Dave's Yak Tales

Horseshoe Lake, Day Three

2012-02-13T09:16:00.001-05:00

Sandhill cranes over take off as I begin my morning walk, just before 8:00 am. NOAA said it was 25 in Ocala at 7 am. That's about 45 miles south west of where I am. Colder then Sunday morning. I wore two jackets, hooded Packer fleece and windbreaker, and was glad I did. Weather .com now reports it is a balmy 37 at 9:00. After shower, breakfast, packing, I'm off to the Ocklawaha River. No rush, I don't have to be out of the cabin until 3.

Tuesday, 11:20, a few pics from the walk before bedtime.

Iced up Yakdave Mobile.

Day Two, Horseshoe Lake. Salt Springs Run

2012-02-12T19:14:00.046-05:00

It was cold in rural Marion County, Florida, Sunday morning. So, to let things warm up a bit, I went for a walk.

I took a few steps and thought, I don't think I've ever felt this cold in Florida. Not cold enough to go back for another layer. T-shirt, heavy long sleeve T, and a hooded sweatshirt.

The above pic is to remind me of the flying bald eagle I failed to capture.

Sand hill cranes.

Looking back at the cabins.

My cabin. One of the canoes is for Cabin 3. I had a key to the padlock on the chain if I wanted to use it. Plenty of life jackets and paddles in the cabin.

I fixed breakfast, the cabin has a large and small frying pan, a kettle,spatulas, serving spoon, and slotted spoon. But, as mentioned in Saturday's Tale, no dishes or cutlery. Instead of using the pizza plan for my plate, I used the cutting board.

Outside, a man was digging around the canoes. I went out, introduced myself. Doug- I have to chuckle, and am disappointed I did not make a joke at the time, was pulling up the posts the canoes are chained to. To move the canoes closer to the water. He told me the lake has recdeded greatly during the recent drought. Usually, the sandy areas in the above photos are underwater, the water flowing into the reeds. I asked him about the hiking trail. He said there has been recent logging that has affected the trail. I had been on a logging road, Saturday. He also told me the map near the playground was wrong, and he needed to take that down. Leftover when the Park was a private retreat. I also asked about the park gate. He said it does not close, but I could park inside another, locked gate. I had opened the padlock, but not seeing a wheel, did not see how to swing it back. I looked at it again, unlocked it, and lifted the gate to carry back. Left the car where it was, but now knew what to do when I got back from kayaking.

I made the 30 mile drive to Salt Springs Marina. Paid the $5 fee, and was in the water at 10 to 12. Wore shoes and socks instead of my watershoes due to the cold. It only got up to 51, with a steady north wind.

I paddled Salt Springs Run twice last February, seeing manatees one of those visits. I figured manatees would be near the Springs today, seeking warm water. I paddled across the Run, then to the Spring entrance, looking and listening. Did not see any manatees. Began to head downstream, and saw the distinctive wake a manatee creates.

Three manatees. Check off that creature from my goal to see alligators, otters, monkeys, bald eagles, manatees, deer and bear this weekend. The final two to go.

Overlook at the end of the Salt Springs Trail. The only structure down stream from the Marina.

An osprey prepares to dine.

I was having a good bald eagle weekend. This made four. Photos of two.

I was focusing on the great blue heron when I heard as splash. Otter or fish, I thought. Both, otter with fish.

Not a very good photo, but unlike the Silver River, Saturday, at least I got a photo.

Coots covered the Run.

It's your turn to watch, Jr., dear.

Shell mound.

I was getting close to Lake George, the second largest lake in Florida. The wind began to kick up. In my face. I had been paddling just over 2 hours. Good time to turn around.

An osprey was building the nest above, until it flew off, and down, towards me. Was I too close? No, the bald eagle behind me was, as the osprey chased it across the Run.

I planned to stop at one of the two shell middens, which other than a flat spot well up the Run, are the only places with dry land. A canoer, the only one I saw was at the landing up the Run. I passed the first mound, only to find a group at the second. Probably camping nearby, they were getting water from the Run. I asked if they minded if I landed.

Hand the usual sandwich and was on my way.

Seemed like I followed the otter below for about five minutes. The above shot is one of many failed attempts, but it is a nice Salt Springs Run photo.

Very few dedicated fisherman out on the cool afternoon. The only boat moving fast was one that went by as I ate lunch. Back at the Marina and Springs, I searched for manatees.

Wasn't seeing any, but that's OK.

An eagle extending the landing gear is pretty cool.

The prima donna eagle must not have liked that I took my eye off it to photo a great blue heron in the lower branches.

I went into the canal on the Marina side, looking for manatees, none. Across to the canal at the Salt Springs Rec Area. None there either. But I did get to ask the guy on shore if there were firepits near the picnic tables. No, its a picnic area only. Would be a great spot for campsites.

I headed back to the launch, and and then, I saw a manatee. The one in the opening photo. It was hard to get good pictures as it was behind me, pushing the kayak. Then below, gently bumping the yak. Finally, on its belly using both flippers to grab hang on to the bow.

If only it had turned me so the sun was behind me. As I compose this on Valentines Day, nothing says I love you like a manatee fondling a red kayak.

I landed at 4:40.

As I paddled, I thought it would be good to have soup as part of dinner. Usually on these three day trips, I eat in one night, out the other. But, Lake Horseshoe Park is in the middle of nowhere. Actually, you have to drive to get to nowhere. There are roadside places, but once I got back to the cabin, I did not want to drive. Soup requires a bowl. My coffee cup would do. Spoon. The serving spoons were too big and I had only plastic forks and knifes. My spork would be perfect, but for the fact it was in the silverware drawer at home. Its in the glove compartment now. So, I stopped at the Salt Spring Grocery for a can of clam chowder, a potato, and a box of plastic spoons. I had cooked only half of the bottom round steak, Saturday.
Next stop, the Eureka East boat ramp. I decided that instead of paddling Juniper Creek, Monday, and having to use the Rec area shuttle service, I would paddle the Ocklawaha from the 316 bridge. There are launches on both sides. I stopped to scout them out. I had launched from the east ramp once before.

