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| Looking Up |
Still trying to get back to the routine so paid a visit to Wekiwa Springs State Park to kayak Rock Springs Run. Every time I kayak there am excited because the chance of seeing a deer and/or a bear. Have seen deer many times, never a bear but I know they are there. Went 0-2 on this trip since no deer and no bear. Saw deer on the road, from the minivan, not from the kayak and have no pictures of them.
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| Young Little Blue Heron probably close to a year old. |
Put In / Take Out:
Wekiwa Springs State Park. Please click on the link for information like location and fees. This is a beautiful place to kayak/canoe but it can, and will, be crowded in the Summer. At 12:30 I walked in the concession to buy a snack and there was a waiting list for kayaks and canoes. It is that busy. Also, if you own a kayak or canoe, be sure to bring a cart as it is a long walk from the parking to the beach where you put in. I do really need to follow my own advice. Yesterday I forgot it...again.
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| Green Heron |
Had an early start and was in the water at 8:30 AM. Took me one hour to reach the confluence of the Wekiva River with Rock Springs Run. Had some pics chances on my way there with the highlight being a trio of otters. Here are the pics from this part of the paddle...
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| Lagoon little gator #1 |
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| Lagoon little gator #2, a few feet away from #1 |
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| Gator |
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| Gator |
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| Gator |
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| A squirrel caught this gator's attention |
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| Little Blue Heron |
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| Little Blue Heron |
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| Green Heron |
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| Green Heron |
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| Green Heron |
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| Limpkin |
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| Great Blue Heron |
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| Little Blue Heron gets breakfast |
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| Little Blue Heron |
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| Otter |
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| Otter |
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| Otter |
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| Otter |
Up to the Rock Springs Run. This time it was not the nice crystal clear flow but fast and reddish. I would like to blame the afternoon storms falling in Apopka for the last days but it am worried about the construction of the highway. I hope it is not the latter. Here are the pics taken on my way up and then down the run...
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| Belted Kingfisher |
I did not go too far up Rock Springs Run. It was hot and also the forecast had a 40% chance of thunderstorm for the afternoon. So turned back at the end of the first open area. As I approached the confluence with the Wekiva River it became busier and busier. The confluence was really busy but saw a lady I respect a lot. Joanne was doing her rounds as part of the Wekiva River Angels, volunteers that watch everybody behaves while in the river. Here are pics of what I saw from the confluence to the lagoon at Wekiwa Springs...
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| Green Heron |
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| Green Heron |
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| Osprey...Most of the people paddled by completely unaware of its presence. |
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| Osprey |
And this is it for this one. A good day at The Run and at the river. Thanks for coming and let us know how did you like this one. You can also check our Facebook Page for more pics and videos. See you soon, when we will be sharing more Views From Our Kayak.
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| Rock Springs Run |
I think I passed you right at the confluence with RSR! Did you have a GoPro? I was looking at that and not the paddler. Then Patti told me "Luis and Luis both said to tell you hello."
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, beautiful otter pictures! These guys have been popping up a lot lately, but not sticking around for a photo for me. Also, isn't it great to see the zippy little Kingfishers back to drive us crazy. I will miss the Swallowtail Kites, though. The season is changing....
ReplyDeleteYes Joanne. That was me and I have a video to support it :) Thanks for compliments about the otter pics. I saw them coming up the river, 200 ft past the infamous tree, and had to decide between an underwater video of them or pics. Went for the video...FAIL!!!!!!!!!!!! So followed them all the way back to the mentioned tree where they came out for less than a minute. Believe it or not saw a Swallow Tailed Kite in the morning. Got a pic but it was terrible.
DeleteGreat post, and video over on FB. The dark water is normal for this time of year. I recall a renter asking me, "When does it get clear" I answered, "November".
ReplyDeleteYes, that red tint in the water is normal for the rainy season. I saw one Swallowtail Kite yesterday. I'm not having a lot of luck with mammals these days---will have to rely on Dave for deer pics and Luis for otters. Wish I could find another bear!
DeleteJoanne, check the FB video and tell me if you recognize someone there.
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