Some rain on the 90 mile drive to the Chassahowitzka Campground including just before I arrived, but it stopped. On the Chassahowitzka River at 8:28. A short paddle, 25 yards or so, up stream, to look at Chassahowitzka Main Spring.
Pelicans
Down the Chaz
Cormorant
Anhinga
Went into Snapper Hole Spring. Saw mangrove snappers, no manatees.
This is at a spot where people camp. Visitors to Snapper Hole have not been so thoughtful. There were cans in the spring.
Tri colored heron
Otter. I saw romp of otters earlier. At least six
Manatees in the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. Previous wildlife was not in the Refuge. The eastern boundary is marked by the sign in the opening photo.
Blue colored kingfisher on a Blue Goose Refuge marker
Turned back just past Dog Island, 10:20. I had shared the River with a guy from Necedah, Wisconsin. Which is linked to Chassahowitzka.
Or, was. The gentleman, whose name I did not get, turned back before Dog Island. He had dog with him. And chuckled at an old joke. It rained, briefly. "This is what the Chamber of Commerce calls, 'Liquid Sunshine'"
The Chaz is a prime spot for the Florida Trifecta. Manatee, Alligator, Dolphin. I thought I was 2/3 there.
Seaweed cleverly disguised.
Into Crawford Creek
Out of the Refuge
The structures are just before Blue Run enters Crawford Creek. I continued up the Creek, despite an airboat going up it ahead of me. A family, going slow. So just obnoxious, not bleeping obnoxious. I lagged back, and after a while, did not hear it.
Turned back at 11:36
Oxymoron
On the fins, rudders, airfoil, or whatever you call it, is written Beetejay Springs Wildlife Refuge. The spring is on the other side of the dock. This is not the earlier airboat. I passed it. It stopped, kids were playing in the water.
Bald eagle
Alligator. Really. The Florida Trifecta has been achieved.
Dolphin video
Another video Listen to them talk
Entering Potter Creek
Don't even think about stealing my sandwich. If memory serves, I ate it coming down Crawford Creek.
Red shouldered hawk
Wood stork. With great egret
Ruth Spring
Ruth Springs Run. Short, but very sweet
Back on Potter Creek.
Now, that's a gator
Approaching the Chaz
Snowy egret
Otter
Tip. Paddle on the left side of the islands when heading up River. Right, down. Too shallow for motors. More wildlife.
Vultures
Crab Creek
Crab Creek Springs
Landed at 4:00
I missed the car rolling over to 100K. First car I have put 6 figures on. Better, I think I have made the last payment. Bought it in March 2009. 100,000 miles, all within Florida.
1 comment:
Have been postponing a trip to the Chaz for several weeks now. After seeing the Facebook video it is happening soon. Looking forward the rest of this Tale.
Post a Comment