Looks like I won't have to share the launch with motor boats

Back in 2008, I put in from the bank, it was much lower. Or, rather, the River was higher.

Back to, and across, the bridge.

To the Eureka West launch.

Which has a fishing dock.

And a boat dock. A small jon boat landed as I watched. For me, the East side was where I would go Monday.

Back home, where one of the cabin canoes and all the general public ones had been moved closer to the lake.

Speaking of amenities, cabin dwellers have access to the conference/game room.

No balls for the foosball table.

And ice machine.

Too cold to build a fire, or even enjoy one of the three rocking chairs on the porch. Which would be really nice if it had a table. Note to self. Look for a camping chair with a built in folding table.
I made dinner. Nice to use the oven to bake the potato on a cold night. Had the soup, Campbell's select,with added onions, carrot and Penzey's spices (mine, not the cabin's) as it baked. Then ate half the potato and 2/3 of the steak, saving the rest for breakfast. Composed the Day 1 Tale, choosing from the 250 photos left after I deleted the bad ones, and went to bed.

Greetings From Horseshoe Lake Park

2012-02-11T23:14:00.121-05:00

I am staying in one of the three cabins in this Marion County Park, located just north of the Ocala National Forest. Described as "rustic", but with Internet, and heat. The latter will get tested as temps are forecast to drop into the high 20's here in Orange Springs, FL the next two nights. Yikes. I'm taking Monday off. The marinne forecast was not good for Cedar Key. Sanibel is too expensive this time of year. I was thinking of a new place, Fernadina Beach and Amelia Island. But too cold that far north. So, I decided on the Ocala National Forest and its spring fed water ways. But, where to stay. I considered the place John H. and I stayed last Feburary, Elite Resort near Salt Spring but it only has wi-fi in a lodge. Besides, there are 38 cottages and countless RV sites.

I discovered Horseshoe Lake thanks to the magic of the Internet. I put "Ocala National Forest cabin cottage" in a search. That was a while ago. With my day weekend approaching, I tried to fnd more information. There is not much out there. Until now. The Marion County website, a short Ocala Magazine article, a newspaper story, one review. No photos. I called Thursday morning to inquire about availability. This time of year, you cannot get a cabin in a Florida State Park on two days notice. It is hard to get a tent site. But, at Horseshoe Lake, all 3 were available. I asked the woman on the other end of the line if she could tell me a little about the cabins. Lucky for me, not only does she take reservations, she has made them for herself. She said she likes #3, as it has nice view and is not directly in view, and sound, of the beach. Not that noise from the small swim area will be a factor this cool weekend. As I eat dinner using a pizza plan as a plate, a scuba knife I found along Rock Springs Run, years ago, and a plastic fork from the meals in the car collection, I think I should have quized her more about the dishes. There are plenty of paper towels.

Above is the sink in the bedroom. With paper towel dispenser. Shower on right, toilet on left. Similar set up in the living room, only the oven, kitchen sink, and cabinets are where the above sink is.

Leading me to assume there was a time when both sides of this building were rented individually, with no kitchen. To get to the bedroom to the kitchen/dining/living room, you have to exit one, go out on the porch, and enter the other.

I did bring a sheet and sleeping bag. There is also a futon in the living area. Cost, $100.00 a night. With tax and an administrative fee, $237.54 for two nights. Which my by calculations is $7 to high. My receipt states the adm fee is 6.5 % plus .50. Even if Marion County charges a tax on a tax, so is calculating, from a basis of $216.00, and not $200.00, I get 230.54. Math was my worse subject, but I'm sending an email to Marion County. This unit does not appear to be as nice as the fancy State Park cabins, which range from $100 to $145 a night, depending on location, but those don't include a canoe. Not that I need one. And speaking of the kayak, time to get to the start of this day.

A pre-dawn start from Ray's Wayside Park. Time stamp on the above photo in the canal headed to the Silver River is 6:51.

Too dark to clearly see a great blue heron. Not having paddled since Saturday, I was anxious. I hoped to go Wednesday morning, but had to meet a roofer. $5700. Guess my IRA contribution will be less this year. Any Central Florida folks know any roofers? This one did my neighbor's. Quickly, which is good. He seems ok, and has no complaints filed.

Into the Silver River.

By the light of the silvery moon.

Anhingas

Pileated woodpecker.

Ibis.

Great egret.

Black crowned night heron

Steam rising off the River means the air is cooler than the water. I had on long pants and a windbreaker, which I kept on all day.

Eastern phoebe

Pie billed grebe.

Blue heron

Wood duck

Green heron

Cormorant

Great blue heron.

Belted kingfisher

Moorhen with ibis.Much more to come. No monkeys. Only saw one, maybe two.

Good Sunday morning. Happy Birthday Chris Cannon and Abe Lincoln. Off to a late start, 10 am now, Weather.com has the temperature at 35. Which means it has warmed up. This picture is from a walk earlier this morning.

The Dots and anchor are locked in ice. So, I dally, waiting for things to warm up. Forecast high is 52. I'm going to head to Salt Springs. Figure manatees will be there. Time and energy permitting, may put in the Ocklawaha River at Eureka on the way back.
Meanwhile, a few more Silver River photos.

Its always nice to get wood duck photos. Unlike last weekend on Blackwater Creek, the Silver River flock doesn't always flee upon my approach. They are used to human traffic.

The above photo received strong consideration for the coveted opening picture placement.

Speaking of traffic, I saw no one until I passed the Silver River State Park landing. A guy was launching. He passed me when I was taking a photo of the first limpkin of the day, 8:34.

Time now to do the dishes and get in the kayak. Its warmed up to 36. May be 40 by the time I'm in the water. I hope so. Looked in the car earlier, only found one glove.

I've been composing and adding photos since about 7. It is now almost 9. And I wasted two hours of my life as the stem crashed. And did not start back up the first time. Here we go again.

First alligator, 8:40. I told myself, I'd better enjoy the gators today as with the oncoming cold weather, I may not see any more the next two days. Composing Sunday night, I can report no gators were seen Sunday,

The gentleman who passed me after launching from the State Park, told me to look for nest building cormorants as he made his way back from the head Spring.

