It was a warm April morning during my long weekend in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and I was packing for my flight back home that afternoon. Of course, a last-minute kayaking adventure was in order — a fun adventure through a lagoon filled with lily pads!

Along with my brother, Ryan, and his girlfriend, Mallory, I worked my way through the wild vegetation and enjoyed a wondrous workout-of-a-glide.

So, where is this mystical-looking work-out wonder world? Located in Fort Lauderdale, the lagoon is part of the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Kayaking aside, the natural community also includes activities such as stand-up paddle-boarding, canoeing, segway tours, hiking, biking, and camping, all at reasonable prices. From what I’ve experienced, the staff is friendly, chatty, and knowledgeable about their surroundings.

On our quest through the tangled aquatic plants, we came across quite a few animals. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to meet any manatees, and we didn’t cross paths with any alligators either! We did get to see turtles, herons, an iguana, and lots of pesky gnats.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a fun and peaceful spot for anyone who appreciate nature. As it’s conveniently located across the street from the beach, with plenty of restaurants and shopping nearby, it’s the perfect place for an active day trip.

For more information, visit floridastateparks.org.

All photos were taken by Mallory Adams.

For the original post on Sprangled, click here: Kayaking through a Lily-Pad-Infested Floridian Lagoon.