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