Paddler on Yearlong Journey Thanks Honeymoon Island Park Manager

Justin Riney's stay in Dunedin was brief.

But he was sure to express appreciation for Honeymoon Island's "generosity and hospitality" after his stay as part of a yearlong Expedition Florida 500 journey.

"There's no camping permitted on Honeymoon Island, but (Park Manager) Pete wanted me to experience this beautiful place anyway," Riney wrote in a Facebook post that acts as an online journal of his expedition. 

His mode of transportation is a stand-up paddle board. He has one paddle and a few water-proof bags in tow.

Riney, who is also the founder and CEO of Mother Ocean, a non-profit group dedicated to empowering ocean advocates around the world, spent two nights in Dunedin, days 56 and 57 of his journey.

Riney was greeted by 35 Countryside High students and their history teacher and Pinellas Surf Organization coach Dave Sica upon his arrival to Dunedin on Feb. 25. The group waited for him to arrive, just a speck on the horizon paddling toward them from Tarpon Springs, before pulling out trash bags for a beach cleanup on the north side of Dunedin Causeway.

Afterward, he spent the night recharging at the park manager's quarters on Honeymoon Island. 

Here's what Riney had to say about his stay:

Day 57. I want to thank Honeymoon Island State Park Manager Pete Krulder for his generosity and hospitality. There's no camping permitted on Honeymoon Island, but Pete wanted me to experience this beautiful place anyway. Here is his home within the park where I stayed last night; Pete went out of his way to purchase peroxide for me to clean a wound, he washed my clothes for me overnight, and he even offered to let me stay at the world-famous Caladesi Island State Park tonight with special permission. I wanted to do that so badly since I'll probably never get the chance again, but it looks like I've managed to poke another hole in my board so I need to ding repair it. The only way to get to Caladesi is by water, so that's not an option on such short notice. Pete's provided his place to stay here on Honeymoon again, so that's my plan for the night. I met some amazing people yesterday at our event, so I'm going to hitch a ride into town and mingle with the locals!

Riney continued his journey south along the Pinellas coastline. Since his stay on Honeymoon Island, he has spent time talking to college students at University of South Florida, exploring Weedon Island Preserve, and even cutting loose at The Ale and the Witch in downtown St. Petersburg.

Riney is in the beginning of a yearlong, modern-day exploration of Florida’s coastline, waterways, and aquatic ecosystem meant to commemorate the 500-year anniversary of Ponce De Leon's arrival and bring awareness to related stewardship efforts around the state.

Track Riney's yearlong Expedition Florida 500 (XF 500) on Facebook.

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