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

Rainbow River

757

Traffic jam on I-75 and the parking lot at Blue Run of Dunnellon was full. Ifits like that on a banker's holiday, Spring Break is gonna suck. I parked in the San Jose trail head lot.

The .04 mile walk is nice.

On the River at 12:44

Wekiva River

Launched from Wilson's Landing after a car-bike shuttle from Katie's Landing at 12:45.

My plan was to paddle up the River to Wekiva Falls, then turn around.

Wind wiping out of the south had me changing that plan in less than 10 minutes.

Passing Wilson's Landing.

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Lake Sebring and Highlands Hammock State Park

I am trying to see as much free live music as possible during Florida's outdoor festival season. Nothing close to home this weekend. I saw that Highlands Hammock State Park was having its 39th Annual Civilian Conservation Corps Festival. Highlands is the first Florida State Park. One of the 8 developed by the CCC during the Great Depression. I had been there once. 25-30 years ago. It has no kayaking.
However, there are a lot of lakes nearby. I choose Lake Sebring. Easy access from US 27, only 5 miles from the Park, and it appeared to be linked to two other lakes.

One boat and trailer in the small parking lot. No facilities, other than the ramp, dock, and trash can.