9:30, I arrived before the glass bottom boats went out. Can't tell from the above photo, but it was getting windy. I could not make out were the water was causing the surface to ripple, or "boil" usually quite evident above the main Spring. I put the wind to good use and let it, and the current, take me down River.

A closer look at the nest builders.

Anhingas also roost on this small island, but it is the cormorants that made it home. So not to confuse things, this next anhinga was further down River.

Here is where I was rudely interrupted by the system crash. So far, so good.

What are you lookin' at?

Three people in two State Park rental canoes paddled up stream, making it a whopping 3 other boats seen, so far.

At 10:40 or so, I approached the Silver River State Park ramp. Time to take a break. Several paddlers were there. "Hello Dave". I told Bryan I recognized his goatee from photos on the Green Wave Forum but was having a memory loss on his name. He had paddled up from Ray's with his son, and another couple, Brenda and Ed. They reminded me we met last winter, putting out a campfire on the Wekiva River. Not a bad morning when I see eight people, and half of them know me.

The foursome, resuming their paddle.

Dr. Turtle and Mini T.

The first motor boat of the day was a pontoon with an electric motor. Quiet.

Anhinga spears a fish, then deftly flips it in the air, catches it, and down the hatch.

I have a hard time catching popcorn.

There were two turtles on the log before the anhinga butted in.

The photo between the cormorant and great egret is a water and bank shot. I think its the otter I missed. Or was it two? I did see two on the way up and one on the way down. Or vice versa. Two days later with no photos, I forget.

Alligators

I finally saw a monkey. Maybe two. Movement and noise in the trees. Saw a small one jump from limb to limb, then go into the forest. There have to be more, I thought, as I paddled closer. There were not.

Back to the canal leading to Ray's Wayside, 12:18 PM. I kept going, to the Ocklawaha River, in search of monkeys.

Speaking of the Ocklawaha, time to head there now. See ya tonight.

8:30 PM, Monday. I'm home. Let's see if we can finish day one tonight.

It's just six minutes from the canal to the Ocklawwaha. I got to the confluence, turned right, up River.

The above view is where I turned back, just short of 30 minutes from the confluence.

Return to the Silver River.

Approaching Ray's Wayside Park, 1:20. Put the yak on the roof and took the scenic route to Silver Glen Springs

I had a goal this three day weekend. See alligators, otters, monkeys, bald eagles, manatees, deer, and bear. Three down, four to go.

No luck on the drive. At Silver Glen, I asked the Park worker who was there the last time I visited, if the bears were still there. She said "They left, finally. We had to close the park for three weeks" Wow.

Here's a photo from that visit.

Here are photo's from Saturday's visit.

I think I hit some wrong button on the camera. That explains the odd reddish tint.

I did not get a good photo, but the area outside the Spring hole looks like a mine field. Cratered with tilapia nests. Big holes in the ground. If you call land under water "ground"

Below is one of the two main Spring vents, not a tilapia nest

Snorkel over, I went for a brief walk on the Lake George Trail.

Got the camera reset.

Brief, because I wanted to get to Horseshoe Lake, 30 miles away on the other side of the Forest, by 5, when it closed. I had a code for a lock box at the cabin, but not a gate, if there was one.

The walk paid off. One of two eagles

I arrived at Horseshoe Lake just before 5. It has a gate, but does not close. The gate, the Park does close at 5 in the winter. Not that there was anyone around to enforce it. A family of four had been fishing. When they left, I took the parking space they were in, as it was closest to cabin 3. My cabin.

I went on an exploratory hike.

Did not like this sandy, loose, section at all. Found out the next morning it is not part of the hiking trail.

This map of the part, really had me confused. Doug, the friendly park handyman, told me it was wrong. But that was on Sunday

I'll tell you more about Doug in Sunday's Tale. He, and the fishing family, were the only people I saw my entire stay.

And with that, I'll end this Tale.

Kayaking, Biking, Camping, Seminole State Forest.

2012-02-05T16:57:00.009-05:00

Last Sunday, I signed off with " Hopefully, I'll see, and photo, a bear." See the black shape? That's a bear. Saturday afternoon from my bike. I did not think I got a photo, but going through the pics to pick which one I'd use for the coveted first photo, there it was.

A few weeks ago, January 19, to be exact, I made an inquiry as to the next Saturday the Moccasin Spring Campsite would be available. The answer, Feb 4, and then not until April. So, I grabbed it. Not a weekend I would have picked, given a choice. Because of the Super Bowl. But, not for the reason you may be thinking. Super Bowl Sunday is a great day to paddle a usually busy location. Which Blackwater Creek is not. I like to come here on summer holidays. Memorial Day, the 4th, Labor Day, to avoid crowds

Locking the gate behind me helps crowd control.

7:18 am. 3.6 miles to the campsite.

Parking is a 100 yards or so from the campsite. A kayak can double as a camping gear cart.

On Blackwater Creek at 8:37

Day use launch area, 8:55

I let the current do most of the work.

Just missed two otters.

The Creek is low, even for winter, but easily paddled.

But, vegetation does cross Blackwater in a few spots, the wide area with the makeshift bench on the left bank, for example. All but one section have narrow passages, the exception is short and easily paddled through.

Its good to have a big brother.

This was going to be the opening photo until I broke out the magnifying glass and saw the bear.

There were several spots with little gators, the last, just before my break spot, reached at 10:40

I ate half a sandwich and a cookie, than continued my trip.

Entering ibis alley.

My first time paddling Blackwater Creek, I wrote:
They confirmed I actually was on the Wekiva, when in response to the question of where I came from, I answered, "Seminole Forest". They asked me about my trip down the Creek, the deadfalls, ect. I was glad I did not have to ask, "ahh, is this the Wekiva?" I thought I was, based on increased width, current, and direction, but it was not like there was a highway sign "Wekiva, Next Left".

But, there is a Blackwater Creek sign.
Not quite a highway sign. There are two entrances to Blackwater Creek from the Wekiva River. If you see this sign, you took the harder one. I was here intentionally, as I’ve often seen a black crowned night heron here. Not today. I turned around, headed for the easier exit.

