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| Silver River Spa |
Today took a day off from work and did paddle at the Silver River. The State took over the old attraction and Silver Springs State Park is scheduled to open this Tuesday. So this weekend is the last chance to paddle in the area without the noise of the glass bottom boats and the crowds. Did not want to take my chances tomorrow so went today. It was a heck of a day: birds, gators, and monkeys. Since the Silver River is unique for the famous Rhesus Monkeys, they got the opening pic.
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| Tri-Colored Heron |
Put In / Take Out: Rays Wayside or, as it is known,
Ocala Boat Club. There is $5 charge per vehicle. An attendant may or may not be in the boot. If there is no attendant use the envelopes provided and leave your payment in a drop box.
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| Ibis |
I do not have too many things to say about this one. The traffic in the river was minimal, no more than 5 motor boats, a handful of kayakers, and a canoe that put in at the park ramp. Found the river a bit faster than other times since felt it while taking the pictures. Made it to the head springs in a little less than 3 hours and had a conversation with a local newspaper reporter.
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| Three in a row |
Let us make a parenthesis here and write about monkeys. On my way to Ray's, maybe 1.5 mile away down stream, stopped paddling to take a sip of water. Heard a screech in the forest and looked for the origin. I was sure it was a monkey but could not see any or any movement. Looked at the top of a tree and BINGO...Mom and a baby. Thought that was going to go monkey-less for this one. Spent a lot of time there waiting for a good shot chance because the monkeys had the Sun in their backs. Then saw a group of four grooming in a log and was able to get a few pics, including the opening one. Let us do some monkey time...
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| Grooming lesson..."You see that spot there? That is a flea" |
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| Being a mother is a 24/7 365 days job |
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| Little ones monkeying around. |
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| "That feels so gooooood" |
