Dave's Yak Tales

Cedar Key Sunset

Monday, January 6, 2025

Lakes Maitland, Nina, and Minnehaha

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The Outback needs over $3000.00 worth of work, so I put the inflatable in the trunk of the loaner Imprezza.
I began sitting in the middle of the kayak. Which causes it to go into a V shape and my fat ass acts as a sea anchor. I got out in the canal and moved to the back. Much better. But still less than half the speed and efficancey of a hard kayak.
Rentering a very windy Lake Maitland. A good amount of water came into the kayak, but I made it to the ramp. I have had more water in the kayak when it was not fully inflated.
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Sunday, January 5, 2025

Wekiva River

I was thinking of going to Playalinda today, but with manatees at Wekiwa Springs, I returned to Wekiwa Springs State Park for the second consecutive day.
It was 40 degrees at 7 AM. I hoped a manatee or 2 would be in the Spring swim area. None were.
I saw the whitetail of a whitetail deer as I launched my kayak. I slowly paddled along the right bank, did not see it again. Slowly paddled along, keeping my eyes and ears open for manatees. Did not see any, until I was almost out of the lagoon.
Saw two manatees. One swam under me, the other was feeding on the shoreline.
As the air temperature was 25-30 degrees colder than the water, steam was thick on the Wekiva River.
The steam cleared at the confluence with Rock Springs Run, as cooler water joined the Wekiva.
Wekiva Island.
Shell Mound
This may be the firdt bald eagle I've seen on this section of the Wekiva River.
Warmed up enough for a gator to come out.
Another shell mound. One of 4 that I know of on this ection of the Wekiva.
In the old days, there was not a sign directing you to Buffalo Tram. You had to look for the tram posts. I paddled on the wrong side of islands in the river and had to double back more than once. But I knew how to find it without a sign.
No one was camping a Buffalo Tram, so I landed and walked around.
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You can nver have too many open jaw gator photos
A lone manatee was resting in the Wekiva just outside the lagoon.
When I first saw this soft shell turtle, I thought it was a manatee fluke.
Landed at 12:40. Had a nice visit with Joanne B., voluntering at the Park.
Ended the day with a walk on the service road at the far end of the parking lot.
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