This weekend, the Adventure Box went to the Rodman Campground. Florida State Park campsites are at a premium this time of year. When I saw a site at the Park near the Rodman Reservoir, was available, I grabbed it. Not because I like reservoirs, but I like the Ockalawa River when it is in drawdown stage.
The boat launch near the Hog Valley Country Store is down a very rough trail. I will not call it a road. One of the safety chains came loose, but I made it. I was on the Ocklawaha River at 8:05
Upstream paddle
Entering the run to Cannon Springs
The air was chilly, but I snorkled. I mean, how could I not?
The water level was higher than it was in the fall
In the fall, I snorkeled down the run. This time, it was too cool. I also did not see the vents that are in the run as I paddled in.
Having my spring to myself was well worth the early, cool, start.
See the white, below? Under the left branch. A few of these in a section of the run. Sulphur?
Back on the River
Paddling down river, back to the launch site
Eagle
Could this lead to a spring?
This may be the run from Tobacco Patch SPrings
It was windy. Paddling into it, of course.
Landed at 11:05
Driving through the Ocala National Forest. When I arrived at the Rodman Campground, I asked if I missed the hard road. No. I would have had to go back to US 19 for pavement, instead of the scenic, through the Forest route.
Rodman Reservoir.
Rodman Dam. Part of an attempt to dig a canal across Florida. Stopped by Richard Nixon in 1971. One of his three accomplishments. The other, re-establishing relations with China, and appointing my namesake Uncle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Campsites are on the canal. I think they may be on what was a road for heavy equipment, above which is a high berm.
Walk along the canal
Back on the water, near the dam.
In the canal
Into the natural channel
A nice, 90 minute or so, loop
Dinner time
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