Had I known what the weather was going to be like, I would have gone south. It was 22 degrees in nearby High Springs in the wee hours. But, it was cold everywhere. 48 in Key West.
All the toilets, and urinals, had these stakes in them. In case of freezing?
29 when I got on the spring fed Ichetucknee at 8:30. Probably a few degrees warmer on the water Still, the coldest temps I have paddled. Wore real shoes and socks in the kayak for the first time in a couple years. T-shirt, Packer turtle neck, and windbreaker on top. Windbreaker pants.
Until I got closer to and saw the snorkel
Coffee Spring. Home to the Ichetucknee silt snail.
Pileated woodpecker
I wore gloves, but they soon got wet, so I took them off. Living in Florida means only having cheap gloves from the dollar store, not some good water resistant ones.
Saw two deer, River left.
Taking the picture of the wood stork when I noticed something below my kayak
There were 8 manatees at the mouth of a spring run. Too shallow to go very far up the run, so a good spot to stay warm.
Coots
Devils Eye Spring
Arrived at the Ichtucknee Springs State Park dock at 10:52. It was occupied.
I did not get out. Still too cool for a swim. Either intentionally in the springs, or unintentionally if I capsized getting out, or back into, the kayak.
A look towards Ichetucknee Spring and up the stairs, before turning around.
Pie billed grebe
Back at Devils Eye Spring
Moor hens
More coots
Duck weed
Snowy egret scratches the itch on the Ich
Paddling through these trees caused me to miss something.
Not turtles
The Dampiers Landing dock. How had I missed the manatees? I turned around, paddled back up River.
I had paddled on the wrong side o a tree island, missing the sprig run.
About half of the morning herd was still there
I first kayaked the Ichetucknee River in September, 2005. Did not see a manatee until March, 2013. Curious, I searched the worldwideinternetweb and found that Lars Anderson, of Adventure Outpost is asking people to report manatees outside the boundaries of Ichetcucknee Springs State Park. In Park reports should be sent to Ginger Morgan. I sent Ms. Morgan a video.
Feb 23
David-
Thank you very much for reporting your manatee observation (and providing video!). I hope that you have a GREAT day on the river!
The manatees certainly have frequented the river more recently with our increased water levels since Tropical Storm Debbie in 2012.
Did you notice any gar spawning activity on your paddle trip??
Ginger Morgan
Park Biologist
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
12087 SW US Hwy 27
Fort White, Florida 32038
Office: (386) 497-4690
Cell: (386) 208-4313
Fax: (386) 497-3095
There is a shoal where the Ichetucknee meets the Santa Fe River. That prevents manatees from entering the Ich unless the water is high.
More sign of, but not sight of, beavers
Landed at 1:35
Back at the North entrance, overlooking Ichetucknee Spring, at 2:15Into the Spring
Got out, and took the trail to Blue Hole Spring
Did not swim. High temp for the day was 53. Blue Hole is much more shaded than Ichetucknee Spring
More to come969
Back at Ichetucknee Spring
I need to see if Cannon Creek is navigable
My room at the High Springs Country Inn
2 comments:
Glad you braved the cold because those are some of the best underwater manatee photos yet!
Easy to get good pictures when the only thing stirring up the water are the manatees and my camera over the side of the kayak. A lesson for the swim with manatees industry in Crystal River.
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