Sunday, May 10, 2020

Wekiva River and Blackwater Creek

I entered a State Park from its main, land entrance, for the first time in a six weeks.  Katie's Landing, in the Lower Wekiva River State Preserve.   Arrived before it opened at 8.  Which I have done before, and the gate has always been opened.  By the nice volunteer couple.  So, I waited for them to arrive. They did not, at least when I was there.  But, the gate is on a timer, as, at 8 AM, it swung open.  Katie's Landing is on the honor system for payment.  I put my Annual Pass on the dash.
On the Wekiva at 8:12.  An ibis
And, a roseate spoonbill!  First time I have seen one on the Wekiva River.






I never knew turkeys could be so colorful












Green heron chicks








Live, I could not figure out what the object in the gator's mouth was.  Plant? Fish?

It was not until it was on the laptop that I saw it was a snake.
Diving swallowtail kite

Another spring run?  Did not notice this on Thursday.
Before this one. That due to low water, I saw on Thursday, for the first time









Took 2 hours 8 minutes down River paddling to arrive at Blackwater Creek




Up Creek paddle



Some one has been to my break spot. I did not take a break, yet.  Wanted to keep going and find baby alligators
Mom?

Found some babies. Almost always do, in this area




Break, out of the kayak.  I expected this to be completely dry.  It was on one of my last visits, when the Creek was higher













Swamp lily



More babies














Back on the Wekiva River after almost 2 hours on Blackwater Creek
So far, gators had been skittish.  I saw twice as many as I had photos of.  Maybe, now, with the sun high in the sky, they would stay put.




The gators read my mind





Alligators of all sizes























Spoonbill, a million gators, and a deer. And just 2 people








Checking out the smaller possible spring run.  Footing was not very good. Someone else's footprints.
Back in the kayak








































I may have seen more gators than I even have on the Wekiva.  Less water for them to be under, and no boat traffic





Landed at 2:24
Went for a walk







 I do not remember the trail being so sandy for so long. Not that I walked very far.




 Thirty minute walk.
 You think they could have put the emergency contact numbers on the bottom of the beautiful Eagle Scott painting and history of Katies Landing,

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