Blackwater Creek, Seminole State Forest

I have "Blackwater State Forest" in the title because I began this visit with a hike. Seeing if I could meet Greg Pf, who is through hiking the Florida Trail.

Blackwater Creek and Wekiva River

For the first time in 3 days, I was able to park at the launch near the Sand Road Bridge in the Seminole State Forest.

On the Creek at 11:45

Blackwater Creek

For the second day in a row, I had to park away from the launch at Blackwater Creek and walk back. I learned Georgians can't read, or count. As the 3rd car in the 2 vehicle space had Georgia tags.

On the water at 12:15. This time, I went downstream, first.

Blackwater Creek

It is good to start the New Year at a place where you lock the gate behind you.

Due to the holiday, the parking area at the bridge was full. "Full" being 2 vehicles. I had to park up the road and walk back.

On the Creek at 12:25

I paddled up the Creek

Moccasin Spring campsite

Lake Cannon and 5 more lakes of the Winter Haven Chain

At the end of a year where I kayaked 358 days, in 34 states from the Florida Keys to Tomales Bay, CA, to the Snake River, to Lake Superior, to, Quebec, Canada to the Potomac River, and back to Florida (not all in one trip), where would I go for day 359? A lake with my name, that's where.

Lake Cannon is part of the 22 lake Winter Haven Chain. Better know for watersking (think Cypress Gardens) I had never kayaked any of the lakes on the chain. Cool weather, high of 58 forecast, made be think it would not be busy, even on New Years Eve.

I was in Lake Cannon, from Lake Cannon Park, on Lake Cannon Drive, at 12:35.

Lake Cannon is central to the Chain. 3 canals connect it to other Lakes. I first entered the canal to Lake Idylwild.

Next, Lake Jessie

Two bald eagles were on either side of a tree with a nest.

I was unable to get a good picture of this plane as it took off from Lake Jessie.

Back to Lake Cannon

Winter Park Chain.

Put in at Fort Maitland Park at 2:43

Kraft Azalea Gardens