Lake Cannon and 5 more lakes of the Winter Haven Chain

At the end of a year where I kayaked 358 days, in 34 states from the Florida Keys to Tomales Bay, CA, to the Snake River, to Lake Superior, to, Quebec, Canada to the Potomac River, and back to Florida (not all in one trip), where would I go for day 359? A lake with my name, that's where.

Lake Cannon is part of the 22 lake Winter Haven Chain. Better know for watersking (think Cypress Gardens) I had never kayaked any of the lakes on the chain. Cool weather, high of 58 forecast, made be think it would not be busy, even on New Years Eve.

I was in Lake Cannon, from Lake Cannon Park, on Lake Cannon Drive, at 12:35.

Lake Cannon is central to the Chain. 3 canals connect it to other Lakes. I first entered the canal to Lake Idylwild.

Next, Lake Jessie

Two bald eagles were on either side of a tree with a nest.

I was unable to get a good picture of this plane as it took off from Lake Jessie.

Back to Lake Cannon

Winter Park Chain.

Put in at Fort Maitland Park at 2:43

Kraft Azalea Gardens

Wekiva River

I should have known Wekiwa Springs State Park would be busy this week. A line to get in, then I followed two kayakers and 2 paddle boarders down to the launch.

On the water at 2:45. It was like a summer Sunday. Not the temp, which was 81, but the masses of paddlers from both the Park and Wekiva Island.