Econlockhatchee River Feb 21

Saturday, Feburary 21. I did a car-bike shuttle. Leaving the kayak at the 419 Bridge, driving the Snowhill Road Bridge, and biking back. Lots of cars at both locations. The small lot at 419 was full when I first arrived. One vehicle left as I unlloaded the kayak.

ON the RIver at 10:08

Rock Springs Run

On the water at 11:52. A week ago I said I was not going to launch so late until next winter. Well, winter weather came back. I figured it would not be too busy

Rock Springs Run

On the Wekiva from Wekiwa Springs State Park at 9:35. Earlier than my usual post-retirement starts. Gusty winds in the afternoon forecast, so I skipped the morning walk and at home breakfast.

Down the Wekiva.

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Lake Norris

On Blackwater Creek from the Lake Norris Conservation Area at 12:48.

Into Lake Norris.

Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run

Two paddles today. The first with Wekiva Springswatch. The Florida Springs Institute has volunteers measure temperature, light, and more at 11 springs and spring runs across Florida. I signed up for the Wekiva group back in 2021. Today was the first time I joined a Springswatch session. I picked the right day, as a reporter from the local CBS affilate joined us. I of course, may be edited out. Wekiva Island provided the canoes for our group.

We took measurements at 8 locations from the foot bridge at Wekiwa Springs to just downstream of Wekiva Island. My task was taking photos of the vegetation at each stop. Both above and below the water. Not with my camera, so I can't share them here.

Shrimp tacos after the work was done. This was only my second visit to the site Wekiva Island is on via land. The first was with my brother Pete, back in the Wekiva Marina, Alexader's Restraunt days. 1990? maybe.
Today, I headed to Wekiwa Springs State Park to launch my kayak. It's 10 bucks at the Island. I asked the guy at the dock if I could just pay him 5. He said he could not do it.

So, the second paddle of the day began at 1:30.

Alexa der Creek

Launched from the Alexander Springs Recreation Area at 1 PM

Rock Springs Run

There were a lot of alligators on Rock Springs Run today, starting with the one above just off the launch at Camp Joy. I launched for free. A perk of having the ladies in the office knowing who I am.

I was underway at 12:12