Rock Springs Run

I kicked off the New Year the same way I closed the old, with a paddle on Rock Springs Run. I paddled up the Run for four hours, turning back here.

The end of the Kelly Park tube run had to be just beyond the obstruction. I took my time going downstream, taking almost 5 1/2 hours with a lunch stop. And photo stops.

I was so close to these two deer I could hear the crunch as they chewed. So, close, the tongue is visible in this photo.

I saw eleven deer, including four bucks. Just one alligator, in the algae just outside the launch at Wekiwa Springs State Park.

I was in the water just before 8. Down the Wekiva to Rock Springs Run. Two kayakers came upstream. Wonder where they came from, I did not think the Wekiva Marina opened that early.

Two birds, green heron and great blue heron were also out early. Note the breeding plumage on the GBH.

Arriving at Rock Springs Run, I thought, this would be a great place for deer. The confluence of two spring runs, low lying vegetation. I turned up Rock Springs Run. low lying vegetation turning to forest, and there was a deer. A buck, on the right. I tried to get a picture, but it splashed across the Run, to the other side and into the forest, water spraying as it disappeared.

Avian critters from the run up Run.

Pileated woodpecker, ibis with blue heron. I saw another buck, Run right. Then, to my surprise, a second, smaller buck walking just behind. Surprised, as until now, I had always seen bucks alone. Like the rugged individualist in the opening picture, taken later in the day. This pair was too far off for photos.

I did not see any more people for more than two hours. A canoeing couple. Then another 20 minutes for a group of 3 paddlers. Another gap, then a large group. Novices, several with top hand on canoe paddle shaft, not on top of the handle. I gave a quick lesson to one person on using a backwards stroke to turn. Which begs the question. Shouldn't you know how to hold a paddle and know basic strokes before setting out on a 8 mile trip?

I paddled beyond where all the people coming downstream had launched, Kings Landing. The last time I went this far, I did not get much further. A downed tree blocked my way. It has been removed, and I went to, and beyond this plastic chain across the Run.

The "No Trespassing" sign that once hung from the chain is gone. Not that it would have changed my plans. This view is from the return. On the way up, I saw another deer. First doe of the day.

Scenic shots from the upper Run.

Most people don't see this most beautiful part of Rock Springs Run, as it is upstream from the Kings Landing launch. I did encounter a group that was coming upstream. I was about to duck under a low log when I heard them. Dad with two kids in a kayak, followed by two in a canoe, and a solo kayak. Dad, as he came under the log "I don't think you will make it" in reference to the canoe. Then he saw me. "Is this the right way?" " Depends where you're going" "To the Wekiva" "That's downstream" "Oh, that's much easier"

I waited for Wrong Way Corrigan and family to get ahead of me. And waited some more. A big reason why it took a hour and a half longer heading downstream than up. On the other hand, I should thank them as the wait helped to clear the Run. I saw just three more paddle craft all afternoon.

Double dose birds. Anhinga and ibis.

Great egret and juvenile ibis.

I took three pictures of this pair, actually, just the egret. I did not even notice the ibis until I downloaded the day's photos.

Here is the obligatory turtle on a log shot.

After the turtle, I drifted down Run an hour before taking another picture. On the left bank, a puff of vapor. Was it an animal's breath ? Yes, this otter.

Don't ask me how or why I could see its breath on a mid 60's afternoon, all I know is I saw a puff, then the otter slid off the bank and swam towards me. I saw several otters during the day.

Blue heron flight.

Here's another closeup of the deer pictured earlier.

More deer.

Most of the deer were in two areas, the open marsh like sections near Big Buck and again downstream of the Otter campsite.

Before reaching Otter, I saw mammal. A huge black shape on the left bank. A bear ! Wait, bears don't have long curly tails. Then the pig turned, saw me and dashed into the woods. First porker I've seen on Rock Springs Run or the Wekiva. No pig pics, here are more bird photos.

Blue heron, anhinga, limpkin, green heron, great egret.

I landed at 5:30, as the attendants at the launch area were doing the final cleanup before locking up. I asked if they had a busy day. "Not really, about 90". I' m not sure if that is people or rentals, but even 45- 2 to a canoe, is a lot to me. And I did not see a single Park renter. Early start, late finish. Nice way to break in the New Year.