Into the Wekiva River 11:30. I went left, down River.

It's about a mile, maybe more, from Blackwater Creek to the St. Johns River. More if like me, you take scenic detours.

Two coves full of young gators.

Boat traffic was heavy, for the Wekiva. By "heavy" I mean 10 boats, tops. All either fishing or traveling slowly. Even outside the Manatee Zone. I thought it may be warm enough to see a manatee as I made my way towards the St Johns.

I finished my sandwich as I paddled.

No manatees in the Wekiva. None that I saw, that is. A bald eagle is sometimes in a tree just into the St. Johns River. I took a look.

It was not there. This part of the St. Johns is not a good kayaking section. Fast moving boats in the main channel. They are supposed to maintain Slow Speed outside the channel, due to manatees. I turned around. 12:35. On the water four hours, time to head back. A boat zoomed by, I tried to reach the safety of the Wekiva before its wake reached me. Unable to do so. But, I may not have seen the manatee snout pop up between the waves had I not reached that spot by paddling hard. I waited for it to come up again. It did not, at least as I was watching.

The Wekiva is to the right, St Johns, left.

The same family was still fishing at the mouth of Blackwater Creek when I returned at 1:35.

I had to take the fugal pics for someone who has a lichen for them. Took a break at 2:10, usual spot.

Had an apple and a cookie, walked around, put some jerky in the PFD pocket for later, and got back in the kayak.

Lots of photogenic little alligators.

The piggy, or gator back ride, was over.

I passed the day use launch site, the final stretch to my campsite. Came around a bend, was a tent in the distance. What? that's not mine. As there is no other spot to camp, had some interloper put his tent on my site? Nope, it was my tent. I had failed to secure the rain fly, and it blew off.

Arrived "home" at 4:25. Family and long time friends will appreciate the photo number. 2810.

Seen not photoed. Limpkin, sandhill crane, red shouldered hawk, cardinal. barred owl, pileated wood pecker, red belied wood pecker, wood duck, hooded merganser. A handsome marganser male, with the big white spot on its head. Several females, one with its head feather raised up Mowhak fashion. First time I've see that.

I downloaded the photos I did have, drafted the beginning of this Tale, prepared the grill, and firepit, did not light them, and went for a bike ride. Moccasin Spring, just a few steps from my tent.

The posts are from an old logging road. Lumber barons had the same respect for the land as the current Florida legislature. None.
http://audubonoffloridanews.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/OHWL_diagram_audubon.jpg I've written to oppose this landgrab.
Off the soapbox, on the bike.

There are three primitive general use campsites in Seminole State Forest. I passed the one closest to me, the Oaks site. Almost a mile from me. Occupied. Not on the water. It does have an outhouse. There are other sites, but they are for Florida Trail hikers.
On my 4.6 mile ride, I saw a few birds, and, oh yeah, a bear.

I fired up the grill, put a cheap steak on top, foil wrapped potatoes, carrots and onions on the coals. I microwave the potato in the morning to save cooking time.
Ate, went for a short night walk, watched the fire, before turning in about 10.

Slept like a baby. Woke up hourly, or maybe did not sleep. After a two hour gap between looking at my watch, I rolled out of the tent for good a little after 7. Started the grill, put the coffee on, waited for the flames to go down, went for a short walk.

Campsite view. I first found Moccasin Spring on July 4, 2008. The Yak Tale states

"I think I may be camping here someday. For me, this site is better than the primitive sites on Rock Springs Run and Wekiva. More amenities, I can drive to it" I did not have a tent back then. This weekend was my fourth overnight.

Breakfast with a view. A better photographer would not have put the shopping bag and tent in the way of the Creek. Fortified, I hoped on the bike for a springs ride. Moccasin Springs is one of three in the Forest. The easiest to find. Palm Springs is the most secluded.
You need to get off the bike, walk on a horse trail, to a ravine, and climb down. I've found it before, and did again.

Found the run, not the source. So, up the hill.

Down one false trail, found another path, which took me to the spring.

Palm Spring has a slight sulphur odor.

Back up the hill.

No vehicles on the horse trail. Not that I could ride in the loose soil. I walked my bike back to the Forest Road.

Back on the bike, past Oaks Pond.

Which from the looks of it, is man made. Dug out to build the forest roads is my guess. Saw turkeys, hawks. No bear, or deer. The last hunting weekend of the season was last weekend, so the deer may be in hiding.
Shark Tooth Spring is near one of the Florida Trail campsites.

I don't recall seeing this sign before. If I were a hiker, I'd treat water from the spring. Rather than trust a hand written sign that declares it "potable"

Back to my campsite. A pickup parked next to my car. I asked a kid, are you camping? No, hiking. And swimming in the spring. Which is not allowed. Or practical. Father and brother walked up the trail, dry. Lesson learned. Not all springs are swimmable.
I was in the yak at 10:45. Paddled up Creek.

To the usual obstacle. The first time I paddled this far up Blackwater, I pulled and angled myself past this. Only to find another, more difficult roadblock. Since then, I turn back here. Just under 30 minutes from Moccasin Spring.

A promising looking branch (Creek), until the above branch (tree)

Had this been a stand alone Tale for Sunday, this guy would have top billing.

Past the campsite.

I thought I'd go just past the Florida Trail campsite, maybe see the otters I saw Saturday and on my last visit to Blackwater Creek. Here's the campsite.

And the big gator that is often nearby.

It sensed me coming, and dove in. I turned around.

Landed at 12:45. Sat down, had a couple cookies and an apple, broke camp. Kayak loaded and ready to pull to the car. 1:25. Overloaded, despite two trips with stuff earlier. The left wheel of the cart fell off three times.

