Juniper Creek and Silver Glen Springs

Leading off with a snorkel picture from Silver Glen Spring, as the underwater shots in Silver Glen are better than anything I took on Juniper Creek Saturday, February 21, 2009.

I put in at the usual spot, Juniper Wayside on Highway 19, 8:20 am. Just two pictures on the way up.

Great blue heron and limpkin. As usual, not many of birds on Juniper Creek. Others were belted kingfishers, cardinals, assorted little song birds, green heron, turkeys, and vultures. Oh yeah, a bald eagle, soaring overhead. That and a group of three deer were the highlights. Another highlight, no people until I was well past halfway.

The low light, an overly officious park employee at the landing. Which is the launch for most people. He told me, "You can't paddle upstream" In the words of Daffy Duck, I think he was having "pronoun trouble" It's "I, meaning 'you' can't paddle upstream. As 'you" meaning "I' am here, obviously one can paddle upstream" I asked him to show me, in writing, a statute or ordinance stating one cannot paddle up Juniper Creek. That flustered him, he responded "we make the rules, you just can't. An actual U.S. Forest Service officer also was at the launch. He said nothing during the encounter, but as I walked away, motioned me over, said he was sorry for how the employee treated me, and would find out if their really was any prohibition on entering the Recreation Area from the Creek. As I headed towards the Spring, another disappointment. It is closed ! And the entire picnic area around it. I was told it is "being drained and cleaned out" How one drains a Spring, I don't know. But just a few years ago, a lot of sediment was taken out, uncovering a large vent that had not been visible. Perhaps a similar operation is in progress now. It began February 17.

The closure made my walk to the entrance station to pa the entry fee even longer. I had to take the new boardwalk that connects the rental canoe storage are to the Creek, instead of cutting through the Spring area. At least I saw a hawk on the way.

I should have put on the better shoes I had in the yak, but I had wanted to get away from the launch area ASAP. I did a lot of walking in my paddling shoes, an old, very worn pair of running shoes, soles coming away from bottom. Not good as I tried to find Fern Hammock Springs. I circled a camping loop before I found my way.

I took the familiar boardwalk along Fern Hammock Run and Juniper Creek back to to the day use area. Where again, I could not cut through. The entire area is fenced off. So, another detour. Finally, I was back at the launch, where I ate my sandwich, cookie and grapes. A pair of kayakers put in. I let them get a head start. Another pair came, left their yaks, soon followed by a third. This three were together, and finding out the other two had gone to shuttle a car to the Wayside, I told the one left watching the kayaks, I'd take the opportunity to get on the Creek ahead of them.

This turtle is the only animal photo from the down Creek trip.

I've had this shot on my last few Juniper Creek posts. I had thought it was just increased flow after Tropical Storm Fay. But Fay's affects are long gone, yet the increased flow continued. Then I remembered what Ed, of the Green Wave Forum, wrote after a trip down Juniper in December:

"Just downstream from midway was another surprise. Since August, a new spring has opened up next to the creek. First evidence of the spring is increased water flow - even a few ripples add to the "whitewater" action. "

I think I found the spring, clear water, rushing from the right bank.

I did the hand test. Dip my hand in the water to judge the temperature. The clear water gurgling from the bank was warmer than the darker water nearby. It's a spring all right.

On the down Creek paddle, I passed the folks who launched as I ate lunch, and two others. One trio in canoe was fortunate I came when I did. Just as the stern paddler dropped his canoe paddle. I picked it up,handed it to him, and reminded them of the old saying. Up the creek without.....

I landed at Juniper Wayside, as a large group from Brevard Community College was loading up. And blocking the drive. Am I wrong to think they were a bit inconsiderate to have a pickup with trailer, and van parked at the loading/unloading area ? Allowing no room for other cars to pass as they loaded 8 canoes on the trailer ? There was no reason for the van to be there, the truck and trailer could have been moved up a bit where there is a pull off for loading, allowing others to pass. I was to tired to say anything as I carried my gear, then the yak to the car. Perhaps someone in the group will read this, and it will dawn on them to make room next time.

What a day. Paddling was fine, people on either end, not so much. I need rejuvenation. I needed to snorkel Silver Glen Spring. Which was full of mullet.

And a huge school of jack crevalle.

Plus, tilapia and huge sunfish. And, not only the for the first time on Dave's Yak Tales, but the first time since I obtained underwater capability, a sting ray.

I saw rays all the time in Silver Glen Spring. Until I got the underwater housing two years ago. Then, none. Until this afternoon.

I ended my visit to Silver Glen with a walk on the Lake George Trail. Not all the way, just to first overlook. I did have proper foot wear. Then the Boils Trail, where I saw two bears in November. None today. A deer as I arrived back to the Springs area.

Finished the day in the Ocala National Forest with a 10 minute or so walk on the Yearling Trail. In search of scrub jays. For the first time, I did not spot any. The sunset over Juniper Prairie was nice.

Rock Springs Run

As you know, unless you are visiting Dave's Yak Tales for the first time, Rock Springs Run is my favorite and most frequent yaking location. I can now add bald eagle to the deer, bears, otters. alligators, raccoons, pigs and many varieties of birds seen on the Run. I saw the above eagle this morning, Wednesday, February 19, 2009. It was just downstream of the big hollow cypress tree at the three mile mark.


I shoved off at 8 am, a canoer prepared to go out as well. Down the Wekiva to Rock Springs Run. I always feel good getting a "2 for 1" Blue heron and great egret.



