White Springs
I had the crazy idea of a kayak "camping" in Florida, in July. Camping in quotes, because real camping is in a tent. I would be in a screened platform. With a ceiling fan. I reserved the free platform on Tuesday. That same day, I called the Canoe Outpost. No shuttle would be available until 11 AM, Saturday. Oh well, I would save money on a hotel and make the 3 hour drive in the morning. Just before going to bed, Friday, I looked at my phone. A message. From the Canoe Outpost. The 9 AM shuttle from the Outpost to the White Springs boat ramp would be available. I was there before 8:30. The Canoe Outpost has an Adventures in Florida sticker on the window.
I was the only person, besides the driver in the shuttle van. Same driver I had back in October, when I was picked up in Branford, after 5 night trip.
I have launched at White Springs once before. That day, I went up River, to Little Shoals. River flowing to fast to do that today.
Headed down the Suwannee at 9:35.
The day I paddled up to Little Shoals, I also went down River from the launch on Highway 41 before turning back. So, after 30 minutes or so this time, I was on a section of the Suwannee I had not paddled before.
The Suwannee is high. Not as high as it was a few weeks ago. Tropical Storm Cristobal dumped a lot of rain in the Okefenoke Swamp. Where the Suwannee is born. Flood stage a month ago.
Remnants of the spa at White Springs. Built in 1908. Replacing a wooden building
Pavilion at Stephen Foster State Park
Landed at Stephen Foster
After a long walk to find an open bathroom, I went to the pavilion I had seen from the water
Found the switch for the fan, and ate half a sandwich. A lot more fans the last time I was here. 2019 Florida Folk Festival. 2020 was canceled.
Took a walk along the River
I was at the Park almost 2 hours. It was a long walk to an open restroom. Several are closed due to Covid 19
Spring hunting
I was out of the kayak, and wondered if the rail below marked private propetry.
Not private, the Florida Trail.
Stephen Foster has a lot of frontage on the Suwannee.
Arrived at Woods Ferry at 5:10. My first time here. But, I do know, when the water is lower, there is a beach you can land at. With a couple kayak racks. Which were almost completely submerged.
A wheelbarrow to transport gear.
Picnic shelter
My shelter
2 of the 5 were empty.
After dinner walk
The site has been used for thousands of years.
Showered after the walk. Worked up a sweat as walked back. Sweating as I lay down to sleep. By the time I woke up, I had put on pajama bottoms, a long sleeve shirt, and a short sleeve over that. So, yes, it is possible to "camp: in the summer, in Florida.
No comments:
Post a Comment