Sunday, November 18, 2007 I kayaked the Wekiva River. I did not launch from Wekiwa Springs State Park, but from a site 12 miles downstream, Katies Landing. Katies used to have rentals, docks and other facilities. Little remains, a concrete pier along shore used by fishermen. The State of Florida now owns the property, and it is solely a canoe, kayak launch. The only structures left are a Port-O -Let and a kiosk with a river map.
The first picture is the view from the launch (which is slope to the river). Too bad I could not get the bald eagle that flew over the trees as I was walking back from the small dirt parking lot. The St. Johns River is five miles downstream. I headed the other way, wanting to have the current with me on the return.
While paddling, I often see colored ribbons tied to trees. Sometimes, it is obvious they are directional markers. In other instances, I am not sure what they are for. Perhaps markers for wildlife, maybe a nesting site. Whatever the purpose of the red ribbon below it, along with they tree roots and curved body of the gator makes a good photo.
My float plan was to turn around after two hours. But, the scenery was god so I made it two and a half. On the way back I stopped at an ancient Indian site, Twin Mounds. The site is in Rock Springs State Reserve. The informational board below is viewed from a short boardwalk overlooking one of the two mounds. It is at the end of a long trail- if you enter overland. From the River, its a short walk, past the other mound.
Few modern residents were on the river, maybe 10 fishermen and canoers. Most of the canoers came from Wekiva Falls, a RV campground that rents canoes. There is a spring as well. Not freshwater, but a sulfur spring. Depending on conditions, it can be smelled at quite a distance. I could not smell it this tip as I passed nearby. One canoeing couple asked if I saw any "crocodiles" . No , but plenty of alligators. From the man's accent, I should put an ad in Le Monde, or some other French ne
wspaper and offer guide services.![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyyv6Nt5MfhTG2sUFdppJ2fV3_gKapNRH1x2ozyU-YoASnxTgOWPMAgisOQ8Y87xMTaKdQbDq3_DAhej-DgRxrbyMgw_-e3IdTe_g_ENwQcVgxcdKFElo6B30pXmx2Bl2QAb9btHcuNM/s200/IMG_1177.JPG)
I could point out birds, and gators, as seen from the obligatory bow of the yak shot.
2 comments:
If you look close at the second picture of the gator. You see baby gators.
Good eye, Patrick. Maybe that's why the ribbon is there, to mark the nest
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