Rainbow River

One of the best views in Florida.  Rainbow Springs State Park

On the water at 10:14.  Blue Run of Dunnellon Park was almost full.  On a Wednesday.  After Labor Day. Guess I'm not the only one who is not working.

I realized I forgot my State Park Pass.  Went back to get it. 

 Launch 2, 10:24.

Turtles and anhingas as I paddled up the Rainbow

Tri colored heron

Blue heron

Otters

Wood ducks

Limpkin

State Park tube takeout.

K.P. Hole Park

Rainbow Swamp Springs Run

An egotistical time share mogul bought the land and named the spring after himself.  What kind of asshole does that?

The above was not the code to unlock the gate.

Back on the River

Arriving at Rainbow Springs State Park

Hand over the side photos

Landed at the Park at 1:33.

Small springs

Waterfall is man made

It appears to me that the hill has been altered.  Swales put in, to retain runoff. Or, maybe I am imagining things.  The hill is artificial.  Built up as phosphate was mined in the area in the 19th Century.

The former kiddy swim area, below.

After lunch, I was back in the kayak

More hand over the side photos.

Looking for a place to get out of the kayak

To mucky, here.

2nd try, not as mucky.  Began to snorkel down the Rainbow River

A spring

Not sure if that is my, or a turtle's shadow.

Another spring.

Final of 3 springs I saw. I could feel the discharge from all 3.  As well as the cooler temperature of the 72 degree water emerging from the river bed.

I was in the water nearly an hour,

Otters, again

Wood ducks

The pagoda is a landmark for me. Has been there as long as I have been kayaking the Rainbow. Over 15 years.

I see more otters on the Rainbow River than any place I paddle.

I have an affinity for the Tomahawk Lodge.  Based on many years spent at Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin.

Another otter

Still more otters

Only alligator of the day

Swampy's.   Would have like to dined, but I am in frugal mode.  Not to mention, Covid.

People were seated inside.

Landed at 5:56

Time for a ride on the Dunnellon Trail 

One trail head.

Bridge over the Withlacoochee River

The other trail head. It is only 2.4 miles.

Turnoff to Blue Run of Dunnellon Park