Adventure outpost tours

Scanning a map of north Florida springs, it quickly becomes apparent that this unassuming little river,
which defines the northern boundary Alachua County, flows through the heart of Florida's famous
spring country. In addition to many famous springs, including Ginnie, Blue, Poe, Ichetucknee, Mission,
Rum Island, Columbia and July, there are dozens more that remain unnamed. But, there's
much more. Of all of the river's on which Adventure Outpost offers tours, this has the smallest
population of alligators. Most people are just fine with that. (if you want to see gators, there
are plenty in other nearby waters - we'll gladly point the way!) On the other hand, you'll find
more turtles here than any other north Florida river. Not only in actual numbers (it's not
uncommon to see a couple of hundred in a 3 - 4 hours of paddling) but it has the greatest number
of species. Water birds, deer, wild hogs and otters are some of the other animals commonly seen.

There are actually two distinct sections of the Santa Fe, separated by a three mile land bridge
where the river goes underground. This is located in O'Leno State Park. The 30 mile section above
O'Leno Park is a small tannic stream with it's headwaters in Santa Fe swamp, near Melrose.
After threading through a series of swamps and small, forested channels, the river falls into an
underground cavern at the River Sink. Three miles to the south, the river resurfaces at
River Rise. The flow here is greater than when it went underground because it connects with a
channel from the Floridan aquifer. Recharged with the added water, the river is renewed. This
is where the springs begin and it is this part of the river where most of
the recreational opportunities are found.

The nine mile stretch between hwy. 27 and hwy. 47 begins as a slow, slightly tannic river with
only the slightest inclination to move westward. Without the benefit of a paddle, canoes and kayaks
will surrender their obedience to the river's current in favor of the slightest breeze - even if it's
blowing in the upstream direction.

Moving downstream, the river alternately loses water by way of siphons (underwater cracks which
drain the water into deep, underground channels of the aquifer) and gains water by way of
springs (which bring water up to the surface from the aquifer). By the time it passes Ginnie
Springs, the river has gained more water from the springs than it has lost from siphons,
and it's moving at a nice pace. The paddler can now divert his attention away from the task of
propelling his craft and check out the surroundings. Spotting some features, such as Big Awesome
siphon and Myrtle's Fissure require a curious spirit and watchful eye. Others, like Little Awesome
siphon (during low water) are apparent to even the most unobservant passers-by.

Of all the rivers in north Florida, there is perhaps none with the fantastic population of turtles that
you'll see on the Santa Fe. Most common are peninsular cooters, and chicken turtles. Occasionally
you might also see a Florida snapping turtle. If you have a chance to camp alongside one of
the river's many springs, shine your flashlight into the clear waters and watch dozens
of small musk turtles scurrying across the white, sandy bottom.

There are plenty of otters in the river. Keep a good eye out for them near Columbia Spring
and up toward River Rise.

As with so much of Florida, feral hogs are well established. Campers near the Santa Fe
River Park, will usually spend much of the night listening to these 'piney rooters' churning
up the landscape around their campsite. The first hogs to frolic in the Santa Fe woodlands
were plodding at the heels of the first Europeans to frolic here - the Spanish conquistadores
who crossed the river in 1539 (more about this in the "History" section below).

Florida's earliest inhabitants who first arrived nearly twelve thousand years ago, found game to
be plentiful in the lush Santa Fe forests and at the many springs along the river. One of the earliest
dated artifacts of human presence in Florida came from a paleo-Indian camp site found near Hornsby
Spring. Here, a spear tip imbedded in a mammoth bone gave clear evidence of a nomadic hunters
brave efforts to feed his family. Another interesting prehistoric site is near the Hwy 27 bridge,
where the remains of a fishing weir was discovered in the river bottom. This was a row of
posts spanning the river in a V-shaped configuration, with the point of the V pointing downstream.
In the point, a basket would catch fish driven down by a group of Indians.

In 1539, Hernando de Soto led an army of nearly 500 Spanish soldiers on an exploratory mission
through Florida. Earlier Spanish expeditions to South and Central America had yielded unimaginable
wealth (at the expense of the natives who rightfully owned it) and the rush was on to find similar
loot in La Florida. Fortunately for the Indians of north Florida, their wealth was not in gold
or precious minerals, but in rich land. That would be taken later. For now, the Spanish
moved through quickly, making winter camp in the Tallahassee area before continuing westward.

