Sunset on Biscayne Bay -- Vizcaya from Shake-A-Leg

Bottle of red. Bottle of white. Perhaps a bottle of chablis instead... Whoops, that's a song. What's better than a sunset paddle on Biscayne Bay? Adding launching from Shake-A-Leg and paddling to Vizcaya! Join us on the bay this Saturday afternoon for an unforgettable paddle.

Distance: Approximately 2-miles each way.

About Shake-A-Leg (http://www.shakealegmiami.org):http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/0/5/c/event_9676476.jpeg

You probably drove by the old Coast Guard hangar now an impressive focal-point of the Bayshore Drive corridor; or maybe you saw group of youngsters sailing their modified sailboats, or maybe you volunteered some of your time at Shake-A-Leg with their watersports program, summer camp, watched a race from the third floor balcony or attended a workshop onsite. Shake a Leg has helped innumerable children and adults with disabilities accomplish goals most people without disabilities wouldn't even try themselves. Learn more by visiting Shake a Leg at their website at http://www.shakealegmiami.org Better yet, come out and enjoy this amazing facility yourself. Bring your own kayak or rent one onsite.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/0/4/5/event_9676453.jpeg

About Vizcaya:

Vizcaya was the winter residence of American industrialist James Deering from Christmas 1916 until his death in 1925. Deering was a Vice President of the International Harvester Company, which produced agricultural equipment for a worldwide market. He chose a bayfront site in Miami for his tropical winter home because of the location’s temperate winter climate and his appreciation of the native hardwood hammock. In addition, his father, William, had already settled in Coconut Grove and his half brother, Charles Deering, would soon develop an estate at Cutler, in what is now south Miami-Dade County. The latter is now operated as The Deering Estate at Cutler (http://www.deeringestate.com/).

At the time of Vizcaya’s construction, Miami’s population was around 10,000. More than 1,000 workers were employed in the Vizcaya project, including laborers and craftsmen from the Caribbean and Europe. In addition to the house and gardens, the complex included a farm, livestock, and a variety of other service facilities covering 180 acres on both sides of South Miami Avenue. We will Vizcaya as visitor arriving by sea would have seen it nearly 100 years ago. http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/0/4/f/event_9676463.jpeg

Rentals: Rentals are available for this event. Singles are $25, Tandems are $35. For reservations please RSVP and contact The Paddle House at 786.307.3816 to reserve your boat.

Parking: Pull a ticket at the Shake A Leg lot. Be sure to get your parking validate or you will pay upward of $12 cash at the exit. Parking is free with Shake A Leg validation.

What to bring: A camera, drinks, snack, your boat, your paddle, your PFD (which you will wear). Don't forget your sunblock and bug spray, just in case. Wear appropriate clothing (avoid cotton and open toe shoes/flip flops). A swim at a nearby island is possible.

By participating in any of our paddles you assume all risks and responsibilities for your personal health and safety and for your equipment; as well as the safety and equipment of your guests. It is important for everyone that each participant be prepared for the trip. Please use your discretion and best judgment when joining an outing. Be sure you are up to the paddle -- physically, mentally and that your equipment is appropriate for the intended trip. All night paddles require lights; even for rentals or borrowed boats. PFD and whistles are required. Intermediate to Advanced Paddles are for those who have substantial experience, skill, and solid knowledge of boat handling and self-rescues. Kayaking has inherent risks. Often, we are the smallest boats on the water. We each individually assume these risks each time we go out on the water. With all that being said, we all look forward to yet another great day on the water.