The Braden River flows into the Manatee River which in turn flows into Tampa Bay. I didn't have a great deal of expectations today as I launched from the SR 64 bridge where it crosses over the Braden. Looking at the map showed a fairly wide river at the bridge, narrowing as it moved upstream and disappearing after 7 miles or so.
Apparently I launched at just about dead low tide. Water was pretty scarce as I searched for a channel to follow upstream. A 5-10 knot wind from the southeast in my face didn't help a great deal either.
I mentally had this trip marked off as an exercise paddle with no great hopes for a lot of wild life or great scenery. I wasn't disappointed.
The first couple of miles was nothing but mangroves and oysters. When there was a little water to paddle in, clusters of oysters were lying just beneath the surface, waiting to put another gouge in the bottom of the kayak.
The upper middle class houses lining the eastern shore were about the most interesting thing on trip. Some had manicure lawns with cabbage and royal palms.
Around 10am the tide seemed to be coming in behind me. The mangroves on the western shoreline gave way to oaks, some palms and some bushy trees.
Just past the SR 70 bridge, a dike or dam cut me off from the rest of the river. I could have portaged over it but it seemed like a good spot to have lunch and begin the paddle back.