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!
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