St. Johns River To Blue Springs and Snake Creek 2/1/2015

St. Johns River To Blue Springs and

Snake Creek

February 1, 2015

This has to be one of my favorite local paddles. No matter what time of year you paddle it, there is always something to see. While we were getting our kayaks down to the water, a manatee swam nearby. Just as I would forget it was there, it would startle me by coming back up for air and making a loud blowing sound. Just as I would grab my camera, it would disappear again!

Once in the water, we headed toward Blue Springs. Because the weather had been cold and the manatees were flocking to the springs for warmth, the springs were blocked off from boaters/kayakers. We sat in our kayaks from outside the springs watching the manatees swim past the barricade as the day was getting warmer and the manatees were headed out in search of food. Nearby and high in the trees were a pair of eagles and Cormorants decorated the wood posts standing in the water.

As we paddled along, looking into the woods and finding wildlife was like playing that old "find the hidden object in the picture"game. It makes me realize how many times I must have passed birds or other animals that blended in so well with the landscape that I never knew they were there. I find myself playing this game each time I go out and getting excited when I spot a bird or baby gator.

The creek itself still had hews of red and gold that made me feel like I was paddling in a painting.

We spotted quite a few alligators - some bitty and others a decent size. Many times the gators are very stealthy and manage to quietly slide into the water before you even realize they were there. On this day, I think the cooler weather kept them from moving much. Fun fact: Alligators can't control their temperature internally, so when they are cold, they sunbathe, and when they are hot, they go for a swim. They can also swim at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. Suffice it to say none of us have a chance of out paddling a gator!

On our way back to the take out, we saw many more birds, lots of wee turtles and I got to see another manatee up close and personal.

It was another spectacular day on the water and everyone went home happy....especially the kayaking schnoodle!
 

The Chaz February 2015

Chassahowitzka River

February 21, 2015

We set out for a weekend of exploring the Chassahowitzka River a/k/a “The Chaz,” a spring-fed river  located in Citrus County, Florida. “Chassahowitzka” is said to be an Indian word meaning “land of hanging pumpkins,” referring to a wild variety that once grew along its banks. The beginning point of the river is the first-magnitude Chassahowitzka Springs.

We launched our kayaks at the boat ramp and paddled out just slightly to watch a group of manatee passing through, probably on their way out toward the Gulf to feed.

We headed upstream toward the smaller sister springs to paddle over the underwater caves and view the beautiful rock formations seen perfectly through the stunningly clear blue water. Sadly, a sign was posted warning cave divers to use caution as a family member had lost their life while exploring the underwater caves below. 

 We turned around and headed downstream toward The Crack . 

As we paddled into the opening of the waterway, it gradually narrowed and we were surrounded with lush, tall grass and ferns on eitherside. 

This passageway eventually opened up into a pool of greenish blue water until it once again become clear and shallow surrounded by tall palms and trees.

Tree trunks stretched across the narrow waterway and various birds could be seen through

 the cover of the greenery.

 

 As we got closer to The Crack the water became more and more clear. We spotted a young boy enjoying the rope swing even though it was a cool, February day. Brrrr!!!

  

Paddling back out to the main channel, there was no shortage of various, beautiful birds to see.

 

Boat houses dotted the riverbanks on both sides – one partially submerged in the water.

 

  

We were lucky enough to come upon what appeared to be a mother

and baby dolphin swimming near us. 

 

  As we got closer to the Gulf, the light of the afternoon sun danced on the water 
and shone like diamonds in the sea. 

It was starting to get late, so we headed back toward the take out. Along the way we explored some side creeks. We stopped on one of the banks to stretch our legs before calling it a day. 

 Passing many more birds on our way back...

 

This was the first time I had been to The Chaz, but it certainly won’t be my last!