Dave's Yak Tales: Chassahowitzka

Saturday, October 16, 2021

Chassahowitzka

On the Chassahowitzka, from the Chassahowitzka River Campground, at 8:20. It was busy.

Anglers in motorboats headed for the Gulf, half a dozen, at least. kayakers going up the Chazz to the Solution Holes/ Seven Sisters Springs. I, of course, went the other direction.

Down the Chasahowitzka

Into Baird Creek and Baird Blue Spring. There had been one kayaker headed that way. In a short kayak with fishing gear. I figured I would pass him. I did.

Into the Run from "The Crack"

And, there I was. In The Crack. Often, walking is required to get to this spring

No one was there.

The crack in The Crack.

A tree, under the water, over the limestone, that has been at the back end of the spring for years, is gone.

A boil

Took a video

Left the camera running

The guy I passed, arrived. A local. Had interesting stories about camping here in high school in the '80's

The Run from the Crack is beautiful.

Baird Creek isn't bad, either. Especially, before the crowds arrive. Which they were, as I was exiting. At least, a dozen paddlers

Back on the Chassahowitzka

Three bald eagles soared overhead

All this, and I was not in the Chasahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. Beyond the signs.

Osprey

Dog Island

I think I only got out here once. When I was narrower and my kayak was wider. Years ago, I suggested they make it more kayak friendly. Fell on deaf ears, I guess.

Crawford Creek

I think I paddled further up Crawford than I ever have. As experienced at the Crack, water levels are still high from summer rains. There is a section of limestone, near a home on Crawford Creek. In low water, they are impassable. Not even a ripple, today.