We set out from the tip of the Florida mainland, intent on paddling our Folboat through the Florida Bay Backcountry to Key West.

The first day out the weather was grand. We paddled southwest across Blackwater Sound, into little Buttonwood Sound, and on into Buttonwood Sound. There was just enough of a west wind blowing to make it worth paddling to the west side of the Swash Keys that divided the sound from Florida Bay proper to stop for the night. We had commissioned a large bag made of mosquito netting within which we could hang the hammock, but we still had to eat and take care of a few chores before getting in the hammock.   Mosquitos are fierce where the wind doesn't blow them away.    There was no dry land, just a few acres of Red Mangroves growing up through about 4 feet of water.

It was the first time we had used the hammock.   It stretched. Twice during the night we were roused when our butts sagged down into the water. We clambered out and tightened the hammock, and clambered back in again.

The wind had picked up considerably during the night. It was blowing about 20 knots by the time we paddled away, headed for the leeward side of the island. Our plan had been to paddle southeast out of Buttonwood into Florida Bay, paddle to within about 1/2 mile of Key Largo, and then turn and follow the western shore to the tip, where we would put ashore for the night. The wind was building rapidly as we came around the island, and by the time we ran out of island to be leeward of, it was blowing 35 knots according to the weather radio.

We'un's was in trouble.

A double Folboat is to kayaks as a Ford F150 with a topper on it is to a Toyota pickup. Beamy and stable, and capable of holding lots of gear (read weight), but not at all maneuverable, a high profile to catch the wind, and not even the faintest hint of a keel.

Did I mention we had neglected to put the spray skirt on? Did I also mention that we had replaced the nylon cordage from the rudder pedals to the rudder just before we started this trip. Did I mention how much nylon rope stretches when it is new? And did I mention we also had our 80lb lab mix with us?

It is obvious we survived, or I wouldn't be posting, but that is as near to an accidental death from stupidity as I hope to ever approach. We made it across 2 1/2 miles of open water, and literally were slammed into an old and very drunk couple's backyard dock. (They were also very kind.) There was a tie-up post on the pier that did not extend to the shallow sea floor. As we were blown up to the dock, we rolled down a wave that at the bottom was low enough to expose the base of the post. The bow of the canvas boat slid under the post. The next swell pushed us up before we could get clear, and drove the bow up into the post, impaling the boat on the post. By that time, I didn't care. I dragged myself up out of the boat with great difficulty, exhausted as I had ever been, flopped onto that cement dock and lay there like a beached whale.