The canal system of Miami-Dade County is the unrecognized backdrop to millions of lives. The canals run across every corner of the county, yet many people have no idea where they lead or what their purpose is.  Most people drive or walk past them without paying them any attention.

All that’s about to change.

There’s exactly one route that can be taken to circumnavigate the county via the canal system and the Miami River. WLRN Under the Sun contributor Terence Cantarella has bravely volunteered to row his way through it with nothing more than a tin canoe, a backpack, a voice recorder and two paddles.