Rock Springs Run

I got my midweek yak in today, Wedendday, January 13, 2009 on the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run. What photo to lead off the Yak Tale. The fog caused by the 70 degree water of the Wekiva clashing with the 35 degree air at 8:3o am ?. A buck on Rock Springs Run? Or, the always popular turtle pillow back on a warmer Wekiva at 11:30?
I had a nice three hour paddle before heading to work. The steam rising from the Wekiva was thick, as seen in the first photo, even soupier in the lagoon, closer to the Spring.
The mist was not so thick on Rock Springs Run. I think because 9 miles downstream from Rock Springs, the water may have cooled from its initial 72 degrees. The clear air gave me a better view of this buck just down Run of the area where a paddler has a choice of two channels.
I as able to get several portraits before it ambled away from the short vegetation into the woods. I continued paddling up the Run.
After not seeing otters for what seemed like months on the Wekiva and RSR, I've seen them my last to visits. With photos.
Peaking around the left of the palm. The air smelled of burning, or smouldering fire. What nut is camping in this weather ? No one, as all three campsites appeared empty. Perhaps it was nearby home fireplaces. I saw quite a few raccoons.I also saw raccoons on Sunday, a fellow paddler reported seeing them Tuesday. More of the little bandits then usual. I think they are out because the alligators haven't been for the last 2 weeks due to the cold. I made it just past the Big Buck campsite, paddling around a bend or three, saying to myself, ok, I'll see something around this bend. Nothing exciting, and it was time to turn back. In time to see two does. Probably the same pair I often see, one larger than the other. Here's one.
Down the Run.

I saw another doe, and just down the Run, a buck. I think it was the same one I saw earlier, although it was quite a ways up the Run from where I saw it. What males will do to pursue a lady. I was unable to get photos of either. But, a few minutes later, two more does. Got one.

I'm not sure of the breeding cycle of great egrets, but some seem to be developing their breeding plumage.

I wish I got a photo of a bird I don't see very often. A robin. Part of the recent songbird migration. It is 3x larger than the little yellow and blue birds I've been seeing in the great 2010 cold snap. But, it is beginning to warm up, as evidenced by these turtles on the Wekiva.

Warm enough for little gators.
Watched by a turtle quintet. Vantage point from the other side of the log.
Speaking of logs, on brave turtle was on the famous turtle/gator log in the fog when I began my trip. When I returned it was SRO

Nearby, more turtles, and a great blue heron.
More herons, blue and tri color
T The third gator of the day lurked in the lily pads at he entrance of the lagoon. Seeing me, it slid below. Three alligators was one more than humans seen, two in a canoe. Other than the ranger at the entrance, I saw no one at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Not even the concession guys at the launch. I did not swim, I guess it was about 50 degrees when I left. Had I swum, I would not have any photos. The latch on my watertight case snapped off-just when the cold spell began. The timing was perfect. A new case was in the mailbox today. Temperatures are supposed to be in the 70's this weekend. One of my favorite Springs, Salt Springs, is reopen. Look for underwater pics form it, or somewhere, this weekend.