Hillsborough River

Kayaked the Hillsborough River today, Sunday, March 28, 2010. The usual Trout Creek to Sargent Park and return voyage. I launched at 9:15 under overcast skies, afternoon rain forecast. There now is a $2.00 parking fee at Trout Creek Park, and, I assume the other parks on the River. Better then closing it two or more days a week, which Hillsborough County was contemplating. A grass roots response to the proposed closings lead to the fee. The pay station is not at the launch area, but the adjacent parking lot. A sign in the launch lot directs you to it.

As I am camping on the bank of Blackwater Creek next weekend, its unlikely I'll get to the Hillsborough for 5th consecutive Easter Sunday, so yaking it on Palm Sunday was the next best thing.

The River is high, I think that kept the bird sightings down. No need to search for food on the edge of the River, as the River was overflowing into the cypress swamp.

Sorry for the blurred barred owl. Complete overcast, and in the woods. Did not see any people until I was almost at Morris Bridge Park. Two kayakers, coming down River. Past Morris Bridge the usual Sunday paddlers coming down from Sargent Park. I paddled non-stop to Sargent, knowing get back before the rain could be an issue. Took 3 hours for the 7.5-8 mile paddle. Used the restroom, filled the thermos, saw a Canoe Escape bus coming in. So, got in the yak and ate lunch as I returned down the Hillsborough River, ahead of the bus load.

As it turned out, I did not catch up to any one who launched ahead of me until the day was nearly over. Had the River to myself. I did see one fishing boat, anglers slowly returning to Sargent Park.




Saw 20 or so alligators, and another Hillsborough highlight, 3 rosette spoonbills.

The spoonbills were in three different spots on the River, the last one just upstream of Morris Bridge. That photo did not turn out to well, as it got dark and the rain began. These gators are the last photo I'll share.
Saw no more gators past Morris Bridge, and most other wildlife, unlike me stayed out of the rain. It wasn't bad, especially under the tree canopy. Of course it came down harder once I reached the open area from Natures Classroom to Trout Creek. Got thoroughly soaked. No problem, I had dry clothes in the car. And if it had not rained, there may have been a lot more people on the River. Landed about 3:15. The rain, at least I think the rain was responsible made the drive home no fun. I-4 jammed and slow from US 27 all the way to Orlando, 30 miles. I think the rain made everyone leave the beaches, theme parks, and Arnie's golf tournament at the same time