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Fishermen arrive in Jacksonville after kayaking entire St. Johns River

The trio stages their kayaks before leaving Jan. 4. Photos by Drew Ross: https://www.facebook.com/looknfishy/ 

Three fishermen kayaked the entire St. Johns River this month, ending their 26-day journey in Jacksonville.

Their goal: to promote the importance of a healthy river.

Ben Guise, Bart Swab and Drew Ross shared photos and video of their journey on the 310 Miles 310 Fish A St. Johns River Story Facebook page.

They started their journey at Blue Cypress Lake in Central Florida on Jan. 3.

The group said the trip began as a kayak fishing adventure but soon became an expedition as strong north winds delayed their progress.

The first 10 days were a combination of tent camping in shelters or hammock camping, anywhere they could find dry ground.

Finding dry ground proved difficult in the beginning as Hurricane Irma left a substantial amount of water in the river, Ross said.

They shared photos of a Poinsett shelter where they stayed and other lodging areas that were not inhabitable.

" If you look closely you can see where we had to clear the brush away to get inside. We stopped a passing boat and asked if there was a better location. They were super helpful but let us know this was the best we would do tonight. Everything else was under water," Ross wrote. 

The group said the landscape changed dramatically during the trip -- beginning with limited views before the Highway 520 bridge then widening to an open and endless view.

The group said the abundance of wildlife was amazing. One photo showed two juvenile Bald Eagles flying from a tree.

They caught Lake George on a  calm day, according to Ross.

"At 15 miles long and 10 miles wide, it has the potential to delay or end a trip. When the winds kick up the lake has the reputation as being a boat sinker," he wrote.

The most miles the group  completed in one day was 31, but at a cost. Ross said Swab hurt his neck during that push and had to go to a pedal kayak.       

Jacksonville marked the end of their 310-mile adventure.

They kayaked the last 15 miles to Huguenot Memorial Park on day 26.

"We encountered large ships and tricky currents. In the beginning, there were days when our average speed was 2 to 3 miles per hour," Ross said. "On this stretch, we reached 8 miles per hour, thanks to the help of a 6-foot falling tide and a Northwest wind at our backs."

Ross said the group stayed close and worked together to cross the shipping channels during the last stretch of the journey.

"The 25 other days on the St Johns had provided us the perfect opportunity to work on our team work," he said. "What started as a 310 mile kayak fishing adventure ended as an expedition, and we loved every minute of it."

See more photos and video from their adventure on Facebook.