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Ocklawaha River #1
(Silver River - Gore's Landing)

* Adventure Outpost dedicates this trip to the Florida Defenders of the Environment and to
the memory Marjorie Harris Carr. Were it not for their passion and devotion to
preserving the Ocklawaha, this natural treasure would now be a barge canal.

Cost: $39.00 per person. (includes boat {kayak or canoe}, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 people.

Trip length : 4 - 4.5 hrs.

Skill level: Great for beginners and experts alike.

Dates

Join us for a scheduled tour. (see calendar for trips being planned).
If you see a free date on the calendar, suggest
the trip of your choice and we'll post it!
or,
schedule your own private tour. Call for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Click on link below for a local map and then use zoom and panning arrows to explore the area.
Note: the red star is NOT our meeting place, but just a nearby town or landmark.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&address=&city=Conner&state=FL&zipcode=

Description

This trip begins with a brief, fifteen minute float down the Silver river to it's confluence with the Ocklawaha. Here, as the Silver's cold, clear water blends with the warm, tannin stained waters of the Ocklawaha, the significance of the huge spring run to the Ocklawaha system is apparent. The change is so abrupt that you can hang your hands off each side of your boat and feel water that's too warm for a comfortable swim on one side and too cold on the other.

Making our way down stream, the channel winds through a beautiful swamp of cypress, ash, tupelo, palm and maple, occasionally carrying us close to the high bluff which defines the swamp's eastern edge. This abrupt rise was formed millions of years ago by an uplift fault. In fact, this whole section of the Ocklawaha follows an ancient fault line. The river itself, while not nearly as old as the faults, is exceptionally old by Florida standards. Scientists have found that the muck and peat which underlie the swamp is nearly 17,000 years old.

History buffs and those interested in Florida's early inhabitants will be interested in the old village sites and tales of pioneer Florida. With its setting among cypress swamps, hardwood forests, and marshes, this is probably the best trip for visitors from foreign lands and northern climes who want to experience the real essence of subtropical Florida.

Wildlife

The mile-wide bottomland forest through which this section of the river flows is a great wildlife habitat. Bear, deer, bobcats and otter are part of the area's diverse fauna. This was also one of the last refuges of the Florida panther before it's meager, endangered population was pushed into the remote wilderness of south Florida. During the winter months, migrant birds add a whole new chorus to the 'music' of the swamp.

One critter who doesn't inhabit these swamps are humans. Too low and prone to flood for permanent settlement, the only people found here are those, like us, who are just passing through. The only time we see signs of civilization is when the river flows close to the high bluffs on the swamp's east side.

Spanish Moss
Tillandsia usneoides

This unusual gray, hanging moss is actually a wispy, thin relative of the pineapple. While found throughout Florida, it prefers damp, shaded forests. It's primary means of reproduction is vegetative - with sections of it's feathery growth breaking off in the wind and drifting to another tree branch to drape across. It usually doesn't have roots, except for small plants which start from seed. In the spring, the faint aroma from the small, inconspicuous pale-green flowers are a welcome gift of spring. Contrary to popular belief, they are not parasitic plants. The small, hair-like scales (trichomes) which coat the plant absorb moisture and water from the air. It was once believed the scales repelled water. For this reason, Linnaeus named the genus Tillandsia, a good-natured jab at one of his students, nicknamed Tillands, who was prone to sea-sickness and always traveled by land when they went on collecting trips. This plant was used by native women who made capes and skirts from them. White Floridians used it for cushioning in car seats and upholstery. As recently as the mid-nineteen hundreds, Florida had a number of 'hair factories' where moss was commercially processed.

History

The earliest historic account of swimming in these waters is not of a person, but of a dog. When the explorer Hernando De Soto came here in 1539, this region was the domain of Acuera Indians. While searching the area for Indian food stores to plunder, the Spaniards came to the Ocklawaha. On the opposite bank they saw Acuera warriors, who made it clear that the soldiers weren't welcome. Unable to cross the river under a persistent hail of arrows, De Soto decided to sic his dog on the Indians. By the time he reached the far bank, the dog was reportedly riddled with nearly 50 arrows. He crawled out of the river and died at the Indians feet. De Soto got the message and left.

A century later, the Acuera were still firmly entrenched and actively shunned the outside world. One chief's domain, hidden deep in the forest, was reminiscent of the book "Heart of Darkness" or the movie "Apocalypse Now." To avoid detection by the outside world, he put a bounty on the head of any Spaniard who came into his domain. This tactic worked so well that no one even knew this tribe existed until one of their warriors was captured in the woods near the La Chua ranch.

In 1814, American patriots also chose this remote area to avoid detection when they built fort Mitchell in the heart of Spanish Florida. The plan was to claim Florida as their own and then hand it over to the U.S. government. Unfortunately for the "patriots", U.S. leaders wanted nothing to do with the scheme. Before long, the Seminoles found the fort, killed a number of the men and sent the rest packing.

Later in the same century, local secessionists secretly trained at the abandoned fort site, in preparation for coming Civil War. After the war, it was the Ku Klux Clan who used the isolated site for their ceremonies.

On all sections of the Ocklawaha, old beaches and worn-down tracks mark the locations of steam-boat landings from the 1800's. On this trip, we pass the site of Grahamville, the largest "ghost town" on the river. Old photos show a large mill and landing operation serving a community which sat atop the nearby bluff. As the steamboat era faded, so too did Grahamville. Today, there are a number of residences in the area, but nothing remains of the once-thriving town.

True to the legacy of steam boating on the Ocklawaha, this modern day replica sank in the spring of 2004.
Thanks to our friends, Sandy Hubbard, Gerry Trouba and the Silent Otters paddle Club for the photos

Trip Notes and Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know and we'll post them here)

March 2, 2006 - Water levels are a little high, giving the river forest a good soaking. At this time of year, we get a great demonstration of the subtle differences a few fractions of a degree in latitude makes on the environment. Here, in the Ocklawaha valley, red maples are a bit greener and more of their ripe, red samara (seeds) have dropped than those in the next valley to the north, along the Santa Fe. Elm leaves are bigger, newly unfurled ash leaves are a bit longer, the dust of oak pollen is more apparent. The forests of the Suwannee are just a shade less green. Fewer flowers have dared open and unopened buds are not as plump. But in either place, there's no mistaking it - spring is here!!

Sept. 20, 2007 - The controversial clearing of "hazards" from the river (the most recent, in a long history of political/human follies that have been inflicted upon this gentle river) is complete and the healing process has begun. Water birds are having to look a little harder for good limbs to perch upon, as they scan the water for dinner, and photographers are having to search a little longer for scenes with beautiful limbs overhanging the river. But, thankfully, the fishermen, whose boats average about 7 - 8 feet wide should have no trouble threading through the 20 ft wide swath that was sawed out.

Sept, 05, 2008 - Water levels are still high from TS Fay and the river forest is getting a badly needed soaking. While the water is running at a nice, quick pace and there's clear passage through this entire stretch, paddlers need to be extra cautious to avoid logs, snags and low hanging limbs. The quick current will pin your boat against such obstacles and it's hard to pull out. In extreme situations (fast water moving under your boat while you're pinned) could undermine and tip your boat. In these situations, always lean AWAY from the oncoming water. And, always keep at least one paddle partner nearby. The old "buddy system" is a great idea!

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/uv?02239510

(Journey Home)

Ocklawaha River #2
(Gore's Landing - Eureka)

** Adventure Outpost dedicates this trip to the Florida Defenders of the Environment and to
the memory Marjorie Harris Carr. Were it not for their passion and devotion to
preserving the Ocklawaha, this natural treasure would now be a barge canal.

Cost: $39.00 per person (includes boat (kayak or canoe), paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 people.

Trip length : 4 - 4.5 hrs

Skill level: Great for beginners and experts alike.

Difficulty: This is easy flowing water with few (if any) obstacles. And it's all downstream. Novices will not have a problem. The main consideration is your endurance. For some, 3 - 4 hours of paddling can be tiring. But, it's all downstream and, as many of you know, we encourage paddlers to take their time to enjoy the surroundings.

Dates

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

This is the Ocklawaha which Florida's noted author, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, knew and loved. And it's the Ocklawaha to which a couple of Florida's most celebrated musical troubadours, the late, great Will Mclean and Don Grooms, retreated when the press of civilization became unbearable.

The scenery for most of this trip is dominated by a wonderful panorama of river forests and swamps, with the usual menagerie of wildlife that love such places. Occasionally, as with the adjoining stretch of the river described above, the river carries us close to the high piney bluff which borders the river basin for many miles to the north and south of here. This steep bluff, formed by uplift fault activity and earthquakes millions of years ago, marks the western edge of Florida's famous sand pine forest - the 'scrub.'

This trip has a lot to offer to people with a variety of interests. As history buffs dream of Acuera warriors and steamboats which once once plied these waters, birders and animal lovers will be getting a lot of use out of their binoculars and cameras. And if you, like myself, are fans of Marjorie Rawlings, this trip will give you a chance to explore a remote section of Florida that remains much as it did when she stayed nearby at the Fiddia homestead, researching her book, The Yearling.

Wildlife

The abundance and diversity of birds in a habitat reflect the complexity of that habitat - and the Ocklawaha swamp is one of the most complex habitats in the state. Throughout the summer, red-shouldered hawks and barred owls are occasionally seen gliding through the canopy in search of rodents, reptiles and, sometimes other, smaller birds. The songsters of the swamp are the warblers. Swainson's, hooded and parula common summer residents, while in the winter, you are more likely to hear (and see) the beautiful little yellow and grey, prothonotary warbler.

Lars describes the "catch of the day," a 2 ft. Florida Brown water snake

- Forager's Notebook -

Water Hyacinth
(Eichhornia crassipes)

This exotic plant, an unwelcome import from South America, has edible leaves, roots and flowers. But be sure to boil or steam them first, as the raw plant parts burn like hell in the mouth. Leaves are a fair source of vitamins A, B1 and B2. They contain 18.7% protein, 17.1% fiber and 36.6% carbohydrates. The roots are 11% protein, 7.9% fiber and 41.6% carbohydrates. But all nutritional values aside, I think the best tasting part is the crisp, tender stolons which connect the plants at the roots. Each year, the state of Florida spends nearly $15 million to control this plant. Some of this is by spraying poisons, so be very careful where you gather hyacinths.

History

After the annihilation of the Timucuas, Creek migrants (soon to be called Seminoles) moved in to the Ocklawaha country. Some of the bigger villages were those of Black Dirt (located near the confluence of Eaton Creek) and Coe Hadjo (to the north of Eureka). One of the first treaties made between the Seminoles and American settlers was signed at a well-known gathering spot along the river known as Paynes Landing.

After the Seminoles were driven south into the Everglades or deported to the west, the river was opened up to commerce. It took over a year for the river to be cleared of downfallen trees before steamboats could make the journey up. Even then, the narrowness of the stream and overhanging trees required some modifications to be made to the traditional steamboat design. The odd, little Ocklawaha steamers, which Sidney Lanier described as looking somewhat like a "Pensacola gopher" (a tortoise), made their way.

Trips Notes and Recent Conditions

(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know and we'll post them here)

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/uv?02239510

(Journey Home)

Ocklawaha River #2.5
(Florida's Pompeii - The Reservoir)

Cost: $39 per person. (includes boat (kayak or canoe), paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 people.

Trip length : 4 - 4.5 hrs.

Skill level: Great for beginners and experts alike.

Difficulty: This is an easy paddle on slow, tannin-stained waters. There is plenty of water
here so you won't have to pull over any shoals or shallows.

Dates

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

Every few years, the water level of Rodman Reservoir is lowered by about 6 - 7 feet to expose and kill exotic hydrilla plants which impede navigation and choke out wildlife. Also exposed, is the old river channel, giving a rare opportunity to see (and paddle!) the lost segment of the river. It is only during these draw-downs that we offer this tour.

When the reservoir was built in the 1960's, as part of the ill-conceived Cross-Florida Barge Canal, a straight channel was dug across the reservoir to accommodate heavy barges. In areas of the reservoir that the canal didn't cross, the forest trees were left standing in the water and allowed to die on their own. As these standing trees decayed, those parts of their trunks above the water line toppled into the water while their lower, submerged parts of their trunks were somewhat preserved. The result is a topped-off forest (usually submerged) of seven foot tall tree trunks. When the water is drawn down, this stump forest is revealed - a silent, stone-grey monument to a once beautiful swamp forest.

Paddling the old channel, one has the sense of being in a Florida version of Pompeii - a once-thriving forest, frozen in time. Only here, rather than lava, it was the dark, tannic flow of the dammed up river itself that entombed the forest. The degree to which this forest of stumps has been preserved for nearly half a century is surprising. The buttressed trunk of a cypress stands with all the grace of the giant it would have become. At it's side, a small holly trunk angles out over the river, reaching up toward the filtered sunlight that leaked through the cypress' canopy. Dogwoods, ash, gum, hickory and others; all identifiable by their unique features; all standing ready for a season which never arrived.

Even in death, this silent forest attracts a rich variety of animal life. Alligators rest on the newly exposed river bank, enjoying the sunshine provided by a topless forest. Egrets and herons feed in the shallows while ibis tiptoe through the thick, new growth of pennywort, smartweed (Polygonum) and beautiful parrot feather plants (Myriophyllum aquaticum) that, even though they're exotic species, add a welcome element of green.

Redwing-blackbirds and grackles seem to have too many choices - perform courtship rituals, feed among the trunks, or chatter at passing boaters. On a recent visit to the dried reservoir, I saw a couple of yellow-crowned night herons and an American bittern. But, most notable are the ospreys. The concentration of them on this reservoir is impressive - probably at least a dozen nesting pairs (and I'm guessing conservatively). Bald eagles are also around too, so keep a sharp eye to the sky.

We'll also get a bit of history on this trip, starting with our launch from the site of the old Orange Creek ferry. A short way downstream, we'll pass the site of Ft. Brook, a Seminole War fort that, later, played a key role in the Civil War. During the later years of the war, contraband, including guns, ammunition and other supplies were shipped by a chain of blockade runners and steamboats to Ft. Brook. From here, they were taken by wagon to the rail line at Waldo where they were then shipped north to the troops. Hubbard Hart, whose steamboats were used for this intrigue, made this his base of operations and moved his family here.

Continuing downstream, occasional high banks mark the sites of other steamboat landings, including Cedar Landing. A community of the same name still lies nestled in the nearby forest.

Our lunch stop is at another landing, alternately known as Blue Spring or Salt Spring. Here, we can see the spring basin of the largest of a half dozen springs that are covered when the reservoir is full of water. The dark sediment on the bottom and the mix of tannic water flowing over it, gives the spring a dark color, but the flow is still noticeable. Old timers tell us this was a favorite swimming hole for the locals and had a bath house at the time of inundation.

From here, we'll follow the old spring run, known as Indian Creek, back out to the main channel and around to our takeout.

Blue Spring exposed by drawdown

Trips Notes and Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know and we'll post them here)

Feb 20, 2005 - Today we we were treated to the company of lots of birds, including one bald eagle and several ospreys. Grackles heckled us and a few red-winged blackbirds worked the stumps. As always, the gnarled forms of mummified trunks - looking like huge pieces of standing driftwood, kept the camera's clicking. The marsh vegetation has already coated much of the wet, exposed muck. Hydocotyle, smartweed and parrot feather dominate. This drawdown will end March 1, when the waters will be allowed to rise once again and stifle the forest that so desperately wants to grow here.

March 05, 2008 - The reservoir is currently drawn down, allowing us to do this trip and get a sense of what was lost with creation of this reservoir. With any luck (and a lot of us speaking out) we could some day see this reservoir permanently drawn down and we could watch the Ocklawaha river be reborn. Birding is great on the reservoir - lots of osprey, wading birds and others. Bald eagles are nesting nearby.

(Journey Home)

Ocklawaha River #3
(below the Dam)

Cost: $39.00 per person. (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 people.

Trip length: 4 - 4.5 hrs.

Skill level: Great for beginners and experts alike.

Difficulty: This is an easy paddle on slow, tannin-stained waters. There is plenty of water
here so you won't have to pull over any shoals or shallows.

Dates

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

The George Kirkpatrick Dam ( formerly Rodman Dam) is a fitting launch place for our exploration of a beautifully preserved section of the river as it once was, and as it will hopefully be again. Fantastic riverine forest, lots of wildlife, exploration of an ancient Indian mound and steam boat landing highlight this tour.

Unlike the upstream sections, where the canopy is often closed overhead, the lower Ocklawaha is more open, allowing us to get a sweeping view of the foliage lining the river. But, it's also much more braided. Many side streams and confusing forks make this an interesting area to explore, but can turn a leisurely paddle into an extreme workout if you make a wrong turn. You won't want to get too far ahead of the guide on this trip.

This is one of the best rivers for autumn colors in Florida. Cypress trees, with their brilliant copper foliage, tower over tupelos, dogwoods, sweet gum, elm and other with varying degrees of red, crimson, purple and yellow. Long vines of Woodbine and poison ivy weave their multi-colored foliage around the trunks and throughout all of the vegetation layers - ground level, underbrush and tree canopies alike. The stars of the autumn show are the red maples whose abundance and deep scarlet color will keep your camera clicking.

