Wekiva River, Katies Landing

Back in February, I bought a second kayak. For two reasons.  A shorter, easier turning model for narrow waterways, like Rock Springs Run, and to have for friends and family.  So far, two friends have made the jump from kayaker borrower to kayak owner, after kayaking several times with me.  Maybe they didn't like my kayak. Hee hee.  John H. bought one this spring, and Stephanie H.  is now the proud owner of a used Pungo 120.  Steph wanted someone to accompany her on the maiden voyage.  Did not take much to twist my arm.  I saw a deer in the woods off Wekiva Park Road as I drove in.

We put in at Katie's Landing at 8:50 and headed down the Wekiva River.

 Great blue heron.  The first of many.

 Young sand hill crane.

 Adult sand hill crane,  Has to be the same family I saw on Sunday.  Then, they were on the other, east bank,  today, on the side where the nest was in the spring.

Great egret.

Vulture. I thought it was an anhinga when I took the picture. Or is it a turkey?   Nah, these are turkeys.

Pileated woodpecker.

Manatee, mother and child, in the cove at Wekva Haven Fish Camp.  A gentleman on shore with his kids said they, and a couple more had been in the area the last three weeks. I was glad to get better pics than on Sunday.

Turtle

Steph, Pungo 120

 Alligator

Ibis

We saw an otter, I was unable to get a pic.

 Low flying great blue heron.

 We passed the mouth of Blackwater Creek, and I thought a good spot to turn back would be the island a bit down River.  As we approached, I said, "This is a good spot for alligators"

And there one was.  I'm glad we went on the left side, to see this.

We began the up River paddle at 11:20.

 Dragonfly

Blue heron (juvenile)

Can't recall if I've seen two wide mouth open gators before. 

We saw nobody on the way down River, a couple had launched a jon boat when I arrived at Katie's Landing.   On the way back,  a motor boat and canoe with a motor, coming up River.  They stopped at the high spot.   I was thinking of taking a break there, but kept going.  I don't understand why motor boats have to stop.   Later, a pontoon boat headed up River.

Florida softshell turtle

Saw one more boat, two guys fishing at the other end of the island down River from Katie's Landing.  Which now has a sign.  May mean more people will find it.

 Landed at 2:00.   Loaded both kayaks on my car. Steph asked if I could keep it in my garage until she gets a roof rack and a thing to hang it in her car port.     Not to mention, her kayak wobbled like a Weeble on foam blocks as she drove in on the stone paved road to the launch in the morning.  By afternoon, it was windy, and rain was imminent.    I have no problem with another toy in the garage.  Of course, transport and storage means I get to use the kayak.

Here are the good photos, courtesy of, Stephanie.

 From the upcoming cofee table book.  "There's A Fungus Among Us, And I'm Lichen It"   Wish I could take credit for coming up with that line.