Small price to pay. Just emailed the Forest, asking if the April weekend, Easter is still available. Had to do it before posting the complete Tale, so none of my readers grab it first. ;)

Blue Spring State Park Snake Creek Loop

2012-01-29T22:47:00.075-05:00

Kayaked the St. Johns River, Snake Creek, and Hontoon Dead River today, Sunday, January 29, 2012. As on my last visit to the area, I launched at the end of French Avenue, not the main area of Blue Spring State Park. I had to look at the December 1st Tale to refresh my memory on why I did so that day. To avoid having to leave the Park at sunset. Today's reason was I had a guest. Who drove her car. So, to avoid her paying the State Park entrance fee, not to mention having to carry two kayaks from the parking lot, Stephanie and I launched from the waters edge. Heck, if I was alone I might have launched from French Ave. Passing Valentine Park on the way in, I saw it was full of tents and people. A Manatee Festival. Buses taking people to the State Park to view manatees. So, it would be packed.

We were on our way at 9:50. Up the St. Johns River a short distance to Blue Springs Run, as two bald eagles soared overhead.

One landed. I thought both had. Stepahnie, who paddle over to the tree, told me the other bird was a vulture. Which I can now see from the photo. I had stayed on the other side of the St Johns to check out the manatees at the mouth of Blue Spring Run.

Which cannot be entered this time of year. Cormorants on their usual spot on the bar that marks the manatee sanctuary.

Manatees.
Now, for a closer look at the eagle.

We continued up the St. Johns, veering right where it splits, towards Snake Creek.

Entering Snake Creek

That's a little gator.

These coots kept taking off, landing, taking off, landing. Like they were belted kingfishers.

Only coots don't land in trees.

Turkey

Snake Creek is 3.5 miles long. At least, that's what I heard a tour boat guide say as I entered it.

A bird filled 3.5 miles.

And alligator.

Saw one group of paddlers, 5 in all, coming from the other direction. For Snake Creek, that's a huge group.

Took a break just past the overhanging oak tree. One of the few areas with solid high ground. 12:15. Stephanie arrived 15-20 minutes later. A rental motorboat came up the Creek. "What's it like up there" "Shallow and narrow" He turned around. After lunch, we were back in the water.

Into the Hontoon Dead River.

The Hontoon is broad, and sections have wide expanses of vegetation. Making closeups difficult.

Unless you find a gap in the foliage and maneuver closer to shore, which is how I got the last group of photos and the opening picture of this Tale.

Speaking of far off, lots of red shouldered hawks were flying about. Only one photo.

These two were near the great egret above. I'm assuming cattle egrets, but what do young great egrets look like? "Looks like nonbreeding adult." states the Cornell University site. I'd say these are cattle egrets.

Into the canal linking the Hontoon Dead River to the St Johns. The northernmost of three canals dredged for moving timber.

A lot of the canal is like this. Almost impassable. But, by paddling hard, we made it through.

Back to the St. Johns

Alligators enjoyed the 70 degree sunshine.

As we neared Blue Spring State Park, I said how I was surprised we had not seen any manatees out in the River. Maybe because we were too busy watching the two bald eagles, again. Riding the thermals, higher and higher. Approaching the fishing/tour boat dock I told Stephanie to pay attention, or she might run over a manatee. On cue, a huge one surfaced between our kayaks.

I don't think the people on shore were lined up to see cormorants.

I've seen manatees the last three times in my kayak, in three different parts of the State. Kings Bay, on the Gulf Coast, Haulover Canal, near the Atlantic, and now, Blue Spring Run on the St. Johns River.

Paddled back to the French Ave. launch. Stephanie landed. I could not, as I had not explored the area around the island opposite the launch site.

I saw, but did not see, one manatee. A tracking device tied to its tail. I can find no reference to a Blue Spring manatee with a red and blue float. Or, is the ID color the yellow on the antenna? If so, this may be Jackie

I landed just before four. Stephanie had her kayak on her car. Talk about perfect timing. She went home, I went into the main part of the State Park. And biked out. But first, more bikes.

Bike riding Orange City EMTs. Useful for events like the Manatee Festival. Cheaper than a mounted patrol and no poop to clean up.

The Spring to Spring Trail starts just outside Blue Spring State Park. 3.3 miles from the Park entrance to the end. There is a loop of about 2 miles at Lake Beresford Park. Time constraints did not allow me to bike the loop.

Including the Park road, and 8.5 mile ride. I've seen deer before, today, a chicken.

View from the dock.

Hoped the eagle, or eagles, would be on one of the trees across from the Run, but they were covered with vultures.

I'll next be in the kayak Saturday. But no Tale until Sunday. Camping in the Seminole State Forest. Hopefully, I'll see, and photo, a bear. If I do, I'll post it. So, check in during halftime, or after, the Super Bowl.

Haulover Canal

2012-01-28T23:36:00.000-05:00

Put the kayak in at Haulover Canal after work today. Did a half day Tuesday, then headed to Crystal River, as you recall. If you don't go read the prior Tale.
As I entered the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, over the Max Brewer Bridge, before making the turn to Black Point Wildlife Drive, a bald eagle on a power pole along the road. My camera was in my backpack, in the back seat. I thought of pulling over, but its a 55 mph, no shoulder road. Lots of grass, though. I did not. To my regret, as no one came behind me from there until after I made the turn.

Into the Indian River, course set for Mullet Head Island, 1:10.

Great blue herons on the way.

Cormorants, mostly, with another great blue on a sand bar that extends off Mullet Head Island. As always, I went to my right to circle the Island. There was a large flock of white pelicans just beyond the cormorants. That was left. Thought of changing my pattern, but stuck with the tried and true.

Same osprey, different signs.

Can't get too close to the spoonbills on the refuge Island. If they'd only pose on the signs like the osprey.

Little birds on the wrack line.

BIG birds, white pelicans, behind the wrack line.

Brown pelican and royal terns

Back to the sand bar where I came in.

Return to the Canal area. Went into the first dead end canal south of the Canal. Nothing to exciting this trip.

Headed back to the secondary canal, to avoid some of the many fishing boats in Haulover.

Blue and great blue in "Dolphin Cove" No dolphins.

Into Bairs Cove. Would there be manatees? It has been warm for the last week or so, perhaps some would be present. I had to wait, then one, two, three manatees.

Dining on floating sea grass

I left the Cove, and paddled, against a light wind, to the Mosquito Lagoon end of the Canal.