Red Maple
Acer rubrum

These trees are uncharacteristically sturdy for the maple clan. This allows them to grow much larger and older than some other maples. We don't have sugar maples here, but you can get a second-rate sugar from red maples if you're desperate. A more common use of this tree is for implements such as wooden coat hangers. One of this species most striking features is the beautiful red color of it's autumn foliage. The abundance of these trees, along with some other colorful inhabitant, makes the Ocklawaha forest one of the finest areas to enjoy fall colors in Florida. The red leaves are toxic to horses, however. Three pounds can be lethal. By virtue of their light, winged seeds (samara), these trees are quick to colonize any cleared patch of ground in wetlands. Another trick that makes them successful is their ability to change sexual orientation, sometimes having both male and female flowers on the same tree, sometimes they're separate.

Wildlife

This section, like others on the Ocklawaha, has a nice assortment of egrets, herons, ibis and other water birds. We often see otters, deer, alligators, snakes, swallow-tailed kites, bald eagles and an occasional wild hog. This is also bear country.

History

In addition to it's scenic beauty, this stretch of the Ocklawaha also serves as an excellent 'living museum' of man's 12,000 year relationship with nature in Florida. As we make our way downstream, we work back in time - starting with our launch at the George Kirkpatrick Dam, where we see man's most recent (and most destructive) attempt to 'tame' the river, we paddle past a couple of old steamboat landings before stopping for lunch at a large Indian burial mound.

Sydney Lanier, a well-known writer of the 1800's, called the Ocklawaha the "sweetest water-lane in the world, a lane which runs more than a hundred and fifty miles of pure delight betwixt hedgerows of oaks and cypresses and palms and bays and magnolias and mosses and manifold vine-growths..." Unlike so many early descriptions of wild Florida, which are merely frustrating glimpses into long lost worlds, this passage could have been written today. And, aside from the fact that he was sitting on the deck of an Ocklawaha steamboat, Lanier's instructions on assuming the "attitude of perfect rest" could just as easily be followed by the kicked-back, modern day kayaker. His suggestion - hike your left leg onto the boats railing, "then tip your chair in a slight diagonal position back to the side of the cabin, so that your head will rest there against, your right arm will hang over the chair back, and your left arm will repose on the railing. I give no specific instruction for your right leg, because I am disposed to be liberal in this matter and to leave some gracious scope for personal idiosyncracies,...dispose your right leg, therefore, as your heart may suggest. Having secured this attitude, open wide the eyes of your body and your soul; repulse with a heavenly suavity the conversational advances..." of others, "then sail, sail, sail through the cypresses, through the vines, through the May day...and so shall your heart forever afterwards interpret Ocklawaha to mean repose."

I can't count the times I've rounded a bend of the Ocklawaha, and found someone in our group - Sandy R., Trisha P., Nick B. and many others (you know who you are) laid back in their kayaks, in the "attitude of perfect rest." It's the perfect river for "repose".

Trips Notes & Current Conditions

(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know and we'll post them here)

March 2, 2006 - Water levels are a little high, giving the river forest a good soaking. Usually, this would men fewer wading birds, but on today's trip we were treated to quite a few feathered companions. A couple of large flocks of white ibis were making their way up and down the channel, while pine warblers and scores of other LBJ's (little brown jobs) worked the under story. We spotted a half dozen gators, and twice as many turtles (mostly red-bellies) soaking up the sun and gearing up for the carnival of spring. At this time of year, we get a great demonstration of the subtle differences a few fractions of a degree in latitude makes on the environment. Here, in the Ocklawaha valley, red maples are a bit greener and more of their ripe, red samara (seeds) have dropped than those in the next valley to the north, along the Santa Fe. Elm leaves are bigger, newly unfurled ash leaves are a bit longer, the dust of oak pollen is more apparent. The forests of the Suwannee are just a shade less green. Fewer flowers have dared open and unopened buds are not as plump. But in either place, there's no mistaking it - spring is here!!

December 19, 2006 - Autumn was a brief affair on the Ocklawaha. Warmer than average temps and a soggy end to November made the color change less spectacular here than on rivers only an hour to the north. Deciduous trees have shed most leaves. Bloom seen included burmarigold, swamp lilies, spatterdock, climbing aster and a few cardinal flowers. Birds included bald eagle, many cormorants, some anhingas, about 2 dozen great blue herons, about a dozen white ibis (far less than usual for this time of year), several phoebes, assorted woodpeckers (including a head-banging pileated), several great egrets, a red-shouldered hawk, mobs of robins and grackles and one very loud barred owl that announced his presence first and then landed in a tree immediately alongside river where we could admire every detail of his (her?) plumage.

(Journey home)

Olustee Creek

Cost: $35.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers.

Trip time: 4 hours

Skill level: Beginner - expert

Dates

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Click on link below for a local map and then use zoom and panning arrows to explore the area.
Note: the red star is NOT our meeting place, but just a nearby town or landmark.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&formtype=address&addtohistory=&location=JIdZ0DF3%2bJQosZwaOTce1zqka%2b6cvAFVzTzLZd1c1hPVr%2fctUQGMTdCEUv5zWt%2b%2fZwh9wPwe9M%2fDPZ%2f1cBZpWrSQAXfHcS89

Description

Explore the upper reaches of the Santa Fe River watershed to the confluence of Olustee Creek, one of the rivers main feeders. It's a small, winding, high-banked creek which will not appeal to those interested in wetland communities and/or easy paddle trips. We usually don't go far up Olustee, especially in low water, but for those who don't mind having to pull their boat over a few fallen logs, there's the possibility of seeing wood ducks, deer, beaver, otter, and even a few capybara?!

Wildlife

Compared to some of our trips, wildlife is relatively scarce here. There's a fair population of deer in this area, but high banks discourage them from spending much time at the riverside. There are some 'gators - especially one sizeable fellow whose lair is in the area near the confluence of Olustee Creek and the Santa Fe. Many people have gotten wet - falling out of their boat or otherwise - when they surprised him sunning on his favorite, high sand bank. There is, however, one animal of special interest in this region. Capybaras have escaped into the wild reaches of the upper Santa Fe and lower Olustee basins. I first spotted one in the mid-1990's. Since then, I've been sent nearly a dozen reports of sightings (see trip notes below for the most recent). These huge rodents (the largest in the world) are native to south America, but judging from the reports, are finding life in North Florida to their liking.

A Nod to the Crawlies

If you ever find yourself wondering where all the wildlife is, I suggest you make
a change - not in location, but in your mindset. Instead of looking for animals
you hope to see, take a moment to consider the amazing little critters that are
always close at hand, buzzing your head, crawling up your pant leg or merely
hitching a ride on the front of your boat. With the help of a good insect
field guide (preferably one which describes behaviors and life cycles, not just
identification) your Florida exploration will take on a new dimension.

Every month of the year, and on every river we explore in north Florida, the
alert paddler will see; dragonflies and damselflies redefining flight, often in
tandem as the male clasps the females neck, flying her around until they mate
and sometimes hovering low over the water while she deposits eggs in the
water; whirligig beetles, whose two sets of eyes allow them to seek prey
underwater, while watching the skies for predators, fishing spiders that
dangle a leg in the water to detect passing fish upon which to pounce.

But a word of caution. Once you've gained an appreciation for your
creepy-crawly brethren, you'll be the slowest roach stomper and fly
swatter in your home.

History

The first section oif this trip takes us up a remote section of the Santa Fe River. When Hernando De Soto came through in 1539, the ancient Indian trail he was following forded the Santa Fe here. The village of Cholupaha, which is mentioned by the expedition's chroniclers, was situated on a high hill, and commanded a beautiful view of the river valley.

In the early 1600's, there was still an important village here, called Tolosa. Spanish missionaries established a mission here as part of the chain of missions which stretched across north Florida from St. Augustine to the Tallahassee area. This mission, named Santa Fe de Tolosa, was the namesake for the river.

The name Olustee was immortalized on Feb. 20, 1864, when Florida's largest battle of the Civil War was fought near the stream's headwaters, far to the north of the Santa Fe, at Ocean Pond. When the smoke cleared from the battlefield, nearly 300 men lay dead - 93 rebels and 203 from the Union side. Nearly 2,000 more were injured. The Battle of Olustee was a victory for the Rebel forces, but it would be a short-lived celebration with the confederacy losing the War a year later.

Trips Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know and we'll post them here)

Oct. 12, '02 - On this 'capybara quest' we didn't find any of these elusive newcomers. Nevertheless, we had a great paddle. Water is up to a nice level. There's a lot of sediment in the water which is coming from the Santa Fe above the Olustee confluence. The Olustee is tannic, but clear.

March 06, 2008 - Water levels are currently ideal for this trip. But check ahead as the forecast ids for alot of rain in the next week, so flooding is possible. Give us a call if you plan on paddling here and we'll let you know conditions.

(Journey Home)

Orange Lake

Cost: $39 per person

Group size: 1 - 24 people

Trip time: 3 - 3.5 hours

Skill level: This is an easy paddle on quiet waters, suitable for all skill levels.

Dates

Location

This Lake is a few miles southeast of Micanopy and about 15 miles south of Gainesville.
To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

This 3 hour paddle takes place in the southwestern corner of Orange Lake, near the town of McIntosh. This is opposite the area we see on our Cross Creek trips, and while these two areas are separated by only a few miles, they have a different look and feel. This is apparent from the moment you arrive at the launch site, where you find yourself enjoying the vista from atop an oak-shaded, fifteen foot bluff.

The waterscape we paddle though has a different look as well. Rather than skirting the shore, with marsh on one side and open water on the other, we weave though scattered tussocks. And it is theses tussocks - some rooted in the shallow lake bottom and others free-floating. These are the famous "floating islands" of Orange Lake.

Only a handful of Florida lakes have the conditions needed for development of floating islands - shallowness and a tendency to dry and fill on a regular basis. This first trait is fairly common to Florida lakes. Even her sister lake, Lochloosa, to which she is intimately attached by the umbilical thread of Cross Creek, has a shallow, sandy bottom much like Orange's. But it is the second key ingredient that is much less common. In Orange Lake, the feature that makes water levels fluctuate dramatically is a sinkhole at the lake's edge.

Similar to Alachua Sink that keeps nearby Paynes Prairie a perpetual marsh, the sinkhole on Orange Lake acts like a big drain in the bottom of a huge bowl. Unlike Alachua Sink, however, the sinkhole in Orange Lake sits higher on the edge of the basin floor, so the center of the basin usually remains a lake.

During low water, vegetation takes root in exposed muck. When the lake refills, air trapped in the soil around these "tussocks" of vegetation cause them to break free and float on the surface. A floating islands are born.

Wildlife

Wading birds are year-round residents of Orange Lake, but are especially common in summer when they use larger tussock islands for nesting rookeries. Osprey, bald eagles, rails, stilts, moorhens and several species of pipers and plovers are common. In winter, it's a great area for ducks and even occasional loons. On our sunset tours, we watch for interesting amphibians called two-toed amphiumas.

History

The affinity of prehistoric Floridians for this lake is confirmed by a richness of archaeological sites. One of the most notable is a village/mound complex that contains Archaic Period burial mounds that are the oldest known in north Florida.

Hernando DeSoto was likely the first European to see Orange lake when his army passed through the village of Potano in 1539. Part of the Timucuan confederation, Potano village is thought to have been located on the NW corner of the lake. Later in the 16th century, Potano was raided by French and Spanish soldiers, sent from their settlements on the lower St. Johns River and St. Augustine, respectively.

During the mission period, a "visita" called Buena Ventura was established in the same area - possibly on the same site.

One interesting early account was given by Lt. George McCall, who camped in the McIntosh area During the Second Seminole War. McCall, was one of those rare soldiers who took the time to write of the people and places he saw. When his detachment made camp at Orange Lake in the 1830’s, he described Orange Lake as a “fairy land of gorgeous vegetation (where) nature seems almost to have exhausted invention in preparing for herself an abode where peace, adorned with all that is exquisite in climate, all that is beautiful in scenery, might love to dwell.”“ He went on to say “the margin of the lake is a broad belt of orange groves, extending for miles upon miles.”

On the afternoon of his arrival, McCall noted "a green island which, at the distance of half a mile, raised its head above the bright water...". The following morning he was startled to discover that "the island I had observed the previous day had disappeared, and on further examination the water of the lake seemed to have receded from the shore nearly one hundred yards. It was not until I walked down to the shore of the lake that I discovered that the island I had noticed the day before had drifted with the wind against the shore where I stood." (Letters From the Frontier. George A. McCall. 1868)

Trips Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know and we'll post them here)

Aug. 09, 2008 - On today's trip we found the wind and boats had cleared a relatively straight channel through the spatterdock marshes out to Bird and Redbird Island and the open water. Water levels were on the low side, so only the smaller tussock islands were floating. A stiff breeze kept us close to shore, but sunset was fantastic!

Ozello (See "Suncoast Keys)

Paynes Prairie
(Hiking tours)

Occasionally, the Prairie floods and transforms into it's alter-ego - Alachua Lake.
At those times, we offer guided kayak and canoe tours on the lake. For more, see Alachua Lake.

Cost: $10 per person

Group size: 1 - 24 people

Trip time: 2 - 3 hours

Skill level: Great for anyone capable of a 3 - 4 mile hike.
Shorter hikes and wheelchair accessible routes also available.

Dates

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

Paynes Prairie is a large, 20 square mile basin formed by dissolution and collapse of underground limestone. This is the same process that forms the many sinkholes in this part of Florida. It's also the process that forms most of our local lakes, but what makes the Prairie different is that there's a hole in the bottom. At the northern edge of the Prairie basin, a hole in the limestone bottom known as Alachua Sink, drains water into the underground aquifer system. It's a relatively small hole however, perhaps the size of a small car, so it takes a long time to drain the basin when it floods. This constant dampness - rarely dry and only occasionally flooded - has created a fantastic marshland.
Before we start on the hike, I like to take about 10 - 15 minutes with a map giving you a brief overview of the Prairie's early history (12,000 years of history in 15 minutes - I'll talk fast!). We then set of into the Prairie. When we reach the observation deck in the center of the Prairie, we'll see what animals we can spot. There, surrounded by the sights, sounds and scents of the Prairie, I'll spend another 10 - 15 minutes giving some of the more recent history. There's a certain sense of excitement I feel every time I leave the gravel parking lot and stroll onto the narrow path that leads down to the Prairie. What animals will be spotted? What plants will be blooming or setting seeds? What surprises does the Prairie hold today? But, even in my eagerness, I don't think I've ever passed under the giant oak at the trail's head without gazing up in awe. It's not any kind of deliberate ritual or homage, but a spontaneous moment of admiration and respect, like a child looking up into the kind, all-knowing eyes of his grandfather before letting go of his hand to run into the playground. It's appearance alone - massive trunk, expansive, open canopy and broad, arching limbs adorned with green, species-rich thickets of resurrection fern and other small plants - would be enough to bring me up short. But, more than anything, it's this trees setting that fires my imagination. Perched on the bluff over Alachua Sink, with a wide view across the open Prairie, I wonder what events this ancient giant has witnessed? How many times did Don Thomas Menendez Marquez, whose La Chua ranch house stood on this bluff in the 1600's, stand in this same shade and gaze across the Prairie? What did he see? Did pirates rest here after raiding the ranch? How many Indians, explorers, settlers, soldiers, missionaries, ranchers and cowboys has this tree comforted with its cool shade? How many weary travelers tied their horses to it? Bartram? Cowkeeper? Who leaned against it to steady their rifles? binoculars? scopes? How many people have hidden behind it? From whom? How many people waited here for someone to arrive in their canoe? or steamboat? or powerboat? How many people have stood here in awe? The time I've spent gazing up at this giant oak over the years, watching the interactions of wildlife and conjuring scenes from the past, must certainly run into the hours. But, as far as the tree is concerned, I'm just another of the countless human specks that have blown across it's roots over the centuries. Dreamers and schemers have come and gone, but this grand sentinel remains. After passing the oak tree, the path descends the bluff and skirts the north and western lip of Alachua Sink. After passing another fine live oak (don't get me started!) we enter onto the open Prairie basin. From here, the view is as variable as the Prairie itself. Short natural cycles, like time of day and season of the year, dictate what animals you might see and what plants will be blooming. But, all of these depend on a much bigger cycle that makes the Prairie so unique and such a Mecca for wildlife - the flood cycle. With every phase of the flood cycle, the dominant plant and animal species change. At present, we are coming out of an exceptionally high flood. After two years, water levels on the Prairie have finally receded enough to expose LaChua trail. The last time I was out there, about 2 months ago, the trail was only open as far as the Sink, but I understand it is now open all the way out to the observation deck. According to Park Ranger Julie Tabone, the wildlife is loving the high marsh conditions and birding is great. Sandhill cranes are spending alot of time in the Alachua Lake portion of the basin, near the observation deck.