In the 1600's, Spanish missionaries of the Franciscan order established a network of missions and
outposts across north Florida. Most were built at Indian villages that sat alongside an important Indian
trail, stretching from the St. Augustine area to the mission San Luis in present day Tallahassee.
For nearly a century, this important era in north Florida's history, resulted in the total demise of
the Indian populations through disease, abuse and warfare. Today, many place names in
north Florida can trace their origins to the mission period. Some of our primary Rivers, including
St. Mary's, St. Johns, St. Marks and even Suwannee get their names from missions that were
located on their banks. Santa Fe river gets it's name from an important mission, Santa Fe de Teleco,
that overlooked a broad, beautiful valley of the Santa Fe a few miles east of
today's O'leno State Park.

Unguided paddle trips
(click here for information about guided trips on the Santa Fe)

Launching from Hwy 441 boat ramp
(you can also launch from Hwy 27 ramp for a shorter trip - no extra charge ; - )

Destination Kayak Tandem Kayak Canoe
(single person) (two people) (2 people)

River Rise (3 hrs. - upstream and back) ..................................... $18 ............................ $26 .......................... $24
Hwy 27 bridge (1½ hrs*) ...................................................... $18 ............................ $26 ........................... $24
Poe Springs (2 hrs*)................................................................ $23............................. $34 ............................ $32
Rum Island (2 hrs*).................................................................$23.............................. $34 ............................$32
Blue Springs (3 hrs*) .............................................................. $26............................. $38 ........................... $34
Ginnie Springs (3.5 hrs*) ........................................................ $30............................. $42 ........................... $36
Hwy 47 bridge (4.5 hrs*) ....................................................... $27............................. $42 ............................ $36

Extra passengers (over 2 people) in canoes are $5 each
Prices include: boat rental, paddles, vests, seat backs, cushions, maps, parking and shuttling
Prices do not include: park entry fees (Poe Springs - $5, Blue Springs - $8, Ginnie Springs. $10)

* Paddle times may vary according to river conditions and individual paddling speed.

Dec. 01, 2005 - Waters have returned to normal levels, which mean a few shoal areas - most
notably at the High Springs boat ramp off Hwy 441, Just upstream from Poe Springs and mile
downstream from Ginnie Springs. These are all easy to paddle over, but motor boats beware.

Feb. 08, 2006 - All parks and ramps are open. Water levels near average, but flow is faster.
Great time to paddle. No obstructions or shoals anywhere.

March 2, 2006 - All parks and ramps are open. Water levels are a bit elevated from
recent rains and flow is a little faster than average (about 2 - 2.5 mph).

Spring has descended upon the Santa Fe valley. Like kids in a schoolyard, many of the forest inhabitants
refuse to consider the possibility of another frost and are celebrating the warmth with unrestrained
excitement. Most notable are the huge swaths of rain lilies (Zephyranthes atamasco) that crowd the
shaded floor of the lowest sections of forest. Red maples have already flowered and are now carrying
heavy loads of their scarlet sumara (seeds). Many are sprouting their new, spring greenery. Oaks,
hornbeams, blue beech and ash trees, are loaded with fresh green leaves and pollen laden blooms.
Some of the forest inhabitants, however, are ever-reluctant to change. Somber old-man
cypress, always content to languish in a state of solemn, southern contentment, refuses to show the
slightest acknowledgement of the advancing season. Some among the hickory and Florida maple
tribes stand firm at his side and have yet to unfurl even a single new leaf. So, while spring is in the
air, the Santa Fe river forest is retaining some of its quiet, wintry mood.

May 2, 2006 - All parks and ramps are open. Water levels are near average and
there are no places requiring pullovers, although there are a couple of rocky shoals.
Flow rate is averaging about 2 mph.

August 11, 2006 - Water levels are low, but there are no places where you have to get out of
your boat (unless you accidentally get into a very shallow spot. In these places, just back-paddle
and move over to better water). On a sad note, our buddy Naked Ed is no longer at Lily Spring.
(I guess we knew this day was coming.). There's a possibility this situation will change and he can
return, but it's not looking good. Ed has been a good caretaker of the spring over the last
20 years and has added a fun element to many people's Santa Fe River experience. He'll
definitely be missed. There is currently a rope across the spring run preventing access. On the bright
side, Poe Spring Park, under their new manager Karl, is continuing to allow a brief stop-over at the
park for a quick swim. Please respect their 20 minute time limit so they will
continue this welcome attitude.

November 12, 2006 - Ed's back! The finest minds in the land have finally reached some sort of
workable arrangement and Ed has resumed his humble place in this world - on the banks of Lily Spring.
Be sure to take a little side-paddle up Lily Spring run and welcome him home!

