On the Ichetucknee at 8 AM
River a bit high, but no where near it was last time I paddled, in the springtime. Then, not only was the landing at the last takeout underwater, the railings were, too.
But, wore t shirt and swim trunks as I knew I would warm up.
Saw a buck on the limestone cliffs
Devils Eye Springs. Saw another deer to the right. Saw two otters, earlier. One at a time in different spots on the River. And, I think, a bobcat. Glimpsed a head and ears peering around a tree. First thought, deer. When I got to where it was, it was gone. I think I would have seen a deer bounding away. Not a lower to the ground bobcat.
Never noticed this before. Spring behind the spring to the right of the main spring.
Did not see the beavers
Now, you do too.
Ichetucknee Spring
My vertigo had me hesitate getting in the water.
But not for long
I was cautious, snorkeling on the surface.
Eventually, I did dive. Not deep and not for long.
Out of one spring, headed to another
New boardwalk on the way to Blue Hole Spring
Half mile from spring to spring
As at Ichetucknee Spring, I had Blue Hole to myself.
I did not dive at Blue Hole. It is deeper, stronger flow. Not a good place to get disoriented. Swam on the surface. Except when I had to go under a small branch in Cedar Head Spring run.
Can't get to far up the run before kicking up the bottom
I have yet to see Cedar Head Spring. The run is full of big bass.
Above is a catfish, I think, back near Blue Hole
Aptly named.
Vies from the deck
Back on the water at 11:45. Waited as a canoeing couple, and then two kayakers, landed. I felt better about the bump on my head as they talked about have problems with the low bridge, too. One of the kayakers steadied the front end of my yak as I got in.
Dam. I did not see any of the toothy builders
The first people I saw as I headed downstream were more volunteers. Removing water lettuce. An invasive plant.
Signs at both ends of the Park said a turtle survey would take place, Saturday. I think the researchers would have no problem finding specimens.
After Labor Day, tubers can only enter the River here, and at another landing a short paddle downstream.
Two groups of tubers. One noisy, the other, quiet.
Landed at 1:20
Stopped at the Santa Fe River to kill some time and check the water level for later
The Boat ramp in Highway 27 is 2.4 miles away. On the Santa Fe at 5:57.
Paddled up River
Tree on the Rock
The "A" in SantA FeAlligator Swallet Where part of the Santa Fe goes under ground. A good spot to turn around
Alligator Rise Where the water that went underground reappears.
Boat ramp. I went past it.
To see ancient monoliths
Old railroad bridge supports
Landed just before 7. Bad news in the parking lot. A guy asked me if I saw anyone in the lot. His car had been keyed on both sides. I told him all I saw was his car and some guys in a green van, fishing from the bank.
Back to the motel. The roofers were done for the day, and the WI FI was working. I had a TV dinner. in the microwave.
More to come
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