St. Francis / Dead River Run (Lake County Blueways)

Osprey

Today went back to the St. Francis / Dead River Run, which is part of what is called Lake County Blueways. Let us say that had an acceptable day and that I did survive. Most of this paddling trail sections are in the St. Johns River and, take my word on this, boaters here like to go fast.

Marker at St. Francis / Dead River Run

Put In / Take Out: Ed Stone Park in DeLand. Check the link for information but can tell you there is no fee on this one. Is a public boat ramp facility so kayaks and canoes have to be creative. Regardless, it is very nice.

Tri-Colored Heron

Not too much to say about this trip. Went from marker 1 to 6, took a 30 minutes break at a high ground area South of Marker 6, and had to continuously battle the wakes of the boats going up and down the river. Here is a map showing the paddling trail and as you will see, has three segments in the St. Johns River and motor boats will always be present so be prepared for that. One of them went by me at full speed and I almost ended in the water with camera and everything. Did not tip over because somehow use the paddle, that was deep into the water, to level the kayak. Enough of this. Let us go to the pics...

Red Shouldered Hawk

Red Shouldered Hawk

Osprey

Osprey

Bald Eagle...long shot. Waited until I was close to fly away

Juvenile Little Blue Heron

Juvenile Little Blue Heron

Osprey

Great Egret

Great Egret

Anhinga

Little Blue Heron

Little Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron

Belted Kingfisher

Juvenile Little Blue Heron

Tri-Colored Heron

Tri-Colored Heron

Another distant shot....Red Tailed Hawk vs Raven

Eastern Phoebe...they are baaaaaaack!!!!!!!

Eastern Phoebe

Gray Cat Bird

And this is it for this one. Check our Facebook Page for more pics from this and past trips. Thanks for checking the blog and hope you come back next week to share more Views From Our Kayak.

Distant Shot... Bald Eagle in the St. Johns River

Cedar Key

American Oystercatcher

Finally!!!!!!!!! We made it to Cedar Key. It was a one day proposition but made it there. I do not remember getting a pic of an American Oystercatcher before so this first timer takes the opening pic spot.

Cedar Key aerial scene

Put In / Take Out: Cedar Key City Park. Here is a link to a map with the location.

Brown Pelican

We did put in at the City Park with a very low tide. Had to walk 50 ft to finally be able to float the kayak. Paddled to Dog Island bordering the flats. From there we paddled to Atsena Otie Key, where we took a break. The plan was to continue exploring Grassy Key but wifey did quit after Atsena Otie Key and asked me to end the paddle and go back home. It was too hot for her. Have to say that this paddle left me unsatisfied but it was not because the place. I should know better than taking my wife to paddle at an open space. But in my defense I was counting on her to recharge after Atsena Otie Key, which did not happen. I will have to come back in a month or so. That being said here are the pics of what we saw on this trip...

Semipalmated Sandpiper (???)

Semipalmated Sandpiper (???)

Royal Tern (non breeding)

Sea Gull at a mud flat

Foster's Tern

Cedar Key

Snowy Egret

TBD

Whimbrel

American Oystercatcher

American Oystercatcher

Mud flats scene

Mud flats scene

Black Skimmer

Contortionist Foster's Tern 

Foster's Tern

Great Blue Heron

Black Skimmer

Great Egrets

Were not able to circle Dog Island. Tide too low and lots of oyster bars. So we headed to Atsena Otie Key the same way we came to Dog Island. It was then when we experienced our first dolphins sighting of this trip. They were too far away and it was choppy so were not able to get a decent pic. Regardless, here are the pics from this segment...

Dolphin

Atsena Otie Key

Atsena Otie Key

Terns at Atsena Otie Key Dock

Dock

Willet

Willet

Sea Gull

Osprey

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Royal Tern

Sandwich Tern

Sandwich Terns

Brown Pelican

Cormorant

Great Egret

Cormorant

I will have to return here soon but this is it for this one. Always check for more pics on our Facebook Page. Thanks for coming and hope you return again for our next Views From Our Kayak.

Dolphin swims by Cedar Key Fishing Pier