Rock Springs Run

Kayaked Rock Springs Run after work today, January 2, 2012.  Yes, I had to work the holiday.  Actually, I did not have to, I was given the option.  A new software system is being installed.  Senior people were given the option of coming in today for training, at time and a half.  As I'm paid a wage and commission, I'd rather not do the training on a normal work day.  Not to mention, scoring points with management.  I hate my job, but its the only one I have.  So, I went in, got the training, and was on my way to Wekiwa Springs State Park at 12:45.  A stop at Taco Bell, eat in the car, and I arrived at the Park.  Where I went into the entrance station to buy a new annual pass.  As a line of cars rolled in. Buying the pass,  a chat with Joanne B., on her way out after a morning of volunteer River Patrol,  and walking back up the hill to find the cotter pin that fell off my cart, meant I was not on the water until 2:04, according to this photo.

Lots of people on the Wekiva River, which may explain why this blue heron is the only animal photo I

have from the launch to Rock Springs Run.

Had another chat with a River Patrol volunteer, Pam.  She's the one who told be Potts Preserve was closed.  See the prior Tale.  I think she was misinformed. She did tell me I'd probably pass people in a big raft paddling to the Otter Creek campsite on Rock Springs Run.

All these bird, ibis, great egret, limpkin were in the same area.  Can't remember if it was before or after I saw the rafters, at the first sharp, shallow turn in the open area. I told them whoever thought this was a good idea was an idiot, but this the toughest section.  Rock Springs Run is a hard paddle in a kayak.  In a round, rubber raft, towing an inflatable Selvor kayak with camping gear.  I wished them luck getting to the campsite by sunset.

The intrepid rafters were the last people I saw as I headed up the Run.  On a cool afternoon.  I had on long sleeves and pants.  A windbreaker in the hold, for later in the afternoon.

 Lots of little songbirds. Eastern phoebe?   Lots of robins near Otter Camp.

 Passing the Indian Mound campsite, I'm thinking, I haven't seen anything really cool, yet.  Besides wading birds, and beautiful, clear water in a pristine forest. I then thought, I've seen bears here, twice. Make that thrice.

The black shape is a bear.  I had a very good view as I paddled past it, brain taking time to register, "that's a bear" and I took the picture.  Took another quick one, no bear, just water.  I drifted back for another look, the bear stood for a while, then ambled into the woods. If memory serves, this is the first bear I've seen on Rock Springs Run since August, 2010.

Turned around where the tree canopy reforms up Run of the Big Buck camp site. 3:56 from the time stamp.

Otters are noisy eaters.  I heard the distinctive sound of fish bones cracking before I saw it.

 Only my third visit to my favorite location since November 20.

 I passed Otter Camp, the rafters had not arrived.  I saw them just a little bit down the Run.  Impressed they'd made it.  Told them only 2 more sharp turns and they'd be there in 15 minutes.  "15 for you?" "No, I'd make it in 5"

A few of the many, many, robins.

 If the robins stay long the red shouldered hawks will get fat.

The rut must be over, or this deer is with child as a nearby buck showed no interest.

 I would have got more pictures but the buck heard people coming up the Run. Two guys in a raft.  "How far to Otter Camp?  "You're with the other rafters? At your pace, an hour, I'd turn back now"   Or did I say 2 hours?   I had seen their buddies 20 minutes before.  It was now 5 pm. I bet they arrived after dark.

Bear, buck, doe, otter. I'd say that's a good day.  No alligators.  Too cool. I put on the windbreaker before I got to the shaded area down Run from Indian Mound.  Saw several raccoons.

Sun going down on the Wekiva.  I landed at 5:40.  I thought the Rose Bowl kickoff wouldn't be to 5:45 or so.  When I got in the car, Oregon scored to make it 28-21. Yikes.