The weather forecast had me modify my paddling plans today, Sunday, March 6, 2011. Windy and a 70% chance of rain. So instead of doing a car-bike shuttle and paddling from the Seminole State Forest to Katie's Landing, I just went down and up Blackwater, with a brief visit to the Wekiva River. I figured the narrower Creek would protect me from the wind, and the trees would block some of the rain. The forecast was right. The 30% part. It did not rain. It was windy, kicking up when I got to the Wekiva, so I made the right choice. I can do the Forest to Katie's next weekend, my permit is good through St. Patrick's Day,
A late start after sleeping in. Unlike Saturday, I remembered to tear the stub off the pay envelope and hang it on the mirror. Of course, I saw no official vehicles or persons all day. A family was fishing at the launch as I put in at 10:35.
As often is the case on Blackwater Creek, birds are hard to photo. Three will be a total of two on this Tale. First, the pileated woodpecker two pics above. So, here come a lot of scenics and reptiles.
The opening photo is from the next set. Scenic and an alligator. What else could I open with?
Reached the Wekiva, above, at 12:37. Paddle up River ten minutes before turning back. Saw the only boat of the day, motorboat.
Back on Blackwater Creek, a new tree downed since Saturday. Small, no problem getting through.
I took a break at the usual spot, photo below, at 1:30.
I definitely have a small, slow leak in the yak. Once again, it filled faster when I paddled down stream than up. I put on some duct tape before leaving home. Had to put some more on at lunch, as it had peeled away.
Passed the launch site at 3:38.
Kept paddling up Creek. Twenty minutes to the Moccasin Springs campsite.
Back to the landing.
Landed at 4:25.
Loaded the kayak, unloaded the trail bike and went for a ride. And a walk. The first tree pics are from a Closed To Vehicles area at the back of the Oaks campsite.
Oaks campsite
.On the bike.
The bear poop was fresher yesterday. I saw no animals on the ride. I think I'm due for some deer, or, if lucky, a bear sometime while I have this permit. With daylight savings coming next Sunday, I may go after work a couple times next week.
5.78 miles on the odometer.
Sunset over Bear Pond.
4 comments:
The first pic is awesome. The scenery invites to paddle there. Thanks for sharing.
So is there ever a danger of getting attacked by alligators?
According to wikipedia, 13 people in Florida were killed by alligators in the 2000's. None were in a kayak. You are many many times more likely to get killed by dumbass on a cell phone as you drive to the water
I don't think a gator would attack you while in a yak unless you encroached on their young. That being said, every time I see one of those lumbering beasts slide into the water in front of me, I get a little nervous.
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