Kayaking, and more, in Winter Park

Launched from Dinky Dock at Lake Virginia at 8:28. It was Arts Weekend in Winter Park. Free admissions to local cultural institutions and events in Central Park. I planned to check out a few of them. On Friday night, I attended a concert by a local singer who has made it to Broadway in Central Park.

Into the Fern Canal

Blue Spring

This gator was huge. Similar to one from 2006. "In the distance, is that an alligator? No, too big, its a log. Closer, on second thought, Na, those are branches extending. Closer, oh my goodness gracious, it is an alligator. And what a gator. 13 feet easy. Just the head was an estimated 2 feet long. A widebody. A new size record for me. When I get a camera I hope to get a picture of this behemoth. I paddled parallel to it, twenty yards away, then got in front of it, looking at its immense head. It then saw me. Slowly, an immense forelimb lifted up, as it tuned to enter the water headfirst. Unlike the small shy gators in the canal, nosily splashing, it slowly entered the River. Definitely the King, Rex on this Mardi Gras, it floated on the surface for a moment, then submerged. For a second or two, I felt like the kid in the canoe, and put paddle to water, glancing behind me for a wake. Seeing none, I relaxed, I would not end up like Marty (circa 1970 March of Dimes kid)"

Back to 2026. On the water from French Landing at 12:30.

Hillsborough River

In the canal at John Sargeant Park at 10:45.

Into the Hillsborough River

Butler Chain of Lakes

The Butler Chain of Lakes is known for huge homes and golf courses. Think, the Bay Hill Invitational. I had never been on it before today. I was impressed by the amount of undeveloped shoreline.

I launched from the R.D. Keene ramp at 12:50. I would not go here in the summer, or on a weekend. Online reviews mention how crowded it gets, full by 10:30 AM, and over half of the reviews I saw were from jet skiers.

Osprey chasing eagle, who is carrying nesting material. Likely stolen from the osprey's nest.

The osprey's mate.

Oklawaha River

With Adventure Outpost and the legendary, Lars Andersen

13 paddlers, 11 guests and 2 guides set out from the Eureka West ramp on the Oklawaha.

St Johns and Econlockhatchee

I thought this was a snail kite. Looked it up to be sure. It is. A juvenile. Also saw an adult. Not a bird I see often.

On the St Johns from C.S. Lee Park at 12:45. Can't tell from this photo, but it was windy. Also, the St. Johns is low.

Snail kite

Rock Springs Run

A frigid day in Central Florida. 24 at sunrise. Only 35 when I launched from Camp Joy at 12:20.

A tandem kayak wad coming back to Kings Landing as I began to paddle upstream.