2024 Year in Review
2024 has been an unforgettable year for us at Adventure Outdoor Paddle. From incredible milestones to exciting travels and new beginnings, this year has been filled with growth, adventure, and cherished memories. Join us as we look back on the highlights that made this year so special.
A Fond Farewell to the Tavares Kayakathon
This year’s 10th Annual Tavares Kayakathon was not just a celebration of a decade of paddling for a purpose—it also marked the final chapter of this incredible event hosted by Adventure Outdoor Paddle. Over the past seven years, we have been honored to organize the Kayakathon, raising over $50,000 in total for Camp Boggy Creek, including nearly $7,500 this year alone.
It is with joy and bittersweet pride that we close this chapter to begin a new journey. The Kayakathon has been a shining highlight of our time together as a community, and Camp Boggy Creek will always hold a special place in our hearts. We are deeply grateful to every participant, volunteer, and supporter who has made this event such a success over the years.
While the Kayakathon concludes, the adventure is far from over. We are excited to share that plans are already underway for another thrilling paddling event, and we’ll reveal more details as they develop. Until then, our commitment to supporting the life-changing work of Camp Boggy Creek remains steadfast.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey. We can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Exciting Partnerships with Visit Florida and Visit Orlando
Adventure Outdoor Paddle is thrilled to announce our new partnerships with Visit Florida and Visit Orlando! These collaborations mark an exciting step forward in showcasing the beauty of Tavares and the Harris Chain of Lakes to adventurers from around the globe. Through these partnerships, we aim to highlight our unique paddling experiences, guided tours, and the rich natural and cultural offerings of our area. We’re proud to be part of Florida’s vibrant tourism community and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to explore the scenic waterways and downtown charm that make our region so special. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to paddle with us as we continue to grow and share our love for the great outdoors!
Adventure Outdoor Paddle’s Brand-New Website
One of our most exciting milestones this year was the launch of our brand-new website! Designed with you in mind, our updated site offers a seamless way to explore everything Adventure Outdoor Paddle has to offer. From booking guided tours to learning about upcoming events and promotions, our new platform makes planning your next adventure easier than ever. We’re proud to provide an online experience that reflects the beauty and excitement of paddling with us. If you haven’t already, visit us at www.adventureoutdoorpaddle.com and see what’s new!
Memorable Personal Travels
We share our travels with you to hopefully inspire your own adventures in nature! Feel free to tell us where you have been...we LOVE your travel stories!
Winter adventures in Utah
We kicked off the year with an outstanding February trip to Utah, making the most of the incredible snow out west. Staying near Provo, we explored the breathtaking slopes of Solitude, Brighton, and Snowbird. Being on the mountain is one of our favorite ways to recharge, and we cherish the chance to hit the slopes each year while we’re healthy and able. It was a week filled with adventure, stunning scenery, and a deep appreciation for the great outdoors! We enjoyed a wonderful visit with Travis' cousins we had not seen in a long time.
Celebrating in Florida’s Panhandle
In April, we celebrated a truly special occasion—Travis's 10-year stem cell transplant anniversary—with an unforgettable week exploring Florida's Panhandle. The trip was filled with adventure and discovery, from paddling the crystal-clear waters of Merritt's Mill Pond to diving into the depths of Vortex Springs. We also explored the fascinating Florida State Caverns and enjoyed a delicious stop at Bogey’s Restaurant and Bar in DeFuniak Springs, where we delighted in the memoirs of the historic African Queen that has ties to the Dora Canal. To top it all off, we spent time with another one of Travis's cousins in Destin, making this trip as meaningful as it was memorable.
Exploring Acadia and the White Mountains
Our next adventure in August took us to the breathtaking landscapes of Acadia National Park in Maine and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In Acadia, we hiked the iconic iron rung trails and marveled at the rugged coastline with its rocky seascapes and stunning ocean views. Of course, no trip to Maine would be complete without indulging in plenty of lobster and incredible seafood! From there, we took a scenic drive through the Kancamagus Highway, soaking in the beauty of New Hampshire's lush forests and mountain vistas. We also had the added joy of reconnecting with good friends in New Hampshire, sharing a fantastic evening that made the trip even more special.
Camping at Juniper Springs
This year, we managed to take the pop-up camper out just once, but it was to a truly special spot—Juniper Springs, where we were married in 2011. It was wonderful to revisit this local gem and enjoy a weekend of camping and kayaking. The Juniper Spring Run was particularly exciting with water levels unusually high after hurricane season, adding an adventurous twist to our paddle. It was an excellent trip filled with nostalgia and the beauty of Florida’s natural springs.
Diving into the Grand Cayman Islands
This year, we celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary with an unforgettable dive trip to the Grand Cayman Islands. The diving was absolutely spectacular, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Ocean Frontiers Dive Resort. From the stunning underwater landscapes to the laid-back atmosphere of the small resort, it was a trip we’ll always cherish—and one we’d love to experience again in the future. Being back underwater felt like home, making this celebration truly special.
New Beginnings
December has been a whirlwind for our family! Travis has accepted a full-time position in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. After an intensive week in New Hampshire searching for a place to call home, we found the perfect condo in Waterville Valley and are set to close by the end of the month. It feels fitting for Travis to finish out his career in the place where it all began many years ago. While we’re keeping our home in Florida and navigating the logistics of long-distance for now, we’re both thrilled about this adventure on the horizon and the opportunities it brings. Our paddle operations will remain the same as I continue to run the business from our home in Florida.
Looking Ahead to 2025
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Wishing you a very blessed holiday season from the Aho's! (Travis, Katrina, Baby, Handsome Pants, and Magpie)