Rock Springs Run

I had the day off today, Friday, November 27, 2009, so I went kayaking. Wekiwa Springs State Park, the Wekiva River, and Rock Springs Run. Paddled all the way to the Kelly Park tube take out, above. About 9 miles, just under 4 hours. First,and only time I did this before today was January, 2008. At the beginning of this month, a Yak Tales reader commented on a Rock Springs Run Take that he paddled all the way, and never had to get out of his kayak. I thought today would be a good day to try it.

I shoved off just before 8. "Shoved off" is apt, as it was cool, 45, so I did not stand in the water as usual but shoved the yak off the beach into the water. Wore the nylon pants for the first time this season.


One photo from the Wekiva, anhinga. On to Rock Springs Run.

In addition to birds, I saw deer. No photos of the first two or three, these two were more cooperative.

The one on the right kept stomping its right hoof, showing me who's boss, or getting ready to run?

A few minutes up the Run, this deer was part of a trio.

I saw eight deer between Indian Mound Camp and the start of where the big trees again form a canopy over the Run. No people until I had paddled over 7 miles. I was thinking Kings Landing was closed.






I encountered two large groups, and 3 or 4 other paddlers, as I paddled towards Kings Landing. Another deer, in the woods on the left across from the homes near Kings Landing. I continued past the Kings Landing Canal, up the best part of the Run. A woman came down stream, a father and son were pulled up on the bank. The all likely launched at Kings, and were exploring the beautiful up Run portion before turning around.

I have tried to paddle all the way up Rock Springs Run after I did it in Jan. 2008, but there were always downed trees blocking the way. The time I did it, I had to get out of the kayak once to pull it over a log. Today, the way was clear. And not only below, but above. There were several "low bridges" before. Today, I never had to duck. It was to easy. What was not easy was getting a photo of a beautiful buck, even though I had two chances, or maybe three. First, when I saw it. Second as it bounded away. Third after it stopped. I have some photos of high grass. The frost photo on the Tale, my arrival at the end of the line, was taken at 11:50. After a chat with a couple walking the boardwalk, I turned around.








Saw another deer as I paddled down the Run, bringing the days total to 11. My all time record for deer while kayaking, 12 on Juniper Creek, was within sight.

Turtles.
Over the eel grass

I passed two local kids fishing before I re-entered State Park territory.


This red shouldered hawk was above the limpkin at the State Park sign.

I took a break at my usual spot when I go far up Rock Springs Run. The second island downstream of the Park sign.
Ibis and egrets.

I paddled slowly, so I would not catch up with other paddlers. Eventually I saw two kayaks ahead, the father and son I had seen up Run of Kings. I stopped, let them get ahead.

I caught up to them again, taking a break at Big Buck. I don't know how old the kid is, but he's a better paddler than a lot of adults. Quiet, I never heard the paddle whack the yak.

As I approached Indian Mound, a deer, number 12 on the day.
AsS I got closer, not one deer, two. Thirteen on the day, a new record.

As I took the pictures, I heard a vehicle. Had to be a ranger, checking out the campsite. It wasn't. A pickup, towing a trailer loaded with canoes, joining one already at the campsite. What's this? I asked . "Race tomorrow, this is one of the staging areas" I'm sure glad I did my Rock Springs Run paddle today. Wonder if the racers will enjoy the view.

I saw only two more people on Rock Springs Run. Another 6 or so on the Wekiva. No more deer. No gators, too cool. I never took the windbreaker, or pants, off. (I had the swimsuit on beneath)

I landed at 4:20, a 8.5 hour paddle. I did not snorkel, no need to cool off. I did not sweat carting the kayak up the hill and putting it on the car. Nor did I perspire as I walked around Sand Lake, then on the hiking trail for 15 minutes, looking for deer. Saw none while walking, but three on the way out, making 16 for the day