Florida's Space Coast 2008-2009 Official Vacation Planner - (Page 17) When we visited the Space Coast, we were lucky enough to experience a wonderful phenomenon while paddling our kayak in the Haulover Canal on a moonless summer night. Shortly after sunset, we gradually began to see glowing swirls from our paddles! We could hardly believe our eyes! The kids shouted in amazement at the sight. What could cause such an electric illumination on the water? We learned that it is caused by bioluminescence – living lights in the water! As it became darker, we could almost see everything from schools of darting fish to manatees and dolphins. Even the flow of water generated a ghostly radiance as tiny luminous organisms scattered through the shimmering sea grass, sparkling like flickering stars. We discovered that bioluminescence is caused by electrons excited by a very efficient chemical reaction that generates no heat at all, hence the name “cold light.” Bioluminescent creatures are beautiful, fascinating, and critical to the very existence of most marine life. As soon as we left the canal and paddled out over the shallow flats, schools of mullet exploded all around the boats — it looks like popcorn on the surface and fireworks down below. Mullet hurdled through the air, colliding with kayaks, leaping over bows and sometimes smacking right into paddlers. The combination of pitch-black darkness and the emerald green splashes from airborne mullet mixed with the taste and smell of salt-laden air dazzled all of our senses. It was truly an experience we’ll never forget. www.lifesci.ucsb.edu/~biolum/ on the Legendary St. Johns River. GUIDED KAYAK NATURE TOURS “WOW” What a Ride! • • • • • Beautiful Indian River Lagoon & Thousand Islands Daily Tours – Beginners Welcome Frequent Manatee and Dolphin Encounters Includes Kayak, Paddle, PFD, Water & Sunscreen Fun & Educational Experience See the Florida outback, a natural paradise, viewing wildlife and vegetation along the beautiful meandering St. Johnʼs River. Voice activated headsets. Stadium seating. See Alligators, Eagles and more on your wildlife adventure. A great ride for families to enjoy. Open daily 9:00am-5:30pm. First ride at 9:30am. Night rides available. Custom airboats certified by USCG and manned by USCG Master Captains. Just west of Titusville on Hwy. 50, I-95 Exit 215. We are 45 min. or less from all major attractions. Airboat Rides at Midway 28501 E. Colonial Dr. (Hwy 50) Christmas, FL 32709 www.AirBoatRidesAtMidWay.com 321-243-0279 or 321-693-0520 Come explore Wild Florida with us! Call ahead for reservations: 291395 www.spacecoastkayak.com 17 www.space-coast.com • (877) 572-322 http://www.lifesci.ucsb.edu/~biolum/ http://www.spacecoastkayak.com http://www.AirBoatRidesAtMidWay.com http://space-coast.com
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