History

Located a few miles south of Gainesville, this 20 square mile wetland prairie is not only a wildlife hotspot, it is one of the most historically significant natural features in north Florida. For the first nomadic hunter-gatherers to enter Florida about 12,000 years ago, it was all about location, location, location - location of big game (including mammoths, mastodons and more), location of water and location of tool making materials, most notably a type of stone known as chert. Chert is the best material in Florida for making spear points and blades.

In later periods, the Prairie continued to be an important location for native settlements. Archaeologists have found abundant artifacts dating from every cultural; period up to the present.

Paynes Prairie has a long history of flooding during high water events (if this comes as news to you, there's a book I'd like to recommend ;-). Since the 1800's, the ephemeral lake that is created by these floods has been referred to as Alachua Lake. Even in dry periods, the relatively small pool of water that remains in the low center of the basin retains the name - like a devoted keeper of the flame, waiting for the rains to return. This past hurricane season brought the awaited rains and Alachua Lake has been reborn.

Over the centuries, boaters of all sorts have taken advantage of the occasional lake. The nearby dugout canoe graveyard that is Newnan's Lake gives ample proof that north Florida's aborigines were paddlers, so it seems likely they took to the waters of Paynes Prairie whenever water levels allowed.

The first documented boats on the Prairie were small steamboats used to ship goods and supplies (and the occasional brave passenger) during a 20 year flood that lasted from 1871 to 1892. The convenience of water transportastion as opposed to shipping produce (and people) by way of the treacherous, sugar-sand wagon roads around the prairie perimeter, was a boon to area planters. Citrus cultivation was enjoying it's heyday in north Florida and the heart of the industry was centered at Paynes Prairie. Recreational sailing was also popular on Alachua Lake. Contemporary accounts mention days when many sails could be seen skimming through the wind ruffled whitecaps (the lake was deeper than it is now).

In the 1920's, as fill for highway 441 was being laid across the Prairie, flooding rains filled the basin. As they had done so often before, the locals brought their boats to the reborn shoreline and took to the water. By now, it was gas-powered motor boats that plied the shallow lake. The half completed road bed for the highway became a favorite launch site.

The flooding of the 1920's proved to be one of the more typical, temporary mood swings of the Prairie and within a couple of years the waters had receded. By the '30's, the highway was complete and a new system of dykes and canals was completed by the cattle ranching Camp family who owned the Prairie. The new water control structures made the possibility of ever seeing another prolonged "lake" period, unlikely. Wrong again. In the 1960's, the Prairie seemed to be on the verge of becoming a permanent lake - this time, with the help of humans.

When the Prairie was named a "wildlife sanctuary" in 1960's, there was much debate about what to do with it. One of the most strongly lobbied ideas was to permanently flood the basin. The plan called for raising the Hwy 441 roadbed and constructing a tramway to carry tourists across the water. Boats could once again enjoy the open waters of Alachua Lake. The list of organizations was considerable and even included the local Audubon Society! Luckily, the State bought the Prairie in 1970 and all efforts turned to restoring the Prairie's to it's natural state. Today, the park service is committed to restoring the natural habitats and wildlife communities that existed on the Prairie before European encroachment.

Highlights

At all water levels (including no water at all) Paynes Prairie is a Mecca for wildlife. There's a healthy alligator population, but with all of the water for them to frolic in, we probably won't see any more than an average river trip or lake paddle. Birding is always good, with the full roster of common wading birds, assorted warblers, grackles, redwings, osprey, bald eagles, northern harriers and red-tailed hawks all being commonly seen. Sand hill cranes spend a lot of time here. The Prairie also has a reputation for surprising us with some bird species that are uncommon in the Gainesville area, including white pelicans, roseate spoonbills and the large fulvous whistling ducks. On all recent trips, we've spotted black-necked stilts, osprey, bald eagles, house swallows, barn swallows, American bitterns, and many wading birds of all persuasions.

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(If you go, let us know)

Winter and Spring 2005 - The deluge of rains brought by a parade of fall hurricanes, revived the ephemeral lake. Thanks to the park services refreshing commitment to sharing thePaynes Prairie experience with all who love her, we have been allowed to guide tours on the lake since November.

April 24, 2005 - Another beautiful day on the lake. Osprey, sandhill cranes, egrets, herons, moorhens, black-necked stilts and only a few alligators. The mats of pennywort, water hyacinth, smartweed, water lettuce, frogs bit, pickerel weed and more are spreading.

(Journey Home)

Pee Gee Marsh

Cost: $35.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and your guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 4 hours

Skill level: Beginner - Intermediate

Difficulty: Physical ability, not paddling skill, is the main consideration here.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

This is an extreme exploration of a very thick marsh of cattail, sedges, hyacinth and other emergent aquatic plants. Reptile hunters and hard-core bird watchers might find the mud, crud and grit worth the rewards - others will want to swat me with their paddles every chance they get. I've learned to keep a sharp eye on my clients on this trip.

Wildlife

Bald Eagles are abundant, especially in winter, on this marshy corner of Orange Lake. Bird watchers get a full dose of wading birds and other wetland regulars. Tons of gators are good incentive for not falling out of your boat (although there's a good chance you'll have to voluntarily leave your boat a few times to pull through the muck). Snakes are also abundant - especially swamp snakes (Seminatrix pygaea to you herp freaks) which are thick in water hyacinth mats.

- Forager's Notebook -

Edible Plants

If you are into wild edibles, this area offers a virtual banquet of edible goodies. Cattails, saw grass and rushes, all of which have edible parts, are thick here. And, if you want to help the environment, pick your fill of the introduced exotic plant - water hyacinth. Along the shore pigweed, whose leaves and seeds helped the Indians stay fed, grows in abundance. Here too you'll find curly dock, arrowhead and duck potato, the plant which kept Lewis and Clark alive long enough to tell us about the 'great northwest.' On shore, yaupon, wax myrtle, poke and wild spinach can be found. Some of these plants have parts that areNOT edible or require special preparation. DO NOT eat any part of any of these plants if you don't know how to identify and/or prepare them.

History

Before the railroad trestle and then Hwy 301 were built across the 'neck' of Orange Lake, Pee Gee marsh was a wetter, more open area. Today, the area west of these two obstructions to water flow is still wet and marshy, but the accumulation of sediment caused by obstructed flow is making it drier than it used to be. The village of Citra once sat on the south side of the marsh, but was moved a couple of miles east to be closer to newly laid railway in the late 1800's. To the east of the two dams (Hwy 301 and the rail trestle), a system of dykes and ditches were dug to create a muck farm. This area is in the early stages of being restored to its natural condition. But it will likely be many years, if at all, before there is any real 'flow' of water from Orange Lake, through Pee Gee marsh to the lake's natural outlet at Orange Creek. There can never be any significant improvement or restoration of the lake's natural 'flow' as long as Hwy 301 and the trestle remain situated atop dams. At present, there are no plans, or even discussion, about opening the flow of this system. The continuing buildup of vegetation and sediments is steadily changing this corner of the lake to a drier habitat..

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(If you go, let us know)

December 17, 2005 - Finally, after several years of low water and thick emergent vegetation, the waters have filled this fantastic corner of Orange Lake. Perfect conditions for paddle exploration. The wandering tribes of water birds have returned too, enjoying the relative solitude of this nearly forgotten haven.

Jan. 23, 2008 - Low waters are making this area especially difficult to access. You'd do well to wait for higher waters before exploring this marsh.

(Journey Home)

Prairie Creek

Cost: $35.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 4 hours

Skill level: Intermediate. Narrow winding stream can be a challenge for novices.
There are also several logs and debris clusters to pull over.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

This creek connects two of North Central Florida's most popular havens for wildlife watching: Newnans Lake and Paynes Prairie. And, as would be expected, this trip offers a rich variety of plants and animals, especially water birds. This waterway has the greatest concentration of snakes of any trip we offer, but don't let this discourage you. At least 95% are harmless, and are usually seen basking idly in the sun. For those who are interested in local history and don't mind it being presented '"in the rough," this trip takes you into one of the wilder areas of the Paynes Prairie domain, which Lars (your guide) described in his 2001 book, Paynes Prairie: A History of the Great Savanna. (Pineapple Press. Sarasota FL., 2001).

Wildlife

We usually see several snakes and some alligators on this wild and wooly little creek. As we get near the eastern rim of Paynes Prairie, the sky and trees start to come alive with birds associated with the "great savanna." There's apparently a panther (probably an escaped pet??) that roams these woods. Known as the "Micanopy Cat," it's been seen by a number of people including a park ranger at Paynes Prairie State Park. You might also see some bear sign. There's been at least one bear in the area which I tracked several times during the drought several years ago and was also caught on film by researchers using a trip camera.

History

This unassuming little waterway has transported and fed more than it's share of Floridians - especially those who lived here in prehistoric times. The entire watery realm of Newnans Lake - Paynes Prairie - Orange and Lochloosa Lakes and their connecting waters (including Prairie Creek) were a haven for all cultures of people who have lived in Florida since the first nomads rambled into the area over 12,000 years ago.

Two large village complexes were located on the banks of Prairie Creek. One actually had the creek running through the middle of it! Sadly, "head hunters" (people who plunder ancient archaeological sites for their own collections or profit) know of this site and continue to illegally dig here - stealing the cultural heritage that rightfully belongs to all of us. The other site was near the outflow of the creek into Paynes Prairie, where the natives could readily take advantage of both productive systems - the creek and the lush savanna.

In the mid 1800's, the Kelly family established a mill alongside the creek. The remains of the old structure can still be seen in the nearby woods. In 1881, the Gainesville, Ocala and Charlotte Harbor Railroad Company began laying tracks for a line towards Paynes Prairie and on to Gainesville. By the time the rails reached Prairie Creek and the bridge was erected, the Company had changed names to the Florida Southern. The rails infused an economic boost to settlers in the area, especially the little hamlet of Perry, which sat about a mile east of the creek. In fact, the residents were so grateful for their good fortune, that the renamed the town Gruelle, after the railroads chief engineer. A devastating freeze at the end of the 1800's killed the orange groves that were the communities economic base, bringing a sudden end to the boom period. Today, remnants of this old community (now called Rochelle) can be seen, frozen in time, along the dusty back roads that were once the pulsing central arteries of a frontier boom town.

Prairie Creek, while being an interesting and fun little creek, bears the scars of heavy abuse. But it makes an interesting example of how important even the smallest component of a system can be. In the 1930's, the natural flow of Prairie Creek onto Paynes Prairie was blocked by a dam and redirected to River Styx and on to Orange Lake. Later, the head of the stream, where the water entered from Newnans Lake, was dammed to keep water levels high in the lake. It wasn't until the '70's and '80's that it became clear how harmful these alterations were to all of the systems involved - especially the Prairie. The dam at the Newnan's Lake end was removed, but removing the dam and canal at Paynes Prairie has proved to be more of a challenge. With two highways and a number of private properties around the basin, letting the water levels rise and fall, uncontrolled, will require a lot of changes and preparations.

Recent Conditions & Trips Notes
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

Sept. 27, 2004 - Post-hurricane report: Level's high but not dangerous. However, we strongly advise against doing this trip without a guide. There is absolutely no clue as to the location of the main channel. With a relatively wide bottomland forest flanking the creek, even tree species, usually a good indicator, are no help. There are a few new trees fallen, but easily circumnavigated. There's a big cluster of pickerel weed, frog's bit (Limnobium spongia) and water hyacinth blocking Camp's Canal. This can be avoided by paddling through the adjacent swamp forest on the left (east) side. Wading birds are enjoying the good feeding in shallower, sunnier areas. We still see about the usual number of snakes taking advantage of fallen logs and debris.

PLEASE NOTE - These are exceptional conditions and are steadily changing. In some of the rivers on this list, the waters will continue to rise in the days and weeks ahead, others have already begun to drop. Be sure to check with us or other local outfitters and internet gauge reports before paddling these waters. AND BE CAREFUL!!

Feb 05, 2008 - Water levels are sufficient to float a boat, but a lot of debris, such as fallen branches is making it a bit of a workout. Nevertheless, this is always a great creek for wildlife and the spring season is here, so if you like it rough, this is a good time to paddle (and slog) Prairie creek.

August 27 -

Thanks to Mike Carter, owner of Kate's Fish Camp, for this update - Sept 02, 2008

Hi Lars,

My son Billy and I took a small motorboat down Prairie Creek and rescued a rental fishing boat that was washed away in the flood of '04. The boat ended up on or near the ACT property. We took a small chainsaw because we had to clear the waterway of fallen trees as we went. After finding the boat we continued the rest of the way to Paynes Prairie clearing the blockage as we went. Prairie Creek hasn't been navigable since the hurricanes or 2004. A small boat and motor can go all the way to Paynes Prairie from the Newnans Lake again. It's a Great run, enjoy.

Sept 8, 2008 - While there was enough water to float boats, there were a few obstacles along the way that required getting out of the boats for a quick pull-over. The biggest challenge came as we entered Camp's Canal which was completely covered with aquatic vegetation. This was a very tough ending to the trip that required every creative swamp-sloggin' technique we could muster from our years of combined experience to get us to the bridge.

(Journey Home)

Rainbow River

Cost: $41.00 per person (includes $2 park fee, kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 4 - 4.5 hours

Skill level: Great for beginners and experts alike.

Difficulty: The first hour of this trip is a round trip paddle up to the spring head and back. The upstream portion (about 1/2 hour) is against a moderate current - not quite as strong as Silver, but close. Aside from that, this river's a breeze. It's plenty wide and the curves are long and easy.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

The primary source of this beautiful 5.7 mile river (formerly known as Blue Run) is Rainbow Spring (formerly Blue Spring). As it makes it's way southward toward it's confluence with the Withlacoochee River, the river picks up additional water from a number of smaller springs - most notably Garfish Hole about a mile below the head spring. This 24 ft. deep spring has, in recent years, picked up the nickname, K.P. Hole (for the Knights of Pythias who used to have annual gatherings here). Nearby, a beautiful, dense, bottomland forest extending toward the north east follows the small trickle of a run from Indian spring.

Situated in the sandy, rolling highlands of the Brooksville Ridge, Rainbow spring run has a very different personality from it's sister spring, the swamp shrouded Silver 25 miles to the east. High, dry banks along most of the river bank, have allowed property owners to build homes close to the water. But, with it's exceptionally clear, blue waters and lots of birds and other wildlife, the Rainbow is still a beautiful paddle.

As with all springs, the flow rate of Rainbow spring varies considerably. Between 1965 and 1974, the flow rate ranged from a high of 1,230 ft³/sec. to a low of of 487 ft³/sec. The average was 763. Today, the average is somewhere around 500 ft.³/sec. These measurements are taken at the Hwy 484 bridge so as to include all of the lesser springs feeding the run. The temperature averages about 74ºF year-round.

History

For well over a century, as adventurers and nature lovers have beat a path to the shores of Silver Spring, her sister spring, the Rainbow has gone relatively unnoticed. A surprising fact when you consider that it's Florida's second largest spring, gushing an average of over 500 cubic feet per second. Maybe it's the name. The Indians called it Wekiwa, which means, simply, "the spring of water," a relatively uninspired name which, in the lexicon of Florida's natives was as common as the name Blue Springs is today. When white settlers displaced the Indians, they changed the springs name to, you guessed it, Blue Spring.

But, Blue Spring wasn't completely overlooked. In 1890, when the area became ground zero for Florida's huge phosphate boom, a health resort with a large hotel was built on the high slope above the spring basin. Among other things, the resort offered boat rentals and passenger steamboat service to Dunnellon, a few miles downstream.

It wasn't until 1937 that the springs promoters, realizing that this beautiful spring needed an identity of it's own, renamed it Rainbow. But, the change didn't come easy. Even today, you'll still find many locals who call the river Blue Run.

In 1950, the hotel burned down. Ten years later, the spring caught the attention of S & H Green stamps and Holiday Inn, who bought 55 acres around the head spring. The hotel was rebuilt and the property was developed it into a full scale tourist attraction, complete with river boat rides and log rafts. They even offered river tours in a small, air conditioned submarine!

The park closed in 1974, and after sitting idle for 15 years, was bought by the state. Rainbow Springs State Park opened in 1995.

Wildlife

The water of this spring run seems more clear and blue than most - probably because of the wide open canopy which allows plenty of sunshine, and the white sand bottom - so you'll see lots of fish and plenty of healthy eel grass meadows. There are also many water birds (including an unusually large number of cormorants and wood ducks). A couple of families of otters make the odds pretty good for sightings.

Trips Notes and Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

General: The tremendous volume of water that gushes out of Rainbow Spring (over 500 ft³/sec.) makes water levels reliably good all of the time.

May 13,2005 - A banner day for otter spotters! We saw over a dozen of these stout, graceful members of the weasel clan. Most were feeding and swimming along the banks, among the cypress roots and knees. One attentive otter mom was tending to a hungry offspring, regurgitating some food (fish? crayfish?) for the young one to eat. This wonderful "Mutual of Omaha" moment was played out about 10 feet in front of us - fantastic!!