March 9, 2007 - Rain Lilies and butterweed are decorating the river banks and low forest glades
with their white and yellow blooms. Water levels continue to drop. There's still plenty
for paddling, but we recommend putting in at Hwy 27. The stretch between Hwy 441
and Hwy 27 has several areas where you'll need to portage, which can be avoided by
launching at Hwy 27 and paddling down from there.

April 25, 2007 - The water is getting lower, but if you put in at Hwy 27, you won't have to get
out of your boat for any portaging. Wading birds are enjoying the exposed, shallow areas. Watch for
white ibis, egrets and, occasional limpkins. Wood storks are fairly common at this time.

August 2, 2007 - We've had some afternoon showers, but the river remains very low.
You should avoid the section between Hwy 441 and Hwy 27 as there are a few areas
where you'll need to leave the boats and pull across rocks and sand bars. From Hwy 27 on down,
it's fine - no pull-overs. In fact the low water makes for great viewing of fish, turtles and
other aquatic critters.

March 08, 2008 - The heavy rains two weeks ago combined with today's deluge has brought
the Santa Fe up to above average conditions. Paddling is great up here. Below Hollingsworth Bluff the
river is above average and rising. In the lowest part of the river, around Three River Estates,
Ichetucknee confluence and down to the Suwannee confluence, the river is slightly flooded (not over
any roads yet, but close). Today's heavy rains is certain to raise levels considerably so flooding seems
imminent. Definitely check with us if you plan on paddling the lower Santa Fe or Suwannee any
time in the next few weeks.

NOTE: Poe Springs management has started allowing a 20 minute stop-over to swim and
stretch your legs - no charge!. This is a very welcome offer that we've been requesting for years,
so please be respectful of the opportunity. Don't stay longer than 20 minutes! This is a generous
offer from the Park, so let's not abuse it. Always use the docking area to get in and out of your
boat and be sure to express your gratitude if you run into a staff person.

We currently lead tours on over 40 waterways throughout North Florida.
The trips listed on our "Launch Menu" have been selected to give a full representation of
North Florida's rich variety of waterways. Cypress swamps, hardwood swamps,
river hardwood forests, darkwater rivers, spring runs and marshes are among the
variety of habitats we explore. With a legacy of prehistoric inhabitants and
human history and their enchanting natural beauty, each of these wetlands is unique.
And, each is the happy home to a fascinating array of plants and animals.

Most Adventure Outpost tours are led by Lars Andersen, author of the
North Florida Adventure, an educational audio cassette, self-guided
tour of north Florida (Grinnin' Lizard Productions, Dallas, TX, 1988) and
Paynes Prairie: A History of the Great Savanna. (Pineapple Press,
Sarasota, Florida, 2001 (hardback), 2nd edition, 2004 (softback).

With over thirty years experience in exploring Florida's wildest places,
(yeah, that includes the wonder-filled ramblings of a curious little boy :o)
Lars' knowledge and understanding of the area's cultural and
natural history helps make each of our tours a meaningful and
educational exploration of the 'real' Florida.

Occasionally, we bring in "guest guides" with expertise in fields like
birding, plant identification, edible wild plants, archaeology, history and others.
Watch the Calendar for these special trips.

Calendar

We usually do 2 - 3 guided explorations per week. To see what's being planned,
visit our Calendar or give us a call at (386) 454-0611. Most of our trips are the result of
customers requests, so if you have a trip you'd like to do, give us a call and we'll set it up.

E-mail list

If you live in the area and are interested in hearing about scheduled trips that still
have space available, you can get on our "wanna go" e-mail list. There's
no charge or obligation. Just e-mail us at riverguide2000@yahoo.com
saying you'd like to be on the list and we'll include your name.
You will then receive 1 - 2 e-mails per week telling you
what trips are coming up.

Alachua Lake	Deep Creek (St. Johns)	Ocklawaha R. #1	River Rise	Suncoast Keys (Ozello)	Weeki Wachee River
Aucilla R.	Guana River S.P.	Ocklawaha R. #2	River Styx	Suwannee River #1	Wekiva River (St Johns)
Bear Creek	Gum Slough	Ocklawaha R. #3	Wild Side of St. Augustine	Suwannee River #2	Withlacoochee (north)
Black Creek	Hillsborough River	Olustee Creek	St. Johns "Battle Lagoon"	Suwannee River #3	Withlacoochee (south.)
Canaveral Natl. Seashore	Homosassa River	Ozello (Suncoast Keys)	St. Marks River	Suwannee River #4
Cedar Key	Hontoon Island	Paynes Prairie	St. Mary's River.	Suwannee River #5
Chassahowitzka River	Ichetucknee River	Pee Gee Run	Salt Springs	Tomoka River
Cross Creek	Julington Creek	Prairie Creek	Santa Fe River	Waccasassa River
Crystal River	Juniper Run	Rainbow River	Silver River	Wacissa/Aucilla Rivers
Cumberland Island	Newnans Lake	Rock Springs	Steinhatchee River	Wakulla River

