Check out two opportunities:

Naples Kayak Company is having a “Shop Party.” Here are the details from owner Chris Boland:
Who: All club members, friends, customers, their friends, and the relatives of those friends, etc.

When: Friday Jan. 21 from 6-10 p.m. or so

Where: Naples Kayak Company, 11369 East Tamiami Trail, Naples

Why: Why the heck not?

Please bring a camp chair, your own adult beverages and a food item to share. The shop will be providing snacks, soda and live music – a four-piece band – plus a campfire, etc.

Says Boland: This is real laid back but always a blast. Please park in the parking lot next door in the now-defunct Mexican restaurant.

Details: Naples Kayak Company -- Official Leave No Trace Partner -- www.napleskayakcompany.com
Retail Store - 11369 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples, Florida
Private Beach - The Capri Fish House, Isle of Capri
Gordon River - The Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Everglades - Glades Haven Marina, Everglades City
Venetian Bay - Park Shore Marina at The Village on Venetian Bay
Bayfront Inn - 1221 5th Ave South, Naples, Florida

The second opportunity:

Calusa Blueway volunteer Jim Sernovitz sent in a shout-out for the seventh annual Everglades Paddle-In, which is set for Feb. 19.

He says, “The Everglades Paddle-in is an incredible amount of fun and it’s free! I recommend it highly.”
Get details at www.EvergladesAreaTours.com.
Or check out what you can from the info below:
7th Annual Everglades Paddle-In

Wow! ... The Paddle-In is right around the corner!!
Feb 19th!

As every year, this is a fun, family oriented event
with activities before and after the actual Paddle-In day.
So that we are properly prepared with food, etc, PLEASE R.S.V.P.
Valerie Wisecracker will be playing at the After Paddle BBQ & Party!!
Scott will be making his famous BBQ again!

We will have Paddle-In T-shirt for the event again this year.
Long Sleeve $20; Short Sleeve $17.
You do need to order in advance ... size and quantity.
They are (not) becoming a collector’s item!

The actual event is free, BUT, yes, you will be hit up for a donation ... as always.
This year’s beneficiary is the Friends of Fakahatchee Strand
The Preserve is a very unique part of the Everglades
and part of Florida's State Park system.
It is also very underfunded.
Please, everyone, help out and join the Friend of Fakahatchee
Joining the Friends assures that your donation goes directly to the Preserve!!!

EvergladesAreaTours.com or Tours@EvergladesAreaTours.com

And lastly, don’t forget the Estero River Regatta this coming Sunday, Jan. 23. For details, check out my prior blog or visit Estero River Outfitters.