August 28, 2008 - As usual, the combination of a relatively small watershed and very sandy nature of the surrounding terrain made the effects from TS Fay minimal. We could hardly see any difference in river conditions from just a couple of weeks before the storm.

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ahps.cgi?tbw&dnlf1

(Journey Home)

River Rise
(Santa Fe River)

Cost: $29 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest and your guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 3 - 4 hours

Skill level: Great for beginners and experts alike.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

The Santa Fe river disappears into a subterranean cavern at O'leno State Park and then, after a three mile journey underground, reemerges at the "River Rise".

Wildlife

Many deer live in the forests of O'leno State Park and River Rise State Preserve through which this stretch of the Santa Fe runs. A couple of families of otters live in dens on the north bank, and are often seen by morning paddlers. A relative shortage of bird species is compensated for by some very active and temperamental kingfishers. The high, sandy banks here are ideal for their particular style of nest. There is a major nursery for leopard frogs near the Rise. Every spring, the waters here seem to boil with fat leopard frog tadpoles.

Leopard Frog
Rana utricularia

These large frogs (sometimes reaching 5 - 6 inches) are beautifully colored in bronze and green with chocolate-brown spots. Gold lines running along each side continues right through the iris of the frogs eyes! These guys are world-class jumper, often leaping 5 - 6 feet into the water when startled. In mid-air, they often give a loud grunt before plopping into the drink.

History

The Santa Fe river's 'natural bridge' has been an important route of travel for thousands of years. The trail was already ancient when Hernando De Soto came to the area in 1539. The river was flooded however, and was flowing over the land bridge. He was forced to take an alternate route across the river a few miles upstream from O'leno Park.

When the Spanish established a chain of missions across north Florida in the early 1600's, they located them at Timucua Indian villages along this trail. The closest mission to the land bridge was Santa Fe de Toloca. This was one of the more important missions and was the namesake of the river. Several miles to the south was another important mission - San Francisco de Potano. This missions name also survived the test of time, but didn't come through as intact as Santa Fe. Over the centuries the name San Francisco evolved to San Felasco, which is still used for the beautiful hardwood hammock on the northwest edge of Gainesville where the mission was located.

After the missions and associated Indian villages were wiped out by English invaders in 1704, the trail was little used. By the middle of the century, migrating Creek Indians moved in to fill the void left by the vanquished Timucua tribe. These migrants were soon being referred to as Seminoles and established villages throughout the area. Their main village was at Paynes Prairie, twenty miles to the south.

One of the more famous people to travel the road during this time was Davey Crockett, who came looking for land to homestead. He reported a fair amount of disgust at the swampy nature of most of Florida. Nonetheless he bought property in Pensacola and reluctantly sent for his wife. She didn't want to leave the Appalachians and, deep down, neither did he. Before long he had sold the parcel and was heading back to the hills.

The trails next incarnation was as the Bellamy Road, Florida's first Federal road, established a few years after Florida became a territory of the United States in the 1820's. Requirements for the road builders were simple - clear away the ancient trail, cutting all stumps to less than a foot in height.

Alongside the trail, a settlement named Keno was established in the mid 1800's. After catching some flack for having named the town after a kind of gambling game, the town leaders changed the name to Leno. The town was short-lived however, and with the passing of time the site was referred to as Old Leno and later, O'Leno. Today, some of the earthworks associated with the mill can still be seen in O'Leno State Park.

Trip Notes & Current Conditions
(If you go, let us know)

Sept. 04, 2008 - Post-Tropical Storm Fay report: Level's high but not dangerous. Storm runoff washed pout the vegetation mat that had clogged the area near Hwy 441. A fast current is making the upstream paddling a challenge, but if you make it up to the Rise, you'll be rewarded with a wonderful, fast (45 minute) ride back to the ramp. There are a few more brances and fallen trees in the channel than usual, but they are easily scooched around.

PLEASE NOTE - These are exceptional conditions and are steadily changing. BE CAREFUL!! While the water is running at a nice, quick pace and there's clear passage through this entire stretch, paddlers need to be extra cautious to avoid logs, snags and low hanging limbs. The quick current will pin your boat against such obstacles and it's hard to pull out. In extreme situations (fast water moving under your boat while you're pinned) could undermine and tip your boat. In these situations, always lean AWAY from the oncoming water. And, always keep at least one paddle partner nearby. The old "buddy system" is a great idea!

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/water+data/surfacewater+levels/30+day+river+levels.asp?statid=80

(Journey Home)

River Styx

Cost: $49.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and your guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers,
not to mention the desire to avoid spending an unplanned night lost in the swamp).

Group size: 1 - 14 people

Trip time: 5 - 6 hours

Skill level: Intermediate

Difficulty: This is a STRENUOUS TRIP. Many tight
squeezes between trees, over fallen logs and through overhanging
vines and brush make this more of a push and pull than an actual paddle.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

Experience the thrill of going where no one in their right mind has gone before. Actually, a lot of clear-thinking, otherwise normal people, venture into this large swamp, fully aware that it is more of a swamp than a river, and that most people who try to traverse it in one day usually spend the night in their canoe. But, for those of you who are prepared for a down and dirty romp in the swamp, a truly fantastic nature experience awaits you in the river Styx. Cypress swamps, hardwood swamps, and open marshes are home to many wading birds.

Wildlife

At certain times of the year, there's a good chance of seeing large concentrations and rookeries of species such as Wood storks, Anhingas, and Double Crested Cormorants. Snakes and alligators are here too, but in smaller numbers than one might expect. But there are plenty of chiggers and other biting critters.

Two-toed Amphiuma
Amphiuma means

These "Congo eels" are among the largest salamanders in the world. We usually see them in very shady, damp conditions. Females lay well over 100 clear, sticky eggs which the mother coils around until they hatch. Amphiuma's are difficult to handle, not only because they are very slimy, but they also have a wicked bite.

History

In prehistoric times, when water levels were higher, this swamp was an arm of Orange Lake. One of north Florida's oldest and most impressive mound and earthwork complexes is located here. By 1539, when De Soto led his expedition through here, the nearby village of Potano was the headquarters for the chiefdom of the same name which covered the Orange Lake/Paynes Prairie area. The areas richness of a kind of rock called chert, an excellent material for making tools and weapons, made the Potanos the envy of neighboring tribes.

Recent Conditions & Trips Notes
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know and we'll post them here)

Sept. 27, 2004 - Post-hurricane report: There's plenty of water in the Styx, but true to her reputation, she's defying all but the most determined adventurers. The new challenge is in the lush new growth which took root in the muck which was exposed during the drought. Numerous trees have come down (storms?? stress from drought??) which is allowing much more light to penetrate the swamp floor than usual. In this ideal environment, a fantastic (though impenetrable) nursery of young red maples, elderberries, buttonbush, blackberry bushes, Virginia willow, and more, are rejoicing in their newfound home in the swamps with all of the optimism of youth. Great for them, bad for us. It will only be the most determined and physically fit clients who will persuade us to lead them on this journey for the next year or so. I strongly urge anyone who is not familiar with the Styx to find another place to play - for now.

December 5, 2006 - Recent lack of rainfall is bringing the Styx ever closer to drought condition. At present it is a slog. Lots of vegetation still in swamp from last drought, but much of that has died back with extended high water in the interim. If we get more water in the swamp before ground is exposed, die-off of low vegetation should continue and the way could be clear for some long - overdue "x-stream" paddling in the Styx swamp in 2007.

Summer, 2007 - Water levels have rebounded a bit, but this was still a VERY hard trip. We were rarely in our boats because the vegetation is still so thick that we had to pull through vegetation almost the entire way from the end of Camp's Canal to the slightly clearer "channel" of the last 1/2 mile. We joked that our boats probably covered more distance tipped sideways (the only way to squeeze them between knees, shrubs and fallen vegetation) than laying flat on the surface. In summary, don't be fooled by the higher water levels, this is still a very difficult slog (definitely can't be called a "paddle").

(Journey Home)

Rock Springs Run

Cost: $39.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and your guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).
(Note - there's also a $5 per boat launch fee to be paid to local vendor)

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 4.5 - 5 hours

Skill level: Intermediate. The relatively long paddle will be exhausting for some.
The winding stream makes this a steering challenge for first-timers.

Difficulty: Thankfully, the comparisons to Juniper River don't apply to difficulty. Rock Springs
follows a less twisted route as it flows through the forest. The main consideration will be the
duration of the trip, usually taking us 4.5 to 5 hours. There are several good spots to get out and take a
break if necessary, including a nice lunch area.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

This river is about 2 hours south of Gainesville and 45 minutes north of downtown Orlando.
To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

From the moment it springs to life, gushing from the throat of a horizontal, above water-line cavern at the base of a 20 ft. limestone bluff, to it's confluence with Wekiva River 7 miles later, it's apparent that Rock Springs Run is like no other. But, if I had to make a comparison, I'd say it most closely resembles Juniper. Like Juniper Run, this stream's cool, clear flow meanders through a lush, semi-tropical forest of cabbage palm, cypress, maple and other bottomland species that don't mind having there feet wet once in a while. In many sections, the towering over-story provides a loosely closed canopy allowing just enough light for photography while blocking out mid-day heat. Intermittent areas of open sunshine spawn dense, lush groves of showy aquatic plants that provide home and groceries for myriad wildlings. Ranked a second magnitude spring, the flow of Rock Springs Run is comparable to that at the lower end of Juniper Spring Run, ranging from about 50 - 80 cu.ft./ second. And, the comparison doesn't stop there. Both of these little streams are born amid the the gently rolling highlands that run down the spine of central Florida, and descend into the ancient coastline and near-shore lagoon that is now St. Johns River. For Rock Spring Run and it's distributary, the Wekiva River, this descent in elevation is one of the most abrupt of any Florida waterway - a whopping 1.6 ft. per mile.

Near the end of our trip, we enter into the Wekiva River. From here, we'll make a short side excursion upstream to the Wekiwa River. And no, this isn't a typo. The names of the river and the spring from which it flows, are spelled differently. If you look for an answer to this riddle, you'll find there are many "answers" and theories, most of them relating to Indian vocabulary. My guess is that early maps of this river show a variety of spellings, just as they do for all of Florida's other rivers. The only difference here is that no one ever agreed on which was correct. Instead, they simply allotted a "w" to the spring and gave "v" to the river. In the Wekiva, the flow increases considerably. However, it's not nearly what it was only a few decades ago. This sad reality is just another of the not-so-subtle warnings that the Big Girl (momma nature) is sending us about the fragility of our water supply.

In the late 1800's this stretch of the river saw the passing of a twice - weekly steam boat called the Mayflower, as she made her way to a landing called Clay Springs, at the Wekiwa spring head. Today, you might see an occasional little motor boat, but they are few and far between. Today, most of the river forest and adjacent uplands are protected under a group of preserves which together are referred to as the Wekiva Basin GeoPark. The stars of this fantastic area are the bears, 50 - 60 of whom enjoy this densely forested sanctuary. Keep a sharp lookout and you might spot some of the other wild many residents, including water birds, otters, deer, bobcat, wild hogs and water birds. Limpkins are especially prevalent, which says good things about the quality of water and integrity of the system (their favorite food, apple snails, don't tolerate much pollution). A trained ear might hear yellow-billed cuckoo's in the swamp forest or the honk of sandhill cranes feeding nearby.

River Lore: Prehistoric Indians made good use of Rock Springs Run and Wekiva River. Several large shell middens are perched alongside the banks of both. There has also been some reports of monkeys in the Wekiva Basin! Where they hail from has prompted a lot of head scratching on the part of their higher primate cousins. To date, none of our species finest have found the answer. A quick look at the map shows quite a bit of civilization (not to mention distance) between Silver River and here. For the record, we haven't seen any monkeys on our Adventure Outpost explorations of this run, but you never know.

Trip Notes & Current Conditions
(If you go, let us know)

Sept, 22, 2006 - At this time, lots of downfall remains in river from recent storms. Great sport for you "X-streamers" - a
little slice of hell for leisure paddlers.

Feb 15, 2008 - All snags have been cleared from the river - including upstream from the launch. So, if time allows for an extra 30 - 40 minutes, treat yourself to an upstream paddle from the launch site before starting your downstream trip. On our trip we saw many wading birds - including several limpkins.

The Wild Side of
St. Augustine

Cost: $39.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and your guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 5 - 6 hours

Skill level: Intermediate. The open waters on this trip
can be kicked up into a considerable chop by the frequent winds.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

On this trip, we explore the wilder side of the St. Augustine area and check out a couple of historic sites that the tourist trolleys and horse buggies can never go.

For 4 - 4.5 hours (including a couple of stops), we explore two of the primary rivers used throughout St. Augustine's 450 year written history, and for thousands of years before. But, as always, seeking out these historic sites is just another great excuse to get out on the water and enjoy a day of exploring the wild side of North Florida. The primary habitats we will see are salt marshes, maritime forests (when we stop for lunch) and the open waters of the rivers.

Wildlife

Dolphins are our frequent companions as we make our journey down river, especially as we approach the deeper water of the inlet. Many shore birds, heralding from all the major coast-loving tribes are active all around us throughout the day. Most commonly seen are our old friends the egrets, herons, cormorants, gulls, terns and of course brown pelicans. In some of the salt flats and oyster beds, raccoons are often spotted as they busily rummage through the shells and debris looking for goodies to munch on. High on their list of delicacies are the curious looking little fiddler crabs which roam the flats in tiny herds which seemingly numbering in the millions fiddler

History

This is a great trip for people with an interest in Florida's early history, taking us to a couple of historic sites that few get to visit. Of course, like so many sites in Florida, the structures that once stood at these places were made of logs and wood and have long since decayed.

We begin our journey in the sand dunes where, many believe, Ponce de Leon first waded ashore in 1512 and claimed this land for Spain (probably to the disappointment of the Indians watching from the forest). It was then that he dubbed the island (as he believed this to be), 'La Florida.'

On the water, one of our first stops is the possible site of a Spanish mission. Throughout the 1600's and early 1700's, these missions dominated life along the Florida coast and inland as far west as the Tallahassee area.

One of the most interesting sites we visit on our exploration is the site of Ft. Mose. This was the first settlement of free blacks in North America. In the 1730's, a steady flow of runaway slaves were escaping bondage in the growing British colonies of Georgia and Carolina and making their way south to Spanish St. Augustine. In St. Augustine, they lived in freedom under Spanish authority in exchange for serving as militia and converting to Catholicism.

In 1738, a small log fort, named Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, was built for the blacks a couple of miles north of St. Augustine. Strategically located along the North River, Fort Mose served as a valuable outpost.

Within two years of it's completion, Ft. Mose saw action as British Gen. James Oglethorpe laid siege around St. Augustine. Mose was captured and occupied by some of the British forces, while others set up artillery at present day Velano and on Anastasia Island. In a daring midnight raid, the Spanish attacked and overran the British garrison in Mose. It was an important victory, giving the Spanish renewed confidence to endure the siege until reinforcements arrived and sent the British packing.

Early in the following century, Ft. Mose was again the staging ground for an attack on St. Augustine. This time it was a force of Georgians and Floridians intent on taking Florida away from the Spanish and turning it over to the relatively young United States of America. The effort, which came to be known as the "Patriot Rebellion" failed, but set the tone for the steady pressure which eventually led to Spain's giving up it's hold on Florida in 1821.

Recent Conditions & Trips Notes
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know and we'll post them here)

For most of this trip we're in open water, where winds and sun are our ever-present companions. So, dress appropriately. Tides are another constant factor, so plan well if you plan on paddling the backwaters of St. Augustine.

March 12, 2006 - Recent warm weather has brought a flush of spring growth to the forests along Guana and Tolomato rivers. On today's trip, the only time spent in the company of trees was the occasional "business" related stroll to the bushes. Aside from that we were in open waters all day. A slight head-wind was enough to scuttle any thoughts of venturing in to the secluded island site of Fort Mose. Too bad! In addition to a great number of shore birds - willets, laughing gulls, greater yellow-legs, short-billed dowitchers, plovers and a couple of oyster-catchers, we werer also treated to the fleeting company of a number of brown pelicans. A few great egrets and snowy egrets were the main waders seen. Mking our crossing of the Tolomato channel near Sombrero Island we had a brief visit from a couple of dolphins. Taking lunch on a shelly sand spit off the Guana Peninsuala, near the site of the Tolomato Indian village and mission site of the 1600's, we found scattered pottery shards and possibly a crude whelk implement - testament to the many native Floridians who traveled these waters before us. The artifacts were left as we found them, but hopefully our crew left a little richer for this brief contact, across the span of time, with the people who once lived, worked and played on this island beach.

(Journey Home)

St. Johns River

#1: Bartram's Battle Lagoon

Cost: $42.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $32. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 6 - 6.5 hours

Skill level: Great for beginners and experts alike. Your main concern here is strength and endurance. Six hours
of paddling can be tiring for some, even though we'll stop a couple of times along the way.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour ($150 minimum).
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

This trip is part of our "Wild Florida Chronicles" series, in which we visit some natural areas described by early naturalists and explorers. Some of these places have changed considerably, while others would probably be recognized by chroniclers from a couple of hundred years ago.

