up and did a hot air balloon ride?  Oh yes I did!  I did all of this and survived to tell the tale.  So where to start?

I begin by telling you that in Kissimmee Florida there really is something for everyone in your family.  The swaying palm trees that welcome you to the sunshine state barely outnumber the infinite number of activities available to the inquisitive tourist.  You can kick back and enjoy the balmy weather and the Theme Parks and call it done, or with a little bit of research create a complelty different vacation you will never forget!

Today I will tell you about a new must do adventure right in the heart of Kissimmee Florida.  Kayaking.  Who knew!  I’ve kayaked before in the Great Lakes and in the Cottage Country, but this was a different experience all together.  The Paddling Centre at Shingle Creek, in the headwaters to the Everglades, is located at 4266 W Vine St and takes you through the winding creek back into a different world.  If you’re ready for great adventure; here is where you start!

When you arrive at The Paddling Centre you’re provided with the option to Paddle Board, Canoe or Kayak.  Our little group partnered up and after a short instruction period headed out into Shingle Creek to begin our adventure.  *My recommendation; unless you are an exceptionally strong paddle boarder, choose the kayak or canoe option.

Only a few strokes in and I knew I was in for one of those experiences I would never forget.  Moss hung from over hanging trees in a way that could only be described as magical, it was quiet, and peaceful.  There were no roaring crowds, no honking horns or pressure to hurry up.  It’s just you, the standing water, the sunshine and nature.  It really was as if we had been transported to a fairy tale world.

Turtles greeted us.  They posed on their rocks for pictures as we pointed and rowed on by.

As we wound back through the creek there was a quiet serenity that seemed impossible so close to the world’s biggest theme parks.  The serenity was only broken by the giggles and occasional shouts of the “teams” of kayakers ever so gently discussing which way to paddle to avoid hitting the shore.  Kayaking is an art form y’all.

At one point we heard the splash of a gator, but I didn’t need to see it up close and personal, so my partner in crime and I just kept paddling!

When you plan that next trip to Florida, make sure you get out…and Experience Kissimmee

Helpful Hints:

• Dress for the weather.
• Don’t forget your sunscreen.
• A hat and sunglasses are a good idea.
• You will want a camera, but don’t forget a dry bag if you have one.  Don’t have one?  The Paddling Centre does have a few they will lend you.
• Wear older shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
• Pack a bottle of water for the trip.

Find more information on the Experience Kissimmee website, and on social on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure:  This experience was provided to me as part of a press trip, as always opinions on this site are my own.