Rock Springs Run

I paddled Rock Springs Run today, Saturday, September 26, 2009, from the confluence with the Wekiva River to upstream of King's Landing. Got an early start, setting out from Wekiwa Springs State Park at 6:50 am. I drifted down the Wekiva, giving the sun a chance to come out. So early, I saw one green heron on a strech of River where I usually see several, plus great blue and blue herons in the morning. I heard lots of songbirds singing their wake up song. Did not take my first photo until 7:40, this great blue heron.

Ibis.
Between the great blue and the ibis, I spotted two deer on the right side of the Run. A few moments later, a noise on my left, a loud exhale. The same sound made by the bear I saw last Sunday. Peering into the bush, I saw a black shape. Fur, moving. A bear. I did not get a good look, and no pictures. I could hear it, moving about, just yards away, but obscured by the verdant foliage. My fourth bear this month on Rock Springs Run.

A short time later, another deer.

I saw one alligator, and no people for two and a half hours.






25-30 boats, mostly rental canoes, and a few kayaks came downstream from Kings Landing. I went past Kings Landing, until a downed tree blocked the way. Not sure if is the same tree that stymied me in July. I got out of the yak, thinking I'd pull it up on land, but the bottom was not firm, and rather than slog through it, or push the yak over the log, I decided an 8 mile plus upstream paddle was far enough. As I stood in the Run, I grabbed a fresh frozen water bottle, sandwich and nectarine to eat on the way downstream. I began the down Run paddle at 10:43 according to the time stamp on this photo.

Few people paddle upstream from Kings Landing. Long time Yak Tales readers know this is the best part of Rock Springs Run.
The first photo is also from this part of the Run. I passed the canal leading to Kings Landing, paddled past a few homes, and was back in Wekiwa Springs State Park.

Hearing voices and the clang of paddle on canoe, I let the current take me downstream, letting the group get out of earshot.
No noise but butterfly wings.

I know the yellow and black is a tiger swallowtail. Any one know what the black and yellow is?

I think Rock Springs Run is the best paddle in Florida. Great scenery and wildlife.

I enjoyed the scenery, moving slowly, putting space between myself and those ahead. One group that launched from Kings Landing returned upstream. I think by the time I got to the Wekiva River, I had passed most of the people I passed as I went upstream, they down, in the morning. And I was going slow. To enjoy the view.






As normal on a weekend, Rock Springs Run got crowded as I neared the Wekiva. The Wekiva, even more so with renters from the Park and Wekiva Marina/Island. But, wildlife can still be found.

I landed at 2:45. Took my time getting the kayak up the hill. Visited the little nature museum. It was 3:20 when I took this picture as I walked down the steps to the spring.
The swim in the 72 degree spring was very refreshing. No pics, to crowded. Bottom stirred up and I did not even snorkel to the source as it way to many people were straddling the vent.
The last time I paddled up Rock Springs Run, past Kings Landing, I went for a 3.5 mile hike. I was thought of doing it today, but I was beat. Makes me wonder what the difference was 2 months ago. Maybe the excitement of seeing a bear for the fourth time in September wore me out.