On this 6 - 6.5 hour round trip paddle (going upstream first and then returning to the same spot from which we launched), we pass through a wide range of terrains. Beginning in a wide expanse of the St. Johns River we skirt past open marshes of floating ferns and water lilies before entering a narrower channel. Passing Bartram's "Battle Lagoon" (see "History" below), we'll stop in for a look at his campsite which he described in some detail. It's refreshing to see how little the site has changed. A nice palm forest is overtopped by tall, lanky hackberry trees, maples and hickory. Widely scattered shrubs and an easy ground cover of such things as red salvia make this a good campsite even today. Walking over this shelly knoll, (an Indian midden that was already ancient by Bartram's time), efforts to conjure images of Bartram's Florida are aided by a couple of scrawny wild orange trees, reminiscent of the small orange grove he found here.

From Battle lagoon, we continue upstream a couple of miles and then enter the mouth of a fair sized spring run. The slight tannic stain of the water hints at the lush swamps lining much of this runs upper reaches. Ascending the stream, the channel narrows and we find ourselves increasingly within the river forest rather than mere passersby. Ash trees, maple, river elm, cypress and gum trees arch overhead and practically reach one another to form a complete canopy by the time we stop our ascent (we do not reach the headspring, which is a few miles upstream from this point). After a brief stretch/snack break, we return downstream along the same route that brought us.

Wildlife

These days, the alligator population along this stretch of the St. Johns is nothing like the horde that Bartram saw,, but you can expect to see a few sunning on the river bank and fallen logs.

Wading birds, osprey, cormorants, anhingas and the occasional bald eagle can be seen on the open St. Johns River. In the narrower channels, we become more aware of the forest birds including (depending on the season) parula, black and white and prothonotary warblers, catbirds, phoebes, great crested flycatchers, belted kingfishers, and more. Otters are plentiful in this area, as well, but we don't spot them as frequently here as we would on rivers like Rainbow and Silver.
Uca lactea feeding

History

When England took possession of Florida in 1763, scholars and scientists of all persuasion were eager to learn what mysteries their new land held. Toward that end, a man named Fothergill contracted with the son of his friend John Bartram to journey down to Florida and report back on the plants, animals and people found there. His selection of the 35 year old William was fortuitous, to say the least. The book that was spawned by this four year adventure was not only an invaluable source of information about the nature and peoples of Florida (including the first Seminoles), it would prove to be a significant influence on the Romantic period of literature. Through his lyrical, dreamy descriptions of the places he saw would be echoed (in some cases bordering on plagiarism) by notables as Wordsworth, Coleridge and Chateaubriand.

When William Bartram's account of his exploration was published, in 1791, it was an immediate success. However, some of his natural observations were met with skepticism. Some of the species he described and events he recounted seemed, to some critics, to be fanciful exaggerations of an imaginative, albeit very learned youth. It would take decades of further exploration and subsequent observations by later naturalists before Bartram was fully vindicated and recognized as one of America's greatest naturalist explorers.

Among the most controversial (and exciting) tales in Bartram's book, "Travels" was the alligator attacks he survived (barely) in a side channel of the St. Johns River. He dubbed the spot Battle Lagoon.

Difficulty

This is relatively easy paddling and is suitable for all skill levels - beginner to pro. While this is an up-and-back paddle, the current is easy, not nearly as strong as Silver River for instance. The main consideration is the relatively long 6 - 6.5 hours of paddling. You should consider your strength and endurance carefully.

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/water+data/surfacewater+levels/30+day+river+levels.asp?statid=104

Salt Springs

Cost: $35 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and your guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 3 - 4 hours

Skill level: Great for beginners and experts alike

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

This is a relatively wide run with lots of marsh vegetation lining the banks. This, combined with its proximity to the wide-open St. Johns river, can make this a windy paddle.

The unusually high mineral content of this water is attributed to the incredible depths of the spring. Originating below an ancient sea floor, the water picks up dissolved particles in this mineral rich layer of sediment on its rush toward the surface. The result is a unique mix of flora and fauna along the run. A couple of ancient Indian mounds make nice rest stops along the way.

Wildlife

The high mineral content of this river make for some interesting fauna such as blue crabs. The wide open marshes that line this run are great habitat for wading birds. You won't want to forget your binoculars on this one.

In the spring and summer, the marshes give a beautiful show of Rose mallows and swamp hibiscus and others.

Recent Conditions & Trips Notes
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know and we'll post them here)

November 2001 - water levels good, but below average.

CURRENT WATER LEVELS (St. Johns River at Astor)
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/uv/?site_no=02236125&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060

(Journey Home)

Santa Fe River

NOTE - If you are looking for information about unguided paddling trips on the Santa Fe, (we offer daily rentals, shuttling, etc.) click here - Santa Fe

Cost: $29.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 3 - 4 hours

Skill level: Great for beginners (and enjoyed by experienced paddlers too)

Dates

Join us for a scheduled tour.
(see calendar for trips being planned).
or,
schedule your own private tour.
Call for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

Running through the heart of Florida's famous "spring region," the Santa Fe river is a true gem of wild Florida. The upper half of this 75-mile river is a small, winding creek that often dries in low water periods. It's an interesting area, but one which requires a guide to get to the good parts. But half way down, just above the quaint little town of High Springs, the river changes dramatically.

At O'leno State Park the river disappears into an underground cavern. When it reemerges from the depths, three miles away, it is a dramatically different river. Having joined with an underground river of crystal clear spring water, the reborn Santa Fe is nearly twice as big as it was when it "went below." For the remaining 30 miles, the Santa Fe winds through a beautiful landscape with abundant wildlife, lush vegetation and, of course, the springs. There are dozens of them, some are small and hard to spot, while others arise from the riverbed and will go unnoticed unless you're snorkeling. It's not until you get about 3 miles below "the Rise" that you'll find the first big one's, Hornsby Spring on the left and, a half mile further, Columbia spring on the right.

Five miles more brings you to Poe Spring. The county owned park surrounding the spring and flanking nearly a mile of river front, has a short hiking trail and other facilities. From here you'll start passing a spring ever half hour or so. And, like their names, they are unusual and interesting. Lily - where you'll meet "naked Ed," the resident caretaker who has lived in a little thatch hut alongside the spring for nearly 20 years. As his name implies Ed only slips into his fur loin cloth when he has visitors. Otherwise he prefers to hang out (pun intended) as nekkid as the day he was born. No trip on the Santa Fe is complete without a visit with Ed.

Continuing downstream you'll pass Rum Island Spring, the beautiful Blue Spring before coming to the famous Ginnie Springs Park. This is the home to Devil's Ear, Devil's Eye, Ginnie, Dogwood and Twin Springs.

All along it's meander towards it's eventual union with the Suwannee River, the Santa Fe 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 has passed the Ginnie Springs group, the river has gained more water from the springs than it has lost from siphons, and it's moving at a nice pace. During average to low water periods, this part of the river takes on a clearer, more spring-like quality. The current becomes stronger too, allowing the paddler to divert his attention away from the task of propelling his craft and check out the surroundings. Some features, such as Big Awesome siphon and Myrtle's Fissure require a curious spirit and watchful eye to spot. Others, like Little Awesome siphon are apparent to even the most unobservant passers-by.

Wildlife

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. Occassionally 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 flashlightinto 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.

Cooters

The term cooter refers to several species of turtles of the Pseudemys genus. Most of the turtles you see basking in north Florida rivers are of this genus. The name comes from kuta, which in some African dialects means turtle. African slaves in Florida relished eating these turtles (as do many country folk today). They are very aquatic turtles, but are also occasionally seen far from water as they move between bodies of water. When courting, a male swims backwards in front the female tickling her cheeks with long claws on the inside of his front legs. As eggs develop in her body, the female must bask in the sun to bring her body temperature up to a certain level for eggs to develop properly. It is therefore very important to avoid scaring them off their log when basking in the spring.

Recent Conditions & Trips Notes **
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know and we'll post them here)

** Check the descriptions on the "River Trips" index page for more notes on the Santa Fe's current status.

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 trees and other plants 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. Scattered in their midst, brilliant yellow patches of butterweed (Senecio) add a colorful contrast. Red maples have already flowered and are now carrying heavy loads of their scarlet sumara (seeds). Many are already 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.

NOTE: Poe Springs management has started allowing a 15 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 15 minutes! 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.

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.

Sept 5, 2008 - Thank you Tropical Storm Fay! The Santa Fe is now running at a fine clip and all vegetation blocks have been flushed away and are well down the Suwannee by now and nearing the Gulf (they're going to hate that salt water!). While the Santa Fe is flowing at a nice, quick pace and there's clear passage all the way down, paddlers need to be extra cautious to avoid logs, snags and low hanging limbs. A quick current can pin your boat against such obstacles and it's hard to pull out. In extreme situations (fast water moving under your boat while you're pinned) could undermine and tip your boat. In these situations, always lean AWAY from the oncoming water. But, with the Santa Fe's wide channel, the best strategy is to simply avoid such obstacles - it's easy! And, always keep at least one paddle partner nearby. The old "buddy system" is a great idea!

* Special note - A manatee was spotted above Poe Spring! It's rare to find them this far upstream, so keep a sharp eye out for one of these incredible visitors.

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/water+data/surfacewater+levels/30+day+river+levels.asp?statid=80

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Silver River

* Adventure Outpost dedicates this trip to the Florida Defenders of the Environment and to
the memory Marjorie Harris Carr. Were it not for their passion and devotion to
preserving this natural treasure, most of this river would now be a barge canal.

Cost: $35.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 5 - 6 hours

Skill level: Intermediate. The first half of this paddle is upstream against a moderate current. Experienced
paddlers of all levels will enjoy this one.

Difficulty: The first half of this trip is 2.5 - 3 hour upstream paddle against a moderate current.
It can become exhausting for some people. On our trips, about 3/4 of our clients
(including several in their 70's) have made it all the way to the springs. but
you need only go as far as you able. You can turn back at any time and l
et the current help you on the relatively easy paddle back to the boat ramp.

Dates

Join us for a scheduled tour.
(see calendar for trips being planned).
or,
schedule your own private tour.
Call for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

While tourists have been drawn to Silver Springs for over a century, few get to explore the fantastic nine mile river that carries the spring's crystal clear water to the Ocklawaha River. Lots of birds, aquatic plants, 'gators, snakes, and other animals, (including some Rhesus monkeys which escaped during filming of old Tarzan movies), make for a great trip. Traces of the areas rich prehistory and history are abundant, including the submerged hull of an old boat wreck dating from the 1800's.

Our exploration begins near the end of Silver river, close to where it flows into the Ocklawaha River. From here we paddle UPSTREAM toward the rivers source, Silver Spring, one of the largest springs (in volume) in the world. As we make our way upstream, we are treated to an unending panorama of cypress, ash, gum, red maple and an assortment of other trees and plants associated with the Ocklawaha river basin, of which this is an important part. Feel free to bring a bathing suit and snorkeling gear if you're determined to get wet.

Bald Cypress
Taxodium distichum

There's probably no tree that characterizes the Florida swamp more than the Bald Cypress. They, like other swamp trees like tupelo and pop ash, have large, swollen bases (buttresses) which are thought to lend stability in the soggy ground. More unique to cypress trees are the knees - tall, knobby, outgrowths from the roots which give the impression of stalagmites arising from the swamp floor. The purpose of these knees is uncertain, the best guess being that they aid in stability or, somehow get oxygen for the submersed roots. Most of the cypress trees we see today in Florida's wetlands are babies compared to the giants which were logged out in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Nonetheless, some are older than they look. They only grow about 4 - 6 inches in diameter every 100 years! It takes a microscope to accurately count their rings. The name 'bald' come from the fact that they lose their leaves in the fall, unlike most other coniferous trees. In fact, they carry leaf dropping to new levels, losing the entire end of the twigs in the fall. And their beautiful copper color, mixed with the many reds, yellows and oranges that decorate Florida's autumn canopy, make our wetlands an ideal destination for a fall foliage tour.

Wildlife

The most popular animals on this trip, and the most unusual for any of our trips, are the monkeys. Earlier in this century a number of Rhesus monkeys escaped into the wild from Silver Springs Park. The most prevalent story is that they escaped from sets of the old Tarzan movies which were filmed near the springs. But, in reality, their presence can be credited to (blamed on?) Col. Tooey, a concessionaire at Silver Springs park in the 1930's. To add some tropical flavour to his "jungle cruise," he released some of the monkeys on a small island in the middle of the river. He didn't realize they could swim. Today, they are well established in the bottomland forest along the Silver and a bit of the Ocklawaha Rivers. And, even though they aren't a native species, they are still fun to watch. Keep in mind, they are wild so we don't always see them. About 4 out of 5 people who go on this trip see them. If you do see any, stay away from them. They can be very aggressive and will bite if you get too close.

There are always plenty of water birds, especially near the head spring. There are also turtles, gators and and other reptiles to keep things interesting, as well as my personal favorites - the otters. Oh yeah, and there are monkeys too (see below). And, if there aren't enough critters scampering around in the surrounding forests or winging across the sky overhead, then look down. The river is crystal clear for its entire length and fish and aquatic plants are plentiful.

History

Toward the end of the last Ice Age, nearly 14,000 years ago, Florida was much drier than it is today. Water sources, such as Silver Spring were important for the nomadic bands of Indians who lived here. Artifacts dating back to the earliest humans in Florida, as well as all other cultures which lived here afterwards, have been found at the spring and all along Silver River.

Beginning in the late 1700's, Seminole Indians lived in the area. When a reservation was established for them in the 1820's, their numbers grew and Seminole canoes plied the waters of Silver river in ever increasing numbers. The agency for the Reservation was established at Ft. King, a few miles from the head spring. In fact, it was the first Indian agent, Gad Humphries, who named Silver spring and Silver river.

Slave raiders violated the treaty and frequently entered the reservation looking for runaway slaves. Some of the blacks they captured were freeborn or had gained their freedom legitimately. The terms of the treaty were also broken by the Indians who, because of the poor quality of the land they had been given, were forced to hunt outside of the reservation. With the situation becoming desperate, the Indians rebelled. In December of 1835, Osceola and a band of warriors ambushed and killed the Indian agent at Ft. King. That same day, Chief Micanopy and a band of warriors attacked a regiment of soldiers near today's Brooksville. All of the soldiers were killed. Only a couple of scouts survived.

For the next seven years, the Second Seminole War raged throughout the Florida peninsula. The forests along Silver and the Ocklawaha rivers were a hotbed of activity in the wars early years. By the end of the conflict, most of the Seminoles had been killed or moved to reservations in Oklahoma. Only a few hundred remained in the everglades of south Florida.

In the late 1800's, the Ocklawaha and Silver rivers were cleared and steamboat traffic began carrying produce and mail up and down the river. But the cargo which was to change the course of the river's future was tourists, who came in ever-increasing numbers in the final decades of the 19th century. One creative local boy, Hullam Jones, cut a hole in the bottom of a canoe and sealed it with a pane of glass. For a small fee, he'd take visitors on a paddle around the spring basin as they gazed in amazement at the wonderful assortment of fish and other aquatic animals. It was the birth of Silver Springs famous 'glass-bottom boats' which continue to ply these waters today.

Recent Conditions & Trips Notes
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know and we'll post them here)

February 27, 2006 - Most trees and understory plants are in one stage or another of getting decked out in their spring finery. Cardinal flower is already dressed to the hilt - crimson blooms decorating many of the patches of emergent marsh vegetation lining the river bank. Spatter dock's golden orbs are popping open and the white blooms of swamp dogwoods make these inconspicuous trees stand out in the crowd. Birds are in the mood too. Some of the summer residents have arrived on the scene, such as parula and prothonotary warblers. On this days trip we saw 30 - 40 of the monkeys, a couple of dozen gators and a few snakes. Turtles? Always!!

December 19, 2006 - Low rainfall in recent months means clear, low (relatively speaking) water in Silvewr River. The run is beautifully clear all the way to the ocklawaha confluence. Deciduous trees have shed most leaves. Blooms seen included burmarigold, swamp lilies, spatterdock, climbing aster and a few cardinal flowers. Birds included a black - crowned night heron adult and, nearby, a nearly full-grown juvenile, many cormorants and anhingas, about 2 dozen great blue herons, 16 limkins (we kept count) several dozen white ibis (all but one in adult plumage), several phoebes, assorted woodpeckers (including a head-banging pileated), several great egrets, a red-shouldered hawk, mobs of robins and grackles. Found a troop of about 30 monkeys, with individuals on both sides of river. Several were soaking wet, hinting that perhaps we had interrupted a troop crossing. One otter was spotted (But I missed it - bummer!). At least a dozen gators and three snakes (one banded water snake and two florida brown water snakes).

