Waters Less Traveled: Exploring Florida's Big Bend Coast

The Florida History and Culture Series

by Doug Alderson

Florida’s Big Bend Coast is one of America’s longest and wildest continuous wetlands. Seminole Indians once sought refuge from American soldiers along its shores. Today, visitors find a different kind of refuge, a refuge from a hectic world. In the first comprehensive armchair guide to this region, naturalist and explorer Doug Alderson introduces readers to Florida’s frontier past and evolving future. Interweaving history, folkways, and observations from life in the great outdoors, Alderson tells tales of his travels by sea kayak along the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail, which runs from the Aucilla River to the town of Suwannee. He retraces the footsteps of famed naturalist John Muir in Cedar Key, shares little-known stories of backcountry feuds that rivaled the Hatfields and McCoys, uncovers amusing theories as to why mullet jump, and invites salty local characters to share the spotlight. Sometimes poignant, often humorous, and always engaging, Waters Less Traveled is the perfect travel companion for anyone who wants a bit of adventure without leaving home.

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2005

About the author

Doug Alderson prefers a kayak to a desk, hugs trees and friends, and loves observing alligators, manatees and other wildlife in their natural environment. Most of his 17 published books focus on the dynamic and quirky nature of his home state of Florida. They include America's Alligator, Wild Florida Waters, Waters Less Traveled, New Dawn for the Kissimmee River, Encounters with Florida's Endangered Wildlife and A New Guide to Old Florida Attractions. He has won six first place Royal Palm Literary awards for nonfiction books, three gold medals from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, and several other state and national writing and photography awards. His latest book, Discovering Florida’s Coast, was the fourth runner up for 2023 book of the year by the Florida Writers Association. Additionally, his articles and photographs have been featured in numerous magazines such as Native Peoples, Sierra and Mother Earth News.

Doug received the inaugural Environmental Service Award by Paddle Florida in 2015 “for conspicuous commitment, unflagging dedication and love of Florida’s natural environment.” For several years, he coordinated Florida’s designated paddling trail system and helped to establish the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. He is currently the Outreach and Advocacy Director for Apalachicola Riverkeeper.

Reviews

[Jim Gallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alternating between travel guide and Florida history lesson, Alderson's "Waters Less Traveled" takes readers on a nine day kayak journey along the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. While much of the book describes the route and the natural beauty to be encountered, it is the human history that stands out. Hardscrabble cattle ranchers, drug runners, cypress lumbermen, Seminoles, slaves, environmentalists and Union sympathizers all play a part in this history and Alderson does a great job of piquing interest in these stories without overburdening the reader with detail. Fortunately, a thorough bibliography is included so that the reader can pursue more depth if desired.

Alderson doesn't just spend this trip in the past. His time spent with Shitty Bill, Preston Chavous and his paddling partner, Liz, provides a view of modern Florida that distances itself from the Disney-fied version that seems to draw so much attention. These are characters that enjoy the wild Big Bend Coast and understand its value, not only to them, but also to the health of the Gulf. Alderson understands this, too, and does an excellent job of sharing this with the reader.

I just recently began canoeing the rivers in the Panacea area on spring breaks from Michigan. This booked grabbed me like few other travelogues and has me ready to trade in my canoe for a kayak, albeit temporarily, so that I can follow this route. A wonderful book!

[Sharon Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story made me want to plan a kayak trip in this area. Best of all reading, a wonderful nonfiction story that reads like fiction.

[Daryl Swanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

well written, but, i thought it was going to be more about kayaking. still a good read.