The Wandering Disciple

A brown pelican stands guard over the boat and kayak launch at Don Pedro Island State Park. The unspoiled state park on the Gulf Coast of the Florida is only accessible by water. A quick paddle across the bay leads to a pristine Gulf beach with miles of undeveloped coast, a glimpse of what settlers and pioneers experienced before Florida became developed. (Photo: June 21, 2015)

A small conch shell washes ashore at Don Pedro Island State Park. Hundreds of conch shells can be found along the shores on this secluded state park beach. (Photo: June 21, 2015)

Cape Haze,Florida: Today we decided to kayak to Don Pedro Island State Park following an article we read in a local newspaper recently. My parents have always gone to Don Pedro but I never went with. Something about spending an entire day at the beach had always kept me at home. But after reading the article, we decided it was a must go. Don Pedro Island State Park is a barrier island state park only accessible by boat. There is a daily ferry that transports guests to the island or you can bring your own vessel. In our case, our vessel was our kayaks. We launched from the Don Pedro Island State Park Land Base along Placida Road in Cape Haze. There is a $3 per car fee to enter the park payable in a drop box on the honor system. The kayak launch is located at the end of the road. We got lucky and the park ranger was there and opened the driveway so we could drop our kayaks off at the launch. Otherwise it is about a quarter mile portage for your vessels from the parking t...