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/uv?02239501

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Steinhatchee River

Cost: $35.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 3 hours

Skill level: Great for beginners and experts alike.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

If you've always dreamed of plunging over a water fall in a barrel, Steinhatchee Falls is the place for you. This place has just about everything a daredevil could want. A nice county park with ample parking for media crews overlooks the chasm. A rocky, limestone bottom will give an added element of danger to your feat. And, your PR team should be able to get plenty of mileage out of the fact that Steinhatchee is a Seminole word for 'dead man's river'. And, perhaps the best thing, is that the drop is only a couple of feet. With such a short 'hang time' you'll be out of the water and into the media frenzy before you can say "did anybody put film in the cam..."

Actually, the limestone ledge that creates the "falls" are fairly interesting in low water and highlight the fact that this trip offers a scenic study Florida's gulf coast geology. In certain conditions, small springs run out of the side of, the low, limestone bluffs, which flank much of the river. For much of the run, the river bed is solid limestone which, in some places, gives us a nice, quick ride over shoals, and in other places creates very dramatic, features such as oddly shaped boulders and strange, Swiss cheese 'moonscapes' of solution holes which pass just inches below our boats.

This river originates in Mallory Swamp, and picks up a trickle of water from several very small springs, including Steinhatchee Spring. The stretch we explore starts a mile above the falls and goes to the town of Steinhatchee. The water is tannic and clear brown. About half of the length is tidally influenced. The channel stays consistently about 15 - 20 yards wide for most of this stretch, but then nearly triples in size for the last mile before our take-out.

The interesting geology is perhaps the most unique thing about the Steinhatchee. It's remoteness makes this a relatively uninhabited area, especially in the upper portion, even though the ground is high and dry enough for human habitation.

Wildlife

Beavers, whose range currently does not extend south of the Suwannee river basin, have a very obvious presence here - including a well built dam that is easily seen from the river. Manatees and otters are frequently seen in the area below Cooey Island.
Uca lactea feeding

History

The name Steinhatchee, originally spelled Asten Hatchee, is a Seminole word meaning "Dead Man's River". There's no record of why the river took this name, but I'm happy to report that there's a pleasant shortage of corpses along this quite stream these days. During the First Seminole War, Andrew Jackson led his army across the river at the famous old ford at Steinhatchee Falls (the launch site for or paddle trip) on his way to attack the Seminole towns along Suwannee River. Two decades later, Zachary Taylor followed the same route and camped alongside the ford. During the Second Seminole Wars, the first settlement (actually a fort named Frank Brook) was established along the north bank of Steinhatchee, near the present town site. These days, the towns reputation for being a favorite refuge for presidents is bolstered every time Jimmy Carter comes down to spend time in this, his favorite little community in Florida.

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

April 11, 2005 - After returning to near normal levels after the hurricanes, recent rains have flooded the river again. The park at Steinhatchee Falls is closed. We advise against boating on the upper Steinhatchee for inexperienced paddlers.

June, 05, 2005 - Thanks to Sandy Hubbard, "First Lady" of the Silent Otters paddle club for this one: "Ten of us met at the appointed intersection and the light rain increased steadily as we proceeded to the put-in. The one-lane wooden bridge on the access road indicated ‘good river’. By the time boats were unloaded and the shuttle started it was POURING rain!! It was a very pretty place, not cold and the rain hosed us down.

The small spring at the put-in has a brick housing around it. Otherwise the rising tannic Steinhatchee would have buried it. (As seen on photo page link above.) Soon after the drivers returned, the rain let up. We launched our boats and it soon stopped raining FOR THE REST OF THE DAY!

We put in about fifteen or more miles upstream from the town of Steinhatchee and the Gulf. The upper river is narrow with steep banks, not swampy. It was running swift with the rain, clear tannic and absolutely beautiful! We had no pullovers, which was a surprise. Our Sweet Sainted Don Winchester, who left us last June, had always wanted us to paddle the upper Steinhatchee with him. I regret that we never did. Now I know why he loved it so.

The sky cleared steadily as we paddled little, mostly steered, and bowed under an overhanging log or two. Just about then, the river started its drop/pool thing. A “limbo log” spanned the entire river just before an old railroad bridge. On the other side of the bridge, the river took about a two-foot drop from a shelf into choppy water. Wouldn’t you know…everything at once? But WOOHOO!! The water was moving fast, rocks were buried under high water and we had fun! Solo Mohawks Bob Bateman and Glenn Ferrant were the first through, followed by Katrina & Jerry in their (upright) canoe. We all came through hooting and grinning. Thanks for the photographs, Glenn!!

A half-mile or so downstream it happened again. This was really fun at this water level but we would certainly have to scout the shelves and shoals at lower water! The little river twisted and turned so much that eventually a rumor circulated that we might have missed the takeout. Not so! The takeout was a beautiful spot right along SR51 and just before the river goes underground for about a half mile (upstream from Steinhatchee Falls Park). We loaded boats in scattered sunshine and headed for Steinhatchee and “The Crab Shack” where the river widens to meet the Gulf.

One must embrace The Crab Shack in context. Consider where it lives and who ain’t from around there. The Crab Shack is a spacious covered pier with a limited menu. There is a big-screen TV which was showing car racing, muted. The beer is cold and they don’t serve crab. The music is live and loud and way bad. But still. Somehow it works, we like it and we go back. "

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/water+data/surfacewater+levels/30+day+river+levels.asp?statid=104

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Suncoast Keys (Ozello)

Cost: $39 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 4 - 4.5 hours

Skill level: Beginner - Expert

Difficulty: This is open water, and therefore subject to winds.
Aside from that it's easy paddling on shallow, relatively calm water.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

IOn this trip we'll be paddling for about 4 - 4.5 hours on open coastal waters among scattered small islands. Most of these green gems are mangrove isles, but a couple are higher shell midden isles with very interesting plant life. We'll be stopping at a couple of these to look around. Of all the tours we offer, this offers the best chance to explore the interesting mangrove habitat.

The Suncoast Keys, located in the relatively quiet stretch of the Gulf coast, between Crystal River and Chassahowitzka, is one of those rare places in Florida where nature still holds sway. The dominant feature here are the islands - thousands of islands - ranging in size from small, green domes that could pass for a Galapagos tortoise on steroids (which would explain his unlikely presence here), up to serious miles-wide islands. It's an area where quiet exploration is possible any day of the year.

The inner islands tend to be a bit higher, with a diverse canopy of cedars, pines, oaks and other hardwoods. If you've been on the Homosassa trip (the summer, version) you've experienced this part of the Suncoast keys. The outer islands, where we'll be exploring this weekend, is the land of mangroves.

There are actually four, unrelated species of mangroves, that are commonly grouped together (in life as well as in text) because of their shared affinity for the harsh saltwater environment. Each has evolved it's own unique and interesting way of coping with the rigors of living here and each has different levels of tolerance. The leader of this hardy ensemble is red mangrove, whose ability to create land where it didn't exist before, makes it one of the most important species along any coast that it is found.

Wherever conditions prevail (calm, shallow waters and warm temps) red mangroves, will set down roots - literally. The long, wax-covereed seedlings (propagules) that develop on the tree before dropping, float the seas until finding a suitably shallow spot to anchor itself. The tree that follows is propped up out of the water on an elegant scaffolding of arching roots. These, in turn, catch other floating propagules and a mangrove forest is born. As sand builds up around the tangle of roots, the ground gets even shallower, creating the contitions favored by the next colonist to the community - black mangrove. The process continues with white mangrove and then buttonwood, which is adapted to the highest ground in the mangrove forest that is usually above water level.

But, enough of the science of the mangrove forest (I'll tell you more when we get there). For many, it's the subtle tranquility and expansive beauty of these isles that are their greatest lure. Even from a distance, their dark green silhouettes, framed by wide sheets of calm, shining water and a brilliant blue-white sky, excite the curious kid in all of us.

As you draw near, the first thing you notice is a dappling of bright yellow-orange. At first you think you think you've found a island of citrus, with plump orange fruit ripe for picking. Getting closer, you realize these are leaves that have turned color - one of the many interesting adaptations that you'll find in the mangrove community for shedding salt.

As you enter the world of the mangrove forest, odd shapes and features surround you on all sides; arching prop roots, pencil-like pneumatophores sticking up from the muck, tiny shadows scurrying in all directions. Oddest of all are the red mangrove propagules. At this season, they are well developed and are dangling awkwardly from the small flowery base of their birth - like a kid who'se outgrown the crib but refuses to leave. As they get longer, the propagule, with its little four-pointed flower bract on top, looks increasingly ridiculous - sort of like the tall, lanky guitar player who is an essential member of every mariachi band. You know the one - tall and skinny, wearing a sombrero that's far too small and therefore rides high atop his long head. He's usually playing the smallest guitar.

On our trip, we'll pass a couple of small, higher islands where we can stretch, snack and check out some of the island flora. One of our island stops (atop an Indian mound) has a better crop of my absolute favorite wild edible plant than any river I lead tours on. The name of that plant is ..... well, I guess I should leave something new to tell you about. :-)

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

July 2, 2006 - Spent some time wading around among the mangroves, following birds and checking out the other wildlife in the "jungle" of red mangrove prop roots. In a small hollow eroded into the top of a large shell midden, we caught and examined an ornate diamondback terrapin. Someone remarked that the freakishly large upper beak looked like it had been punched in the mouth - an effect that was highlighted by the tears oozing from its eyes (this is actually a mechanism for secreting excess salt). A few dolphins escorted us between a couple of small isles before setting off like torpedoes harkening after some unknown (to us) quarry. Taking a break on a small shell midden island, we gathered wild edibles - some of which was eaten before ever making it into the bag. Yummm!! All in all a beautiful day with afternoon clouds setting the stage for a very dramatic, colorful sunset.

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/water+data/surfacewater+levels/30+day+river+levels.asp?statid=78

(Journey Home)

Suwannee River
Headwaters - The Sill to Fargo

Cost: $39 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers.

Trip time: 6 - 7 hours

Skill level: Beginner - Expert

Difficulty: This is a long paddle, so your stamina should be seriously considered.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

April 16, 2005 - After returning to near normal levels after the hurricanes, recent rains have flooded the river again. We strongly advise against boating on the Suwannee at this time.

PLEASE NOTE - These are exceptional conditions and are steadily changing. In some of the rivers on this list, the waters will continue to rise in the days and weeks ahead, others have already begun to drop. Be sure to check with us or other local outfitters and internet gauge reports before paddling these waters. AND BE CAREFUL

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/water+data/surfacewater+levels/30+day+river+levels.asp?statid=78

(Journey Home)

Suwannee River #1
"Suwannee Springs - Alapaha"

Cost: $39.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 6 - 7 hours

Skill level: Great for beginners and experts alike.

Difficulty: This is a long paddle, so your stamina should be seriously considered.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

This is a different Suwannee from the sand-banked, spring-studded Suwannee we explore on the "spring hop" fifty miles downstream. And, the wide, majestic Suwannee we experience on trip #3, as it makes its leisurely approach to the Gulf, might as well be a different river. This is a much smaller, narrower part of the river, only 70 miles removed from it's birth in the Okefenokee swamp. But, to call this a "young" section of the river, while it might satisfy our human urge to bestow order and symmetry onto all things wild, would be to miss it's greatest attribute - it's ancient appearance. In fact, there are few places in Florida where you feel such a sense of timelessness. Massive, limestone cliffs, with beautiful, water-sculpted facades, rise vertically from the waters edge - reaching heights of 50 and 60 feet in some places. To look upon these damp, ashen cliffs, is to see the face of primordial Florida.

The plant communities along here are equally different. The combination of high, shading cliffs and dark, tannin-stained water, makes aquatic vegetation relatively scarce. But on shore there's no shortage of greenery. Lanky, coastal plain willows, river birch, and Ogechee tupelos along with a number of sedges and grass species cling to the higher, firmer sand banks. On top of the bluffs, an unbroken forest of oaks and pines rule the high ground. It's a fairly remote area and animals such as deer, bobcats, hogs, turkey and an occasional bear come to the waters edge for a drink. There are also lots of beaver. You don't have to look very hard to see their sign, including some impressive, long slides which they use to skid limbs, branches and other woody munchables down to the river.

In periods of lower water, such as we're experiencing now, there are many, inviting sugar-sand beaches along the shore, and occasionally in the middle of the river. You'll find these ideal for an occasional dunking and for lunch stops.

History

There's a theory which proposes that the name, "Suwannee" comes from the Creek Indian word "Suwani," meaning echo. When I first learned this, I was still a wee sprout of an outdoors person and my wanderlust had not yet brought me to the echoic cliffs of the upper Suwannee. I didn't buy the story. Today, having become familiar with this river, I would have to concede that Florida's yodeling population probably finds the acoustics of the gorges well-suited to their craft. But, I still don't buy the "echo river" theory . . . theory . . . theory . . .

A more likely source of the name is the Spanish mission, San Juan de Guacara, which was located alongside the Suwannee, west of today's Live Oak. For nearly a century, beginning in the early 1600's, a network of Christian missions dominated life in north Florida. Today, the names of many natural features in north Florida trace their roots to that distant era. San Felasco Hammock, San Pedro Bay and a number of rivers such as the St. Johns, Santa Fe, and St Marys took their names from Spanish missions which sat along their banks. San Juan de Guacara was located near Charles Spring, where the missionaries main artery of transportation, the Mission Trail, crossed the Suwannee. In the years following the demise of the mission system, in the early 1700's, the river was called San Juanee, or "little San Juan" to distinguish it from the other San Juan (St. Johns) river to the east.

On early maps of the Suwannee, one of the most consistently noted features is the "Mineral Spring" - today's Suwannee Spring. For the Indians, the springs rich mineral content was seen as powerful medicine. The early white pioneers also also valued these waters, setting the stage for the Victorian era health spa craze. Near the spring, in the late 1800's, a large hotel accommodated tourists and people with health problems who flocked here from across the country. Those who couldn't make the journey, weren't completely denied the chance to quaff these healing waters. A water bottling operation, foreshadowing a huge Florida industry which developed a century later, was begun at Suwannee Spring. Perched on pharmacy shelves, in cities throughout the north, bottles of Suwannee Spring water sat shoulder to shoulder with flasks of snake oils and wondrous elixirs of all description. Regulations of the food and drug industries were still decades away.

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

August 08, 2007 - Water levels remain low. At present, there are no pull-overs, but a few more inches lower and some sections will require numerous short portages. Be sure to check ahead before paddling at this time.

March 08, 2008 - The heavy rains two weeks ago has caused minor flooding throughout the Suwannee basin. Today's deluge has brought the river up even more. Floods from these heavy rain events usually work their way down the river, so dramatic flooding is already taking pace in the headwaters, while lower sections of the river can expect the highest flooding in days to come. Lower Suwannee and confluence of Santa Fe probably won't crest (from today's rains) until sometime next week. Since severe flooding seems imminent, I'd definitely advise you to check with us if you plan on paddling the lower Santa Fe or Suwannee, Santa Fe, Withlacoochee (north) or Alapaha any time in the next few weeks. E-mail us at riverguide2000@yahoo.com for water level and flooding updates or check the link below.

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/water+data/surfacewater+levels/30+day+river+levels.asp?statid=61

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Suwannee River #2
"The History Paddle"

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

This stretch of the Suwannee takes us past a few very interesting historical sites, so we usually book this as a "history tour"

On this stretch you can really sense the transition in the landscape, as the river slowly drops from the higher, sandier "Trail Ridge" down to the Gulf coastal plain. High, sandy bluffs, characteristic of the upper river are highlighted by frequent limestone outcroppings.

As with the near-upstream sections, high, shading cliffs and dark, tannin-stained water, makes aquatic vegetation scarce. Nor is the flora and fauna hugging the steep-sided bluffs as diverse as in other, lower sections. But, what it lakes in abundance, it makes up for in beauty. New, scenic vistas are found with every bend in the river.

History

Many of us are aware of the Battle of Olustee - Florida's largest Civil war battle fought in 1864. History buffs have heard that it involved union troops heading into north Florida to cut off a vital rail line that had become a main artery of supplies for the Confederacy. But, many aren't sure where those tracks ran and what section the union had targeted. On this trip, you'll see the location on which the Union's Army had set it's sights. In the 1850's and 60', sitting perched alongside the river at the confluence of the Withlacoochee and Suwannee Rivers, was the town of Columbus. It was a thriving town of several hundred people, and boasted a couple of hotels, mills and the like. And, as of the late 1850's, it was a railroad town, with a newlky laid line entering town from the south and then crossing a high bridge before continuing north toward Georgia. It was this bridge the Union wanted to destroy. The Confederacy new this was the Achiles heel of the rail line, so they quickly sent troops to guard the bridge. An earthworks was constructed which cab still be seen today. The old bridge is gone, but some of the tall concrete pilings remain. Nearby, a deep, man-made goge leading to the riverside marks the old wagon access where riverboats offloaded and took on supplies.

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

July 16, 2005 - Water levels are about 8 feet above average, but not much faster than we are sued to here. Paddling is great, but at this time of year it's always a good idea to call ahead for conditions. One inch of rain in the Okefenokee translates into one foot rise in the water level on this part of the river. We were joined briefly by a beaver, whose eroded limestone caves, where they are often seen feeding along the low banks, are now submerged.

