Rainbow River

Wekiva River

Launched from Wilson's Landing after a car-bike shuttle from Katie's Landing at 12:45.

My plan was to paddle up the River to Wekiva Falls, then turn around.

Wind wiping out of the south had me changing that plan in less than 10 minutes.

Passing Wilson's Landing.

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Lake Sebring and Highlands Hammock State Park

I am trying to see as much free live music as possible during Florida's outdoor festival season. Nothing close to home this weekend. I saw that Highlands Hammock State Park was having its 39th Annual Civilian Conservation Corps Festival. Highlands is the first Florida State Park. One of the 8 developed by the CCC during the Great Depression. I had been there once. 25-30 years ago. It has no kayaking.
However, there are a lot of lakes nearby. I choose Lake Sebring. Easy access from US 27, only 5 miles from the Park, and it appeared to be linked to two other lakes.

One boat and trailer in the small parking lot. No facilities, other than the ramp, dock, and trash can.

Haulover Canal and more

Dorsal and blow hole gets the coveted first photo.

Rock Springs Run

Underway from Wekiwa Springs State Park at 12:30.

Kitching Creek

Began the day with a walak on the Kitching Creek Nature Trail. And more, as it is short.

After breakfsst, and tidying up the cabin, I was on the water at 10 after 11

Loxahatchee River

Loxahatchee River

A cabin was available at Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Hoping for a scrub jay on the drive in, I got a mocking birfd

Wekiva River

Launched from Katie's Landing at 1:15.

Paddling down the alternate channel

Kayaking, and more, in Winter Park

Launched from Dinky Dock at Lake Virginia at 8:28. It was Arts Weekend in Winter Park. Free admissions to local cultural institutions and events in Central Park. I planned to check out a few of them. On Friday night, I attended a concert by a local singer who has made it to Broadway in Central Park.

Into the Fern Canal

Blue Spring

This gator was huge. Similar to one from 2006. "In the distance, is that an alligator? No, too big, its a log. Closer, on second thought, Na, those are branches extending. Closer, oh my goodness gracious, it is an alligator. And what a gator. 13 feet easy. Just the head was an estimated 2 feet long. A widebody. A new size record for me. When I get a camera I hope to get a picture of this behemoth. I paddled parallel to it, twenty yards away, then got in front of it, looking at its immense head. It then saw me. Slowly, an immense forelimb lifted up, as it tuned to enter the water headfirst. Unlike the small shy gators in the canal, nosily splashing, it slowly entered the River. Definitely the King, Rex on this Mardi Gras, it floated on the surface for a moment, then submerged. For a second or two, I felt like the kid in the canoe, and put paddle to water, glancing behind me for a wake. Seeing none, I relaxed, I would not end up like Marty (circa 1970 March of Dimes kid)"

Back to 2026. On the water from French Landing at 12:30.