Not only was the Canal filled with boats, but both banks were lined with anglers. A beautiful day, and the redfish have been biting lately.

I exited the Canal before the end, then came back in through another gap before entering Mosquito Lagoon. Paddled north, past two islands, than back into the shallow, sheltered area between the Lagoon and the "mainland"

Belted kingfisher in flight

Snowy egret

This is what I call a busy day in Haulover Canal. Out of the Canal, you can paddle for hours and see very few boats.

A crowd of people at the Manatee Overlook both times I passed, no manatees. A smaller group, I would have told them about Bairs Cove. Where I did not see any manatees on my return visit. At first. Then, right beside me. Dove, rocking the kayak. Did not see it, or any others.

This guy is more than a hundred yards off shore. Gives an idea how shallow it can be.

Vehicle Assembly Building

I landed at 4:45. That the Day Away Tour van. A tour launched as I came by the first time, so I stayed out, hoping to spot a dolphin. No luck.

After getting the kayak on the car, I figured I'd have time for a visit to Blackpoint Wildlife Drive.

Blue winged teal

Glossy ibis

I was just shooting from inside the car, until I saw this reddish egret.

I wish I had a better photo of the above birds. Not the coots. The others. Avocets. I thought black necked stilts, until told by Mark H.

A friend of my sister, Monica, up from Key West. A pleasant surprise to see him. A much better photographer than I.

And, as Vice President of the Key West Audubon Society, I'll go with his ID of the avocets.

I had to use the super vivid setting for this drake. Although it looks more colorful then the typical mallard, even without "supervivid". I really should subscribe to Bird Watching magazine. My high school biology partner is the editor. Chuck H. paid more attention in class than I.

The nice day, nearing sunset, and Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival made for a lot of people on the drive. But, the out of towners must not know about stopping at the Wild Birds Unlimited parking area and trail. Where I got the last 3 pics, and the evenings first sunset photo.

More sunset photos from Black Point Wildlife Drive.

Sunset over the Indian River. Pulled over just before crossing the bridge into Titusville. One for the photo, and 2, to ask the guy who had been in front of me since we left Blackpoint, who also turned off the road for the view, if he had seen the huge bird that swooped in front of my car. Probably a vulture, but it was near where I saw the bald eagle on the way in. He had not.

Crystal River

2012-01-24T23:53:00.000-05:00

This is the week this month I work Saturday, in exchange for a half day during the week. I chose the last Saturday of the month to get maximum daylight. Launched at Hunter Springs Park at 3:08. About 8 kayaks on the beach, scuba divers in the Spring. Don't these people have to work? Down the canal/run to Kings Bay.

Past Pete's Pier to the canal leading to Three Sisters Spring. Saw the first manatee of the day as I got close to the Spring. Several in the sanctuary are outside the run to Three Sisters. Not to many, it was 80 degrees or so. But, way too many people for me. On a Tuesday, for crying out loud. So, I left.

Rafts of coots on Kings Bay

Cormorants.

Anhinga

Blue winged teal. One advantage of a busy populated area. Birds are less skittish, than at, say, Cedar Key.
Paddling the gap between Buzzard Island and Banana Island, I saw a dolphin. Several times. Disappointed I could not get a picture. But, my spirits were soon lifted.

It landed where I've seen eagles before, maybe the same one.

Couldn't get too close, as the area near shore is a manatee sanctuary. Speaking of which, as I paddled towards King Spring, three anglers were casting into the Manatee Sanctuary. I asked if it was worth the fine. ""What?" "Fishing in the Sanctuary" "The Sanctuary is over there". So, what about the buoys you are casting over? "Keep an eye out for officials" "Thank you" Nice that the blind can fish. Here's info on the Sanctuary, with a Map. I circled Buzzard Island, headed back to Three Sisters Spring.

Looks like female Buffleheads and blue winged teal.

Fisherbird.

Fisherman. Happy guy. Happy snook, to as it was released. Not in season, and to big if they were in season. This was in the canal on the way to Three Sisters. I hoped the crowd had cleared out. I was running short on time, as Hunter Springs Park closes at sunset. I could have launched at the ramp between Charlies Restaurant and Bird's Underwater, which does not close, but I prefer the soft bank launch at Hunter Springs to concrete and asphalt. As does the bottom of my kayak.

Osprey across from Three Sisters.

Which was much less crowded. One pontoon boat. From the Port Hotel, but with a USGS Manatee Research banner tied to the rail. I had seen it in the canal, earlier. I was watching two manatees eating a clump of seaweed. Then a boat came, too fast, in my opinion. No indication they saw the manatees. What were they researching? Boat strikes, first hand? They might want to sent a better example. When I launched, a woman told me they were capturing manatees. Probably part of this

I anchored outside the run to Three Sisters and conducted my own research.

Needlefish

Just a few wet suited (wimps) snorkelers and two kayakers in the Springs.

The two resting manatees with the fish were in Three Sisters. There may have been more, but I just swam to the center vent, and pressed for time, turned back, not going to the vents on the right and left.

Mullet in the run.

I was only in the water 15 minutes. Back in the yak, course set for Hunter Spring.

Landed at 6:04. One other car in the lot. Not a cop or park worker,waiting to lock the gate, which has happened to me in the past, but a car with a kayak rack. Had to be these guys.

Shoot, I could have spent 10 more minutes with the manatees.

Cedar Key Sunday

2012-01-22T23:19:00.117-05:00

Another wonderful, full day at Cedar Key. As I had not even seen a dolphin since my last vist to Cedar Key, this pair gets top billing. A well traveled pair, I will explain as I tell the Tale.

Had to start the day with sunrise photos. 7:02 am

And crab farmers headed out to harvest their lease.

I went back to bed. But, not for long.

Too bad the park restroom blocked the sun. 7:32 AM. I got dressed for a morning walk.

Low tide was at 7:26 AM

Dock Street

Honeymoon Cottage

Downtown

Dock to bayou.

I saw the trailer and thought, if a mini Cooper can tow....

Photos that may not be at the Chamber of Commerce

Marking the water level for the next storm surge.