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/water+data/surfacewater+levels/30+day+river+levels.asp?statid=61

(Journey Home)

Suwannee River #3
"The Spring Hop"

Cost: $39.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 6.5 hours

Skill level: Great for beginners (and enjoyed by experienced paddlers too)

Difficulty: This is a long paddle. Consider your duration.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

or

Click on this link for a local map and then use zoom and panning arrows to explore the area.
Note: the red star is NOT our meeting place, but just a nearby town or landmark.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&address=&city=Branford&state=FL&zipcode=

Description

There are few places, in Florida or elsewhere, where you can find as many beautiful and unique springs as are found along this stretch of the Suwannee River. Add to this a wide variety of plants and animals, prehistoric Indian sites, and a sunken Civil War steamboat, and you have an unmatched exploration of the "real Florida". Unfortunately for the paddler, the river is relatively wide here, giving motor boaters plenty of access.

Wildlife

The river is wide and deep here, so sightings of fish and other aquatic life are limited. However, for the lucky paddler, the sight of a sturgeon breaching the water is a once-in-a lifetime experience. Another fish which is very uncommon, but no less startling, are brown sharks. Usually a salt water predator, these large sharks have been rarely seen as far upstream as Branford.

History

Capt James Tucker, piloted his steamboat, the Madison, on the Suwannee in the mid 1800's. A colorful character by anyone's standards, one of Tuckers shining moments came when he drove his steamer far beyond the usual head of navigable waters at Branford, all the way to White Springs. By this action, the river was declared 'navigable' to White Springs, thus greatly extending the length of river in the public domain. It was a considerable achievement, but Tucker nearly destroyed his boat in the process. It took some major repairs before the Madison was able to return down stream.

During the Civil War, Tucker used his steam boat to aid the Confederate cause. Eventually he was called to serve on the front lines up north. Rather than allow his steamboat to fall into the hands of the enemy, he piloted the Madison to Troy Spring and sunk her. Over the years, she has been picked clean of every important bit of hardware, but the ribs of her wooden hull can still be seen on the floor of the spring run.

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

April 16, 2005 - After returning to near normal levels after the hurricanes, recent rains have flooded the river again. We strongly advise against boating on the Suwannee at this time.

PLEASE NOTE - These are exceptional conditions and are steadily changing. In some of the rivers on this list, the waters will continue to rise in the days and weeks ahead, others have already begun to drop. Be sure to check with us or other local outfitters and internet gauge reports before paddling these waters. AND BE CAREFUL!!

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/water+data/surfacewater+levels/30+day+river+levels.asp?statid=57

(Journey Home)

Interlude

It's a strange irony that we go to forests to escape civilization and yet the things we often find to be
the most exciting are the traces of people who were there before us. And it doesn't take much. We stumble
onto a deer trail and are mildly interested, but if that same trail has been worn deep by a thousand years of
Indian foot traffic, we are fascinated. We wonder about the people who passed this way, Who were they?
Where were they going? We visualize them running with news for the next village; skipping behind their
parents; tip-toeing toward a deer seen crossing ahead; making long, determined strides toward a nearby town
and waiting friends; strolling dejectedly from a village that had shunned them; limping with injuries from a
recent battle; tripping over exposed roots. We wish we had seen them.

One such trail can be seen at Charles Spring. When early Indians chose to follow an old deer trail leading to
this spring, they could not have known they were pioneering a route that would eventually become one of the
most important trails in the land. Today's history books refer to this road alternately (depending on the time
period) as the Old Spanish Road, the Mission Trail, and eventually as Florida's first Federal highway (in the
original, pre-asphalt sense), Bellamy Road, which spanned the Florida Territory from St. Augustine
to Tallahassee.

These days, there are few places where we can see this storied old trail. A section passing through O'leno
State Park is one of the best. At Charles Spring, a vestigal section can be seen as a deep cut in the river bank
leading down to the river. This served as a ramp for wagons to descend to the riverside and load
onto a waiting ferry.

Nearby, an unassuming little trail enters the woods. A small green sign identifies it as the Old Bellamy Road.
Following the overgrown trail into a plantation of young pines, we find ourselves, once again wondering about
those who walked here before us. The trail ascends a sandy, wooded slope and we come to a small
cemetery plot. We read the headstones of Rubin and Rebecca Charles who died in 1835 and 1849,
and we wonder...

Suwannee River #4
(Fanning Spring - Manatee Spring)

Cost: $39.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $29. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 5 hours

Skill level: Great for beginners (and enjoyed by experienced paddlers too)

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

Besides the two beautiful, large springs, another highlight of this trip is the chance of seeing manatees in cooler months. There is also an optional hike in Andrews WMA which takes us past three state champion trees. Here again, motor boats are common, especially on weekends.

The Suwannee here is very wide, with high banks. For most paddlers, such wide channels and especially the motor boats that are drawn to them, are a turn-off. Unless you're specifically wanting to explore these springs or this section of the Suwannee, we'd recommend doing a stretch farther upstream.

Wildlife

At times, sturgeon are seen here, launching their 100+ pound bodies into the air in a display that you'll never forget. Another treat is the frequent aerial show of swallow-tailed kites during the summer months. When William Bartram explored this part of the river in 1774, he found bones of a recently butchered manatee along Manatee Spring run. Today, these large aquatic mammals are frequently seen here in winter months.

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

April 16, 2005 - After returning to near normal levels after the hurricanes, recent rains have flooded the river again. We strongly advise against boating on the Suwannee at this time.

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/water+data/surfacewater+levels/30+day+river+levels.asp?statid=63

(Journey Home)

Suwannee River #5
(Tidewater - Lost World of the Ivory-bill)

Cost: $39.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $29. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 3.5 - 4 hours

Skill level: Great for beginners (and enjoyed by experienced paddlers too)

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

This tour follows a network of beautiful back creeks and side channels along the lower Suwannee River. Our entire trip is within the bounds of the 53,000 acre Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. Here, low tidal creeks and coastal swamps are home to a fantastic arrayof bird, reptile, amphibian and insect species. While the main channel of the Suwannee is relatively wide here (averaging 600 - 800 feet across), the backwaters we follow on this trip are rarely more than 100 feet wide with a bit o9f shade near the edges provided by overhanging bald cypress, water elm, tupelo, ash, maple and oaks. The shrub layer is dominated by swamp dogwoods, Walter viburnum, buttonbush and climbing asters.

We usually offer this tour is part of our "Wild Florida Chronicles" series, in which we follow the routes of some famous explorations. This segment of the series follows the Chapman/Brewster expedition of 1890. While they only spent a couple of weeks exploring this area, the combined knowledge of these famous naturalists and ornithologists, combined with detailed journals, left us a great snap-shot of life along the lower Suwannee in the late 19th century. Most of the species they described are still here, including great blue, tri-colored. little blue herons, great and snowy egrets, prothonotary and parula warblers, swallow-tailed kites (in the summer) osprey and many more.

Wildlife

The lower Suwannee is a bird-rich environment, with waders, shore birds, raptors and many others being well-represented. Bald eagles and osprey are common. In the summer, watch for Atlantic sturgeon, a migratory species that can get up to 200 pounds. From April through November, these huge, silvery fish are often seen (and heard) jumping high out of the water. Manatees are also a possibility, especially in summer, as are swallow-tailed kites. One of the more surprising species you'll encounter are bottle-nosed dolphins. They often hunt in these waters for both freshwater and brackish water species such as redfish, bass, bream, sea-trout, catfish and mullet.

History

The swamps and coastal lowlands at the mouth of the Suwannee have always been sparsely inhabited. Attempts at settling here have been small scale - rarely more than the optimistic homesteaders wanting little more than to fish, hunt and raise healthy families. Needless to say, there is little documentation of these rare and fleeting endeavors. Those few settlements that involved more than just one or two families are known mostly from secondary sources and vague references.

It was this remoteness and the unknown nature of this area that inspired three well-known naturalists, William Brewster, Dr. Charles Slover Allen and Frank M. Chapman, to embark on an exploration of discovery and nature study in 1890. In March of that year, the three men set off from New Branford (today's Branford) aboard a little "house scow" (a small houseboat) named the "Coota." For the next two weeks, they slowly made their way down the river, exploring side channels, taking notes and observing the wildlife. In keeping with the long-standing tradition of nature study, they shot as many animals as they could - great for detailed study of plumage and anatomy, not so great for species populations (the idea of nature conservation, as we know it, was still generations away).

Towards the end of their 70 mile journey, as they approached the Gulf, they spent increasing amounts of time exploring the back waters and tidal creeks feeding off the main channel. Here, among the beautiful swamps of cypress, bay, tupelo and pumpkin ash, they were dazzled by the managerie of bird species. In total, they saw 107bird species, including some of the last ivory-billed woodpeckers recorded in Florida (one of which was shot). Also of intrest were their sightings of Bachman's warblers - a species named by John Audubon (though he never saw one alive) in honor of the birds discoverer, John Bachman. These birds, too, are probably extinct.

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

April 16, 2005 - After returning to near normal levels after the hurricanes, recent rains have flooded the river again. We strongly advise against boating on the Suwannee at this time.

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/water+data/surfacewater+levels/30+day+river+levels.asp?statid=63

(Journey Home)

Tomoka River

Cost: $35.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 3 hours

Skill level: Great for beginners and experts alike.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour ($150 minimum).
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

In it's relatively short, 10 mile length, the Tomoka experiences an impressive transformation. Starting as a small, swampy backwater, easing it's way quietly through a densely shaded stand of cypress, it starts to open up after a couple of miles as it crosses under Hwy 40. This upper section can only be accessed by an upstream paddle from the Hwy 40 bridge. To launch, you have to lug your boat and gear down a 50 - 60 ft trail through the woods. It's an easy launch, but be warned - transients often camp here, so, besides being hideously overrun with garbage, the chance of encountering a not-so-noble savage are pretty good. Unfortunately, the next launch site is about 6 - 7 miles downstream.

For the next few miles after the hwy 40 bridge, the river continues to widen while the ever increasing wash of sunlight spawns a change in the riverside vegetation. Thick groves of palm trees make a very interesting setting. Exploring these unique forests is worth a short detour. Look under the thick matting of fallen fronds and leaf boots for reptiles and other interesting inhabitants, while keeping an eye in the canopy for warblers, cat birds, mocking birds and others.

By the time the stream enters the coastal lagoon known as the Halifax River, it is a wide, tidal estuary dominated by saw grass marsh. Egrets, herons and cormorants are everywhere. Osprey are common here too, as are bald eagles.

Keep, in mind, this entire river is tidal, so be sure to move about accordingly - being careful where you leave your boat when hiking, making sure not to get caught in a small stream on a falling tide, etc.

History

We can never imagine the battles, political intrigues, power struggles, spying, murder, love affairs, marriages, births, deaths and countless other events that transpired among the peoples of north Florida in the twelve thousand years following their arrival. We do, however, know the results - a powerful tribe known as the Timucua. But, within a few short centuries of the arrival of Europeans, this proud confederacy of tribes, which ruled all of Florida north of today's Orlando, east of Tallahassee and south of mid-Georgia, were wiped out. Today, one of the few feeble reminders that these people ever existed, is found in the name of this quiet river just north of Daytona Beach.

The local faction of Timucua were the Nocoroco.Their primary village was located on the northern end of the long peninsula that is now Tomoka State Park. Walking around this area, the thick base of oyster shells are all that remain of a once massive shell mound. Nearby (and closed to the public) is a fascinating prehistoric site known as the Tomoka Stone. The site gets its name from the presence of large coquina midden composed of fused masses of coquina shells, pottery shards (Orange fiber-tempered), sharks teeth and animal bones. Much of this site has been inundated by rising water levels and are now well preserved. Nearby, there are more coquina mounds, known as the Strickland Mound complex. The village of Nocoroco was visited and documented by the Spanish explorer Alvaro Mexia in 1605. It is thought that this might have been one of the last strongholds of the Timucua tribe. Perhaps this is why this humble little stream carries such an important name.

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/uv?02244040

(Journey Home)

Waccasassa River

Cost: $35.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat: $22. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers.

Trip time: 3 -4 hours.

Skill level: Intermediate - Narrow winding channel and several fallen trees can be challenging for first-timers.

Difficulty: Unlike the upstream portion of this river which we offer as an x-stream trip, this section is very easy. However, there are several low branches that require ducking and some shallow, submerged branches which require scooching (is that a word? It should be) over. Remember, every duck and scooch (used twice, it is now an official word) is another barrier between us and the civilization (including motor boats) we are leaving behind. The hardest paddling on this trip is upstream in the Wekiva - but the current here is minimal.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour ($150 minimum).
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

On this trip we explore two waterways - Waccasassa and Wekiva rivers. We start with an upstream paddle on the Waccasassa (mainly because there is a better lunch area up there than the Wekiva). For the first hour, we're immersed in a swampy, river forest of cypress, red maples, and bay with lots of aquatic and under story plants in the water and along the river bank. As we make our way into the upper reaches of the Waccasassa, we enter a higher and drier forest of hickory, oak, elm, Florida buckeye trees and pine. Here, the high, closed canopy and periodic flooding makes for minimal undergrowth and good visibility for wildlife viewing. This trip offers plenty of good photo opportunities with lots of flowers and a few giant, old cypress trees, whose large cavities and "defects" made them "unworthy" of the loggers axe.

At first glance, there's nothing to tell the casual paddler that the Waccasassa is born of the beautiful Levy Blue spring near Bronson. This popular watering hole draws scores of locals on warm summer weekends - probably as much for the cool water as for the 35 cents entry fee. (I can't believe my keyboard doesn't even have a "cents" symbol. There's a sad commentary).

After taking a riverside lunch, we paddle back downstream to the mouth of the Wekiva. From there, anyone who is tired or has time limitations can head back to the boat ramp about 15 minutes away. The rest of us will head up the Wekiva and explore to our hearts content.

The Wekiva, too, is 'spring-fed.' And like it's sister river, the cool, artesian waters at it's source can be enjoyed for a price. But not for recreation - for consumption. A Japanese, bottled-water company bought the spring about 10 years ago and is now happily selling us water from our own aquifer.

Luckily, most of the water slips past the eager pumps of the water barons, and races down a beautiful, 7 - 10 ft. deep ravine through a section of high, pine country. After passing under Hwy 19, the river enters a wider, more tidally influenced section, with much more vegetation and wildlife, before flowing into the Waccasassa. It is this last section, below hwy. 19, which we will explore - nowhere near the spring unfortunately.

Wildlife

The fantastic maritime swamp that lines the lower 5 miles of the Waccasassa is home to a rich variety of animals. The bird tribe is well represented here, especially in winter. In the upland section of the river, beginning about a mile above the confluence with the Wekiva, deer are plentiful. Bear are also found here, but not in great numbers - we have yet to see one on one of our tours here. Manatees, on the other hand, are frequently seen here - in the summer!

In it's first several miles, the newborn waters of the Waccasassa pass through Devils Hammock, an important nesting area for swallow-tailed kites.

Swallow-tailed kites
Elanoides forficatus

These beautiful, black and white raptors return from their South
American wintering grounds in February and March and stay until the fall.
We usually only catch fleeting glimpses of them before they disappear
over the tree line. But in those brief moments, we're treated to a show of aero-
batics that is unmatched by any bird. Using their long, forked tails they hover
and dart above the trees looking for lizards snakes and other small animals.
They seldom land and, like swallows, swoop down and scoop a beak-full of
water when they're thirsty. Toy kites were named for these hovering bird. The
genus name comes from "elanos" meaning kite. Forficatus is Latin for scissors.

History

The name Waccasassa is Seminole for "cow pens." While this doesn't look like cattle country, during the Spanish mission period (most of the 1600's), this river was in the Realm of the huge La Chua cattle ranch centered at Paynes Prairie south of today's Gainesville. The ranch owners, the Menendez Marquez family, may have had a boat landing here to ship out cow hides, ranch products and the occasional cow 'on the hoof.'

During the Second Seminole War, from 1835 - 42, there were a couple of forts along the Waccasassa. Ft. Jennings was unique in that it was built directly over the river. This allowed the soldiers to lower a bucket directly into the river for water if they were under siege by the from the Indians.

In the 1800's and early 1900's, the cypress and cedar trees were heavily logged out of this area. A small-gauge rail line ran through the woods to a landing on the river's south bank a short distance downstream from today's marina.

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

March 10, 2006 - One of the best places to enjoy a change seasons in this part of Florida is here on the Waccasassa. In addition to the flush of vibrant green that has exploded onto the forest in the past two weeks, there are a number of other blooms to add some diversity. Butterweed (Senecio) is one of the most noticeable, but others, like golden club, with it's namesake golden spikes perched above it's "never-wet" (another name) leaves. Dogwood trees are at their best at this time. Topping it all off are the red buckeyes. For the untrained eye, these trees go overlooked at other seasons. If you've ever paddled the Waccasassa and think you didn't see a buckeye, you were wrong. Don't believe me? Come experience this rough hewn little stream in the next few weeks and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Their stunning red blooms are decorating the branches of even the smallest little sapling - and they are everywhere!!

