Dave's Yak Tales

Cedar Key Sunset

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Gum Slough

I had an exchange on the Protect Gum Slough site with a gentleman who says he uses his air boat to clean up Gum Slough.  It may be true, as his last name is the same as the family that owns the land around the main spring.  It was time for me to make another visit.
 On the Withlacoochee River from the end of Turner Camp Road at 6:30 AM
Too early for non blurry photos




 
 First dragon of the day.

 Indian Mound at Potts Preserve.  Across from the mouth of Gum Slough

Gum Slough
 Tram posts

Getting clearer as I paddle up Slough.

 Barred owl
 



 The only house on the Slough until you get to the source.
 




 




As with most Florida spring feed waterways, there are areas where the tree canopy opens into marsh like vegetation

 
An in Slough spring
 


 


When the Slough is low, it can be a struggle getting up the final section. Limestone formations rising from the bed can scrape the kayak. No issues today. Water was high enough to paddle into one of the two spring areas that are the sources of Gum Slough. One is the one with houses, the other is reached up a short run.

 I snorkeled



 





 


 
 

 Leaving the springs



 Deer
 



 

Got out of the kayak and snorkeled two more springs



 



 



 
 





 Hand over the side

 



 




 


 
Stream flow gauge



 


 


 
Lush



 

 


 


 


Around each bend, another beautiful scene. 




 
 
Not a spring. Just a clear, shallow area of  Gum Slough.


 
 Back on the Withlacoochee
 Dean's family needs to clean up.
 

More trash

 
Not a comment on anyone's beliefs. I just think Jesus would not like his cross nailed to another living thing. Put it on your wall at home.


 
 Landed at 1:45.  Got the kayak on the car just before the skies opened up.

Citrus County Courthouse, Inverness.
 

2 comments:

Luis said...

This is one place I want to visit but always overlook. Looks like the perfect place for kayaking and snorkeling.

Dave said...

Best to snorkel alone. The springs are small.