During the cooler months, (November thru April) we lead canoe and kayak trips to
some of the best manatee viewing waters in Florida. On these tours, we visit some of the manatees
favorite winter haunts where we enjoy the company of these huge marine mammals up close and
personal. But our explorations are much more inclusive than just quickly going to the manatees and
coming back. We explore many of the springs, marshes and more natural areas of King's Bay and
Crystal River. We usually encounter manatees all day as we also enjoy viewing the myriad numbers of
water birds that spend the winter here, as well as dolphins, otters, raccoons, bald eagles, white pelicans,
brown pelicans and more. It's a fantastic area that should be appreciated for it's tremendous
wildlife, history and prehistoric sites and not simply as a manatee holding facility.

Our most popular manatee trip is Crystal River, where you'll paddle among the largest winter
congregation of Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). The 300+ animals that winter in
Crystal River represent nearly 10% of the entire population. In addition, you'll also learn about the
many springs and Indian village sites in the area.

Another good place to see manatees is Homosassa River, although there are many houses
along the run. For more intimate manatee encounters, we journey to rivers like Weeki Wachee spring
run, and the wilds of Chassahowitzka River where the smaller number of manatees is
compensated by the natural beauty of some of Florida's most scenic rivers.

Cost - $39.00 per person. Reservation required.
Check the calendar for dates

Every month, near the full moon, we lead moonlit tours down the
Santa Fe river. These trips entail a two hour paddle ending at Poe Springs where
a warm bonfire, refreshments and a cool swim in the spring awaits us.

Unlike our day trips, where scenery and animal watching are the main focus,
moonlight paddles are more about relaxing, checking out the stars and enjoying
good company. But, don't rule out animal observation altogether.

Our arrival on the river is usually heralded by a rousing chorus of green tree frogs and
cicadas. Before long, as you settle into the quiet pace of the river, you'll slowly become
aware of the more subtle creatures of the night. Focusing your attention on the sky,
you might glimpse a bat or a swift working hard to free the world of mosquitoes
and other airborn munchables. Occasionally, a pair of barred owls will call out to
each other, sometimes from a quarter mile away. With any luck, you'll hear their
conversation degenerate from a civil exchange of hoots and hooty-hoo's to a
raucous bout of cackling that sounds like a Chihuahua with a duck stuck in it's throat.

During the dark hours there is as much, if not more, wildlife moving around than in
the day. With the help of your flashlight, you might see a family of raccoons, rooting
armadillos or an occasional deer feeding at the riverside. Fishing spiders perch at
the waters edge, dangling a leg in the water waiting to detect an approaching
fish on which to jump. Listen and you'll hear owls, frogs,
crickets or the eerie call of a limpkin.

We also see a beaver or two on many of these moonlight trips. Northern
visitors, who are often giddy at the thought of visiting Orlando's famous,
big-eared, lederhosen-clad mouse, aren't so impressed with our beavers.
Apparently, these huge rodents are still holding there own in northern
regions. But here in Florida, where beavers were wiped out by fur
trappers in the 1800's, we celebrate their return in recent
decades. They're always quick to announce their return to Florida
riverscape with a sudden, loud slap of the tail on the water surface as it
dives out of sight. It's a stunt that's intended to startle potential predators,
but it's pretty effective on paddlers as well.

Cost - $35.00 per person. Reservation required.
Check the calendar for dates

Join local history writer, Lars Andersen, on an exploration of
the history and prehistory of some of North Florida's most
scenic and remote locations. These trips are made by
canoe, kayak, bike, hike or car (depending on the destination). Our most
popular "History Tours" are Ocklawaha River, Santa Fe River,
Suwannee River, Withlacoochee River (S.), and
our most popular history tour,
the Wild Side of St. Augustine
Watch the calendar or call for schedule of planned trips.

For those who rate their outdoor experiences by the quantity of mud they
get in their boots, grit in their teeth, and crud in their hair, we offer the
X-Stream trips such as River Styx and Gum Slough. And, if ending the day
looking like a 'Skunk Ape' (Florida's smelly version of Bigfoot) isn't reward
enough, take heart in knowing that these explorations take us into
some of the most breath-taking, untouched regions of North Florida.
Experience the thrill of going
"where no one in their right mind has gone before".