Feb. 26, 2008 - The spring bloom is well under way and well worth a visit. Hawthorns, wild plums, buckeyes, Walter's viburnum, swamp dogwood and more are putting on a great show. E-mail us at riverguide2000@yahoo.com for water level and flooding updates or check the link below.

August 31, 2008 - Tropical Storm Fay dumped huge quantities of water in the Waccasassa's swampy head waters and that water is now gushing down this small stream to the Gulf. Paddling upstream was a bit of a challenge while tide was dropping, but when the tide turned the flow slowed considerably and paddling was a breeze.

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/uv?02313700

(Journey Home)

Wacissa & Aucilla River
(paddle and camp)

Cost: $90.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers.

Trip time: 2 full days (and one night).

Skill level: Intermediate - the Aucilla has some rapids that can be tricky in low water.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour ($150 minimum).
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

This two day exploration takes us to two very different rivers, each with it's own variety of habitats, birds, and reptiles. Perhaps this trips greatest appeal is its remote location where alligators and otters are far more common than people. The area is rich in archaeological and historical sites.

Our first day of paddling will be a nine mile journey down the slow flowing Wacissa. This is a relatively wide, scenic river, located in a remote northern part of the Big Bend area near St. Marks. We're usually on the water about 4.5 - 5 hours, exploring at our usual, leisurely pace and includes a short side jaunt up one of the side channels to see one of the more attractive springs. This river is born of a cluster of three, relatively unimpressive springs which are either overgrown with hydrilla or blocked by overhanging vegetation and downfall. In the first hour of our trip, we pass a series of springs, mostly on the east side. The entire run is flanked by beautiful low river forest - very scenic and very remote setting.

By contrast, the Aucilla is a high - banked, swift flowing, tannic river - lots of fun!

Wildlife

In the Aucilla's closed forest your more likely to see perching birds and woodland critters such as armadillos. While on the Wacissa, with it's open marshes and spring run vegetation, wading birds, eagles and kites are common. As with most open waterways such as the Wacissa, ospreys are quite common.

Osprey
Pandion haliaetus

The uncanny fishing abilities of this large bird of prey, have inspired some colorful folklore over the ages. In the 1700's it was thought that ospreys would expel an oily substance onto the water surface which was irresistible to fish. They would surface and the bird would easily snatch it up. Believers claimed that smearing this oil on one's bait would lure the fish hopelessly onto the hook. The birds common name comes from another fallacy. Ossifragus is Latin for "bone breaker," referring to the belief that they dropped fish onto rocks to kill them. In reality, about the only time an osprey will drop a fish is when a bald eagle tries to steal it. Their firm grip is attributable to their well-adapted feet. They are the only hawks with two toes pointing forward and two backward. Their toes have rough pads called spicules which also help their grip. In the early days of falconry, ospreys were sometimes tamed but they could never be trained to give up their catch. They'd always head for a limb and swallow the fish before returning to their "master." Pandion, in mythology, was King of Attica. Many members of his family were turned into birds, but it wasn't until Linnaeus gave it this genus name that he too became a bird. Haliaetus means "fish hawk." They are often mistaken for eagles. Unlike eagles, ospreys have a white breast, dark band up the neck and across the eyes and smaller, darker bill. They build nests in tall, exposed trees and sometimes on man-made structures like phone poles.

History

The Aucilla, in prehistoric times was apparently the home of thriving populations of Pleistocene mammals. An ongoing, underwater excavation is bringing to light much new information about the huge mammals that lived here during the Ice Age. The 'dig' is also being heralded in the archaeology world for the new techniques which have been devised to excavate the unstable, dark water site.

The name "Aucilla" is among the oldest place names on the Florida map. While the landscape is covered with natural features and places bearing Seminole names, there aren't many that have there origins with the 'original' Floridians. Beginning with DeSoto's intrusion into the area in 1539, the natives were living in a village called Ochile. A century later, in 1623, when the chain of Spanish missions extending westward from St. Augustine reached the Aucilla river, the local tribe was called the Asile. The mission established among them was named San Miguel de Asile.

Throughout the prehistoric and historic periods, the river was an important boundary between tribes. At the time of European contact, it was the dividing line between the Timucua speaking tribes which covered all of northeastern Florida and the Apalachee tribes to the west.

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

Mid - June, 2005: "After camping at Goose Pasture we took the back way north to the SR27 put-in. We stopped on a remote paved road while an adult black bear and two large adolescent cubs crossed the road. That's it. 9AM; no photos, just memories : ) Thanks to Sandy Hubbard "First lady" of the Silent Otters paddle club for this report.

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/water+data/surfacewater+levels/30+day+river+levels.asp?statid=56

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Wakulla

Cost: $39.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 3.5 hours

Skill level: Great for experienced paddles of all levels.

Difficulty: This is an easy, downstream paddle.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour ($150 minimum).
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

This is a 3 - 3.5 hour paddle. With a flow rate that varies from 300,000 to nearly a billion gallons per day, Wakulla ranks as one of the largest (and perhaps most variable) springs in the world, rivaling Silver Springs, where the maximum flow has never been as great as Wakulla's maximum, but the daily average is greater. By now, it must be obvious to anyone who's taken the time to read these descriptions, that I'm a sucker for any river (and even the occasional prairie) that has a rich, colorful history. Wakulla is such a river - more specifically, the town of St. Marks and the old fort ruins where our trip ends.

Wildlife

Wildlife viewing is excellent on this river. Wading birds like the wide, open channel as do many turtles and gators. Manatees are commonly seen here from spring through early November.

Helpful links

Butterfly festival - http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks/events.html )

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/uv?02310545

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Weeki Wachee

Cost: $35.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $22. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).
(Note: there's an additional launch fee of $5 per boat, to be paid to on-site vendor)

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 6 hours

Skill level: Intermediate - strong current makes this unsuitable for first time paddlers.
Great for experienced paddles of all levels.

Difficulty: The upstream element to this trip can make it a bit tiring. It's
tidally influenced, so avoid a strong dropping tide which adds
some strength to an already respectable current.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour ($150 minimum).
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

This is one of the most beautiful spring runs in Florida - easily ranking with Ichetucknee, Juniper and Silver. There are houses along the bottom 1/3, but most blend nicely with the surroundings and aren't very obtrusive. Once away from the houses, the river enters Weeki Wachee Swamp, which is actually the southern extension of the Chassahowitzka Swamp. Here, the river takes on a personality all it's own. A relatively small channel winds through a mature, often closed canopy of cypress, bay and gum in a wonderful, subtropical mix with sabal palms. Nearing the headwaters, the banks become much higher, 25 feet in places, with lots of sand pines while the river itself widens somewhat forming an open marsh. This rise is the western edge of the Brooksville Ridge, an ancient sand dune marking one of Florida's former shorelines during a prehistoric high water period.

As we near the spring, in the last 45 minutes of the trip, the river channel widens as is common near the heads of many Florida springs. As you enter this area, keep an eye on the left bank for a couple of fair sized alligators. Even if you don't see them, you'll easily spot their flattened sunning spots. Here, also, you'll see egrets, herons and cormorants perch and fishing alongside more coastal species like pelicans. Wood storks are also fairly common here. And mermaids, I mean manatees, are a good possibility in the winter!

The first half of this trip is upstream, but the current isn't too bad - more than Santa Fe but nothing like Silver (of course, you can turn back at any point if you get tired). The 5.1 mile paddle up usually takes about 3 - 3.5 hours. Coming back about 2 hours. And, to top it off, there's a nice, casual restaurant with open deck overlooking the river where we can relax with a cool drink and/or food after the trip.

For anyone who grew up in pre-Disney Florida, the name Weeki Wachee conjures memories of buxom, flowing haired mermaids, waving regally as they float gracefully past the glass of an underwater observatory. No pre-pubescent boy's childhood was complete without a trip to the Weeki Wachee mermaid show. The mermaid myth was to young Floridians, what Santa Claus was to kids elsewhere. And, like the Santa Claus illusion, the mermaid myth usually died an ugly death. (I'm still haunted by memories of the death-cloud beer burp which the 'Jolly One' wafted into my face as I sat on his lap referencing page numbers from the Sears catalog's toy section - but that's another story).

It happened when I was six. I had always been able to overlook the 'mermaid's' frequent visits to the bubbling air hose. And, while they were a bit troubling, I was even able to ignore those weird little bubbles which would inevitably gush from between the teeth of her otherwise perfect smile. But after the show, when I saw my beloved 'goddess of the deep' sneaking out the "Gulls Room" door, not only walking unmermaid-like on two feet, but trailing a yard-long streamer of Charmin's extra absorbent from her penny loafers, the dream was over.

As an adult, I've had to accept the reality that there are no mermaids. Instead, such simple pleasures as beautiful rivers have to suffice. If someone had told little Lars that, as an adult he would be coming here, not to stare puppy-eyed at the sirens behind the glass, but to explore the river overhead, he'd have probably choked on his Jujubee's.

Wildlife

This is a good place to look for manatees in the winter. And, while they aren't here in the numbers that we see in Crystal River, encounters are much more intimate. The water is shallower and clear and there aren't pontoon boats, divers by the dozen or a gazillion other manatee lovers hovering around every animal. Bird lovers will also enjoy this trip with pelicans and wood ducks as well as green-backed, little blue and great blue herons greeting us all along the way. On most trips we also see endangered wood storks, especially in the last mile below the head spring.

Wood Stork
Mycteria americana

This is the only stork in the United States. The common name is derived from storc, the Old English word for "stick", possibly in reference to their scrawny legs. There's also an old Scottish word storken which meant "to stiffen." Their genus name is derived from mukter, Greek for "snout." Wood storks are often seen feeding in musky waters where other wading birds are absent. This is because they catch fish by feel. Sweeping their sensitive beak back and forth in the water the bird feels for fish which, when detected, are quickly snatched. This is considered one of the fastest motions in the animal kingdom. Their bald, gray neck and head prompted Old timers to call them "ironheads" or "flintheads." Another common nickname, the "preacherbird" is also easily understood when you see one standing solemnly, with it's formal looking white garb, on the shore as you paddle by. He won't do much preaching however, because they have a very poorly developed voice box which limits them to feeble hisses and whistles. They communicate more by clacking their bills together than vocalizing.

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

General - This river is tidal about halfway up to the head spring, but there is always enough water for paddlers. Motors should avoid this river, not only because of very shallow conditions in some area, but because sensitive eel grass beds are getting badly scarred and in some places have been totally destroyed. Manatees, fish, and all kinds of aquatic life (including fishermen) benefit from these grasses.

March 7, 2006 - Warm weather is bringing an early start to the summer "party season." Too bad! There are still some manatees in the river, but motor boats are getting thick. We're done with this trip for the season, but if you still want to get in one last trip on this beauty, pick a day of cruddy weather - preferably after a cool night. This will help minimize the number of motorist on the water and maximize the number of manatees you'll see. Good luck. If you go, let me know how it goes!

December 18, 2006 - Being a weekday, we had the river almost to ourselves. Beautiful warm temps and clear sky. Encountered on group of three manatees just above the upper lunch beach. Many birds, including brown pelicans, great blue herons (one sitting in an old nest!!), phoebes, cardinals, little blue and tri-colored herons, several great blue herons, and great egrets. Dahoon hollies still full of plump, red berries - much to the delight of mobbing robins. One bald eagle was spotted near Rogers Park. River was full of mullet and a few jack crevalle. Also say many sheepshead and Atlantic needlefish.

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/uv?02310545

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Withlacoochee (South) - #1

(Hwy 48 - Outlet River)

Cost: $39.00 per person (includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat - $25. (many paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these rivers).

Group size: 1 - 24 paddlers

Trip time: 3.5 - 4 hours

Skill level: Great for beginners (and enjoyed by experienced paddlers too)

Difficulty:

This stretch is very open in places, so wind can be an issue, so strength and endurance are your most
important considerations. Like the lower Ocklawaha, there are many tempting side channels
and the floating vegetation can be confusing, so you won't want to get out of sight of the guide.

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour ($150 minimum).
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

For much of it's hundred mile length, the Withlacoochee carries itself with a subtle beauty that is unlike any other Florida river. The section we'll be exploring on this trip is one of the finest. Sandwiched between two fantastic wetlands, Wahoo Swamp to the south and Tsala Apopka Lake to the north, time and civilization have never stood a chance here.

In addition to being relatively devoid of human habitations, this part of the Withlacoochee has a great diversity in appearance, ranging from relatively narrow channels to broad expanses nearly a half mile wide. The low swamp forests lining the bank are dominated by cypress with a nice mix of gum, ash and red maple.

The river itself alternates between open expanses of water to large areas of marsh, sometimes in the form of floating mats of water hyacinth, pickerelweed, bur marigold and climbing hemp vine, other times as more permanent islands of rooted vegetation. This abundance of aquatic vegetation means different things to different people. To the motor boats, they're a nuisance, to the first-time explorer, they're the source of heightened confusion in trying to find the way, and to the nature lover, they're a virtual banquet of wildlife watching opportunities. This is a lighter, more airy river than many others in north-central Florida. The channel fluctuates dramatically - sometimes spanning 50 - 60 yards, in other places spreading to three or four times that width, creating small, in-channel lakes. Marshes, swamps and small islands create a variety of habitats that are home to many species of reptiles, insects and birds.

Cypress, ash, gum and red maple trees dominate the wetland forests that line the shores. There are always plenty of water birds. There are also turtles, gators and and other reptiles to keep things interesting, as well as my personal favorites - the otters.

If you could only do one stretch of the Withlacoochee, I'd recommend this one.

History

As with most inhospitable corners of wild Florida, the only people who have called Tsala Apopka Lake and Wahoo Swamp home are those who didn't want to be found. In the early 1800's, there was probably nobody who more desperately wanted to remain unfound than the Seminole Indians. As friction between them and the ever increasing population of white settlers increased, the Seminoles established villages deep in these swamps. From here, they staged simultaneous raids on Ft. King (today's Ocala) and a deadly ambush of American soldiers that would go down in history as the "Dade Massacre". And it was in these villages they celebrated their triumph. The villages remained undiscovered for a while, even though the Army was sure these swamps were the Indians' main stronghold. Eventually, a series of battles, including the Battle of Wahoo Swamp, drove the Seminoles south to an even larger wetland, the everglades.

Highlights

This is a very scenic trip - photographers will find plenty of subjects to keep their shutters shuttering. The lack of human encroachment and abundant wildlife make this one of the finest sections of the Withlacoochee to get a full, heady dose of nature.

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

August 21, 2005 - Heavy rains earlier in the year are still seeping into the river, keeping levels elevated. Currently, levels are about 2 feet above average. Birds were a bit scarce, but overall conditions were good. Much of this part of the river is very open, which makes for some hot paddling at this time of year, but we had a nice, faint breeze which kept us comfortable.

Jan. 29, 2007 - With the recent breaching of a small dam, water levels are lower than usual at this time. There's not
enough water to comfortably do this trip, so we'll be holding off doing this one again for a while.

Sept 20, 2007 - The river is currently about as low as it can be for decent paddling. Recent rains may bring it up a bit. Watch the gauges.

March 06, 2008 - The heavy rains two weeks ago has brought good paddling conditions back to the Withlacoochee. This comes just in time to catch the spring bloom!

CURRENT WATER LEVELS

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ahps.cgi?tbw&crmf1

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Withlacoochee (south) - #2
(Hwy 200 - Dunnellon)

Dates

* See calendar for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own private tour ($150 minimum).
Call Adventure Outpost for details (386-454-0611)

Location

To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map

Description

For the first half of this trip takes, the river follows a well-defined channel, firmly embraced on both sides by 5 - 6 foot, sandy banks. The tea colored waters are home to a fine variety of fish, including some lunker bass. But, the best wildlife viewing comes during the second leg of the trip. Here, the banks give way to a series of open marshes, flanking the river on both sides. This, in combination with many, scattered little isle, makes the main channel hard to discern.

History

For some reason, the Withlacoochee has, during different periods of Florida's past, been the stomping (or sloshing) grounds for a wide range of outlaws, with varying backgrounds and brands of mischief. While it was still going by the name of Amaxura, pirates often sought refuge in the maze of islands and sloughs at the rivers mouth. On one occasion, a band of French pirates sailed up the river and then marched overland to Paynes Prairie, where they raided the Rancho de La Chua (if you find this last tidbit to be utterly fascinating, I refer you to my book, Paynes Prairie ;o) . Later still, in the 1800's, moon shiners made up a significant portion of the rivers inhabitants.

Trip Notes & Recent Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes? Let us know)

August 21, 2005 - Heavy rains earlier in the year are still seeping into the river, keeping levels elevated. Currently, levels are about 2 feet above average.

March 06, 2008 - The heavy rains two weeks ago has brought good paddling conditions back to the Withlacoochee. This comes just in time to catch the spring bloom!

CURRENT WATER LEVELS
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ahps.cgi?tbw&dnlf1

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