Big news in Southwest Florida if you’re a kayaker or canoeist. The scenic, winding trails through Buck Key off Captiva are now open, thanks to hard work of yak-lovin’ Lee County residents.

Hurricane Charley downed trees in 2004, restricting access to the interior of this majestic island. But John Houston of Adventure Sea Kayak, based at Tween Waters Inn, called me up this week to report that his dad, Brian Houston, also of Adventure Sea Kayak, guided the first trip through this week.

Says John: “Thank you to John Dickey, Reinfranks, Brunnings, Tween Waters, Adventure Sea Kayak, Brian Houston, Dave and Hobby Jefferys, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Ted Walltrous and many more.”

So help spread the word – the trails are open. Get out there and enjoy the lanky mangroves, overhanging branches, sinuous trails and more.