Back "home" after a 30 minute stroll.

Breakfast. Steak, potato, peppers, and cheese. Made a sandwich with the rest of the leftover steak. But, is it leftover when you intentionally buy and cook enough for three meals?

I made a note in the Room Log, and checked out. Drove across the street, carried the kayak out, losing my sandals on the way. Retrieved them from the muck on the way back to get the rest of my stuff. Aqua socks stayed on, I made care not to step where I stepped before. On the water at 10:20, the large group I heard the concessionaire talking about from my balcony (see Saturday's Tale) had not arrived.

Clammers returning with the morning harvest.

Anyone know what this is? Diving bird, size of a cormorant or loon, but not either.

Cormorants on the Atsena Otie dock.

Grassy Key, foreground, Snake Key, background. I was on my way to Seahorse Key.

More unidentified migrants.

Seahorse Key. 52 feet high, the highest natural spot on the west coast of Florida. When I first saw it, I thought "Indian Mound" Its a sand dune.

The crossing took me 90 minutes. I'd guess its about 3 miles.

Plenty of birds, including a bald eagle, despite nesting season being two months away. I began to circle the Key, going to my right.

This is as close as you will get to the lighthouse, built in 1854, except for an annual open house. My last visit, I thought maybe the trees will clear a bit in the winter so I can get a better view. Nope.

The sand dune.

Views from my lunch spot.

Out in the water, the view was of two dolphins. I shoved off, hoping I'd see them again.

A long paddle ahead of me to distant Ceder Key.

More ducks. Male hooded mergansers?

First dolphin pics on Dave's Yak Tales since November 14, 2010. Also from Cedar Key. These are much better. Three, two which hanging together. One of the pair had a ragged edge to its tail.

This is a male hooded merganser with the big white spot that I've been hoping to get a photo of for a long time. For me, this was better than the dolphins. I've photoed plenty of those.

Atsena Otie Key, which as you know, is the original site of the town of Cedar Key. If you did not know, welcome to Dave's Yak Tales and go read prior Tales from Cedar Key.

Dock Street, almost done for the day. But, dolphins!

One raised its ragged tail. The same pair as before. The opening photo is from this encounter.

With this escort, who needs the Coast Guard?

Landed at 3:15. Loaded the kayak, changed from swim suit to shorts in the park

restroom, and hopped on the road bike.

On my way to the Cedar Key Museum State Park. Not to be confused with the Cedar Key Historical Museum, downtown.

Confederate salt kettle. Used to boil seawater, until only salt remained. To preserve meat. Maybe the ancestors of the cows I saw Saturday along the Wekiva River.

The museum began as a shell collection

In addition to the house and grounds, there are more exhibits and a historical timeline in a contemporary building.

I am morally obligated to add a Wisconsin reference to the Historical Marker.

Back on the bike.

Cemetery Point Park

A boat graveyard as well

Back on the road.

Where should you look for snowy and great egrets?

The answer is obvious.

And yes, it is where I saw the last two birds.

Log cabin.

Dolphin. My camera was slow, maybe because the sun was sinking. At least I got a pic of a female hooded merganser.

My favorite eatery, the Pickled Pelican closes at 4 on Sunday. So I went to the Rusty Rim. For conch chowder.

And clams.

Wonder if they came off the boats I saw in the morning?

Sunset served nightly.

Cleared photos are through a window only, not window and screen. The deck is at a sister establishment Coconuts. I walked out, saw no food, and ashtrays, so I headed upstairs. But an Internet search reveals a menu. I may have to do more on site research.

I got out of the Rusty Rim, 2 Yueglings and a generous tip with the food, for under 25 bucks.

Last photo of the day, 6:15 PM. Thinking of coming back, late FFebruary.

Cedar Key

2012-01-21T16:26:00.086-05:00

The view from the balcony of Room 228 in Park Place, Cedar Key, Florida, Saturday, January 21, 2012, 3:17 PM. I had not been in the kayak since Sunday and was suffering withdrawal. So, when I saw the marine forecast for the waters around Cedar Key was a light chop both Saturday and Sunday, I decided to make a overnight visit. As usual on my Cedar Key adventures, I stopped first at the Waccasassa River.

An early start at the first stop, time stamp on the above photo is 6:55 AM. I was so eager to get on the water after 6 days when I looked at the clock and it read 3:37, I said, what the heck., I won't be able to sleep. Had sunrise been earlier, I would have been on the water earlier. Not waking up before I did, but driving faster. I went the speed limit, and below, because I know it would be dark when I arrived at Wacassasa Park in Levy County. With the price of gas, I'm glad I drove slowly. Two power boaters launched before me. 99% of boats head downriver. I went up.

For some reason, I'm really tired. Time for a nap before a sunset paddle.

I'm back.

Time to cook dinner.

Since I'm just here one night, I'll eat in. Tomorrow, maybe lunch at the Pickled Pelican. Now, back to this morning.

Arrived at the confluence of the Waccassasa and Wekiva Rivers to see the first guy who launched waiting. At least I assume it was the first guy. Remember, it was dark, so I did not get a good look at him. Didn't get a very good look, now, either. In camo. Head to toe. Eyes peering out from his balaclava. Hmmm, that's not a fishing pole on his lap. "Beautiful day" he said. "Sure is" Unless you're a duck. I only heard one gunshot as I paddled up the Wekiva.

The view when I turned around, 8:15.

Good thing there's a cattle ranch so I have some wild, er, domesticated animal photos.

There were numerous small birds. A big flock of robins. Seems like I'm seeing more robins this year than ever. Forgot to mention saw a lot of them last Sunday, on Rock Springs Run. None on the other Wekiva River.

Saw wood ducks, as usual, could not get a photo. Lots of turkeys. No pics of them either. All in the trees. Only I did not see any until they took off from their roost. I had a glimpse of an otter on the way up River, just the tail sliding into the water. I was thinking, I haven't seen anything really neat yet, on this River, where I've seen deer, manatees, bald eagles, swallow tail kites, otters..... If otters could tale, it would have said, "Wake up, numbnuts" Right on the bank, eating a fish. Again, I missed the photo. But, I followed it downstream.

