Lake Hamilton

Lake Hamilton is a large lake in Polk County, with a public launch just off U.S. 27. 12 miles from my day's destination, Pioneer Days in Lake Wales. The event is on Lake Wailes, which have paddled before and with the festival I thought parking may be an issue.

On the large Lake Hamilton at 9:40.

Strong wind made for a challenging paddle.

This snowy egret is the only wildlife photos of the paddle

The lily pads are lotus. Flowers are gone for the season.

Landed at 10:40. Did not see anyone on the Lake. There was one boat. A guy came as I was leaving and his truck and empty trailer were there when I left.

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St Johns River at Blue Spring

On the St Johns from Blue Spring State Park at 12:23. I almost forgot about the reservation requirement. Pulled into nearby Valentine Park to make it.

Into Blue Spring Run

Ryan of Adventures in Florida finds a manatee.

Weeki Wachee

Lake Norris

On Blackwater Creek at the Lake Norris Conservation Area at 11:42

Econlockhatchee River, Snow Hill to C.S. Lee

At my age, and with my kayaking every day, its good when people have their name on the back of their PFD.

Traies and I launched from Snow Hill Road at 9:03.The original plan was to launch at 419, and paddle 19 miles, but Traies remembered she had a cultural event this evening. So we only did the 11 mile section.

We saw several bald eagles. Or, perhaps the same one, over and over. Aways in flight, except this one on the transmission line tower.

Saw gators, inlcuding one huge one. Failed to get any photos.

Landed at 1:25