It exited, left bank.
I exited the Wekiva and paddled up the Waccassasa.

I'd not noticed this hollow cypress before. Maybe because the River is so low, before I just was the top of it.

Turned back here as I began to scrape the limestone bottom.

Waccassasa left, Wekiva, right.

I landed at 10:25. Hours later, when I downloaded the photos, there were 4 of just water. Were they the last of the morning or first of the afternoon. Oh yeah, there was a otter near the launch. I snapped four quick shots. Still had the zoom on from the above pic, and the otter was right next to me. Thus, photos of water. Lots of trucks and trailers now in the lot, but they all had gone down the Waccassaaa, towards the Gulf. Thank goodness, as that meant I just heard the airboats.

I had told Park Place I expected to arrive around 1:00. More like 11:15-20. My room was not ready. Which was expected. So, I just wheeled the kayak across the street and was back on the water at 11:45.

The forecast light chop must have been early in the morning. Breezy on the Gulf in the early afternoon.

I got to the fishing dock, and turned back.

Past Dock Street, and the beach where I launched, to the channel behind the lodgings for my last two trips to Cedar Key, Old Fennimore Mill.

My favorite place to stay, but not after a month when I did not get a commission check. $125 a night, Park Place is $81. (AAA rate)

Cedar Key is a working town. Aquaculture, in particular farm raised clams, is big in this small town.

No wind or wave issues in the Back Bayou.

Approaching the Number 2 Bridge.

Four bridges link Cedar Key to the mainland. The old, wood bridge.

Oyster catchers

Sunday morning. Heating up the leftovers, waiting for the tide to go out. A few more photos during breakfast.

This would be a great place to stay with a group. My family, for instance

Back to Sunday. You know you are close to the Gulf when you open the sliding glass door to let the breeze in, and hear the kayak rental guy, on the beach, say "I have a group of 12 coming in an hour and a half" That would be 10:30. So, I'm shooting for 10:15.

Cloud Nine, or as I call it, 'the octagon house" is near the Number 3 Bridge. I paddled towards, not all the way to it, then turned back. Paddled past Cemetery Point.

I had not noticed the osprey in the background when I took the photo.

Time to back and get in the yak.

More to come when I get home tonight. As I told a woman on my walk this morning, we have no reason to hurry home for the game. She was attired in a Packer sweatshirt.

9:30 PM Sunday. Home after another wonderful day. More about later. Let's see if I can finish Saturday's Tale before bedtime.

Saw lots of ducks. Too far away for a good ID. And when I got a little closer

Mergansers, maybe?

I know these are pelicans

And a cormorant.

These are female hooded mergansers. Not with the group, so I'm wondering what the group was.

The ducks again, a better look. Could me male hooded mergansers. I had thought they always had a large white mark on the side of the head. Not so, according to the Cornell U. bird ID site

Past the Old Fennimore Mill dock into the Gulf. Where another male merganser bobbed in the waves.

I landed about 2:30. Wheeled the kayak across the street to Park Place, where the housekeeping cart stood out side my room. So, I took my time putting the yak on the car, rinsing off the salt water, getting my gear together. When I finished, the room was ready. Sat down for this photo at 3:17.

The guy in the shorts operates the kayak rental concession.

I was back in my kayak at 5:30 for a sunset paddle. Which, as you know, was successful.

Headed to the dock at Atsena Otie Key. Thinking it would provide birds and interesting perspective.

Right on both counts. I was 3/4 of a mile to a mile away from the launch site. Time to head back.

Turning around now and then for more photos. Thought, if I can just position the yak so I get the view over the island (North Key)

There it is.

The last photo from the kayak was taken at 6:14 PM. The first was at 6:55 AM. Not quite 12 hours. I think I earned a good dinner.

Rock Springs Run

2012-01-15T23:14:00.049-05:00

See the alligator? I like to think I would have noticed it even if Joanne B. had not posted the same scene on her Facebook page and asked the same question. This was at the end of the paddle. Now, the beginning.

Turtles already sunning as I set out from Wekiva Springs State Park at the realtively late hour of 9:25. Which gave a chance for the sun to warm things up after an overnight low of 35 at Orlando International, 40, at Orlando Executive Airport. The latter closer to me. Even colder along the banks of Rock Springs Run. Campers returning from Indian Mound told me they ice at the campsite.

Down the Wekiva, and up Rock Springs Run

I usually don't get wood duck photos on Rock Springs Rum. They tend to fly away.

Other than the guys returning from Indian Mound, the only people I saw on the way up Run was a family camping at Otter Camp. A girl was in the Run, fishing. "That's one way to warm up" The water being warmer than the air.

I saw an otter before turning around, here. The upstream view.

Looking down Rock Springs Run. The "second open area"

One of a trio of raccoons.

A few people on the Run, and the Wekiva as I returned to Wekiwa Springs State Park.

In the lagoon near the Spring, I was going to go to the right, to look for gators. A fairly large one likes that side. But, I saw an anhinga on the other side, and wondered if it was the one that Joanne had told me about. One with string or twine around its beak.

It was not. But, below, there was an alligator.

And turtles. I looked up, and there was dedicated paddler and Park volunteer, Joanne.

Sorry about the lousy picture.

We chatted, and a green heron landed. We both took pictures.

Neither of us noticing the little gator, which can't be seen in this picture.

I landed just past 1:30, loaded the kayak, and went for a walk.

A sign at the trail head on the hill above the Spring states this point is 0.9 miles. I turned back.

After no deer, on the paddle, I hoped for one on my stroll. Just as squirrel. This can be a good area for deer at dusk. As I walked, I had the idea in the future, bike to Sand Lake, and walk there. Less people. Also less shade, so a good winter hike.

I walked a bit over 2 miles, adding the Wet to Dry Boardwalk. Or for me, Dry to Wet.

I choose not to get wet, forgoing a dip in the Spring. Had to get some beer and munchies for the game. A classmate from grade school has the quote of the day.

"Would the aliens who kidnapped the Packers and replaced them with zombie clones, please return them?"