Drifting down the Wekiva, I noticed that a fallen tree that required ducking and turning since it toppled during Tropical Storm Fay had been cut away. As I neared the confluence, I heard a horrible sound. An airboat. Moving slowly, but still making a gawdawful racket. Was it coming past the "No Motorized Boats" sign ? I did not find out, as I headed up Rock Springs Run, hearing the noise for several minutes. On my return, there were two airboats in the Wekiva, well upstream of the No Motor zone. They were in an area with a lot of debris, I asked if they were clearing it. They said yes. Funny, I did not see any saws. I don't think the Run needs any clearing. But, I haven't been on it in two weeks. I bet a tourist or two capsized ducking under the tree that was removed.

Up the Run, I got a nice wood duck shot.





Then, nothing until the bald eagle.

The eagle was in a narrow, heavily wooded section of the Run, which made seeing it even more of a surprise. I would have expected a bald eagle in some of the open areas of the Run. But that's why I love Rock Springs Run, after more than 50 visits, it offers new wonders. And old, like two grazing deer.

The deer were on the right bank, just downstream of the Indian Mound Campsite. I was in a great mood, a bald eagle, deer,after seeing none my last visit. Then I saw this.

Some scumbag left trash all over the campsite. Perhaps it was in a black plastic trash bag, but critters, like the raccoon I saw scampering away, have no problem getting that opened. Pressed for time, having to finish in time to get to work, I picked up several beer cans, plastic bags and bottles, from the water and the bank, tossing them in the yak.

I made a small dent. When I landed, I told the guy at the concession about the trash, he called somebody to send a ranger to the campsite. I hope that person was able to get there quickly. The wind was kicking up, and I'm sure a lot of the garbage blew into the Run and around the campsite. What the eff are people thinking when they do this ? Obviously they are not thinking, evil bastards, with no morals whatsoever. But before I lose all faith in humankind, I recall the kayaker, a reader of this site, who has been making a valiant effort to keep the Run clean. And doing a great job. Other then the dump, I saw one other piece of trash. Which I told myself I would try to pick up on the downstream paddle. Of course, I did not see it downstream. Sorry, J. B. And thank you. The guy at the canoe beach mentioned "the young lady wit the picker-upper thing" Your efforts are being noticed.

Just across, and downstream from Indian Mound, two deer feed.

Although on the other side, and a bit up the Run, I think they were the same pair I saw earlier.

I did not see the eagle on the return paddle. Here are a few of the birds I did see.

I saw one alligator. A kayaking couple passed it. I said,"You saw the gator, right ?" "No way !"

Way.

One other canoe on the Wekiva in my three hour trip. I had a nice dip in Wekiwa Spring, shared with one other person.

If you are thinking, Dave, the time you spent swimming could have been spent picking up more trash, you don't have to work with me. The snorkel was my morning shower. Towel off, change, a little deodorant, and off to work. Ten minutes late.

Haulover Canal and Orlando Wetlands Park

After Saturday's epic at Myakka River State Park I needed something easy Sunday, February 15, 2008. Easy, with wildlife. Light chop on the Intra Coastal, Haulover Canal, here I come.

Lots of spoonbills on Mullet Head Island. At least 1o. The Indian River is as shallow as I have seen it in 5 years kayaking. Easy crabbing if you're a great blue heron.

I did my usual route. Out to and around Mullet Head, back to the alternate channel, to Bairs Cove, to the Manatee overlook, to the bay near the Indian River, briefly, to peek at the Shuttle launch tower. A short day less then three hours. Wind and mist, much time just spent watching 5 manatees in Bairs Cove. Very docile.

I also saw several manatees transiting the Canal.

Dolphins were much more active, especially the one pictured in the first pic near, "Dolphin Cove"

Some boaters can't read any better than this pelican.

As mentioned,it was a short paddle,but the day continued. I still had the bike on the car, but gas was a concern, as was weather. The mist stopped, but clouds covered the sky. My gauge dropped near empty as I neared Wildlife Drive. Just past the Drive, I saw a bald eagle in a tree. Gassed up in Titusville, thought of heading back, but then decided to head home, but stop at Orlando Wetlands Park. Located in Christmas, just past Fort Christmas Park. I knew it is closed for a few months in the winter. Would it be open ? It was.

Pictured are alligators, snowy egrets, black ibis and some little bird I can't name. I also saw anhinga,cormorants, great blue herons,great egrets,blue herons, tricolored herons ibis, vultures, moorhens, coots, limpkins, woodstorks and oyster catchers. Hiked over 90 minutes. Did not plan that long of a walk, but did not have a trail map. I was here once before, saw deer that time, only mammals today were racoons. When I signed in, a previous visitor wrote he saw 24 alligators. Beat me by six.

This fantastic spot was a catttle ranch when the City of Orlando bought it in the mid 1980's. A pipe carries treated wastewater 17 miles from the City to the site. Plants filter out nitrogen, phosphorous and other bad things, in one area of the wetlands to another, before a canal eventually takes the water, now with levels of bad stuff below natural levels, to the St Johns River. Good engineering meets good enviornment. Well worth a visit. A lot less crowded then the Merritt Island Refuge. -Until my readers find out.

Myakka River State Park

I had a great day kayaking, and more, at Myakka River State Park, Saturday, February 14, 2009. I surprised myself when I put "Myakka" in the "Search Blog" box and saw I had not been here since last March. http://davesyaktales.blogspot.com/2008/03/flat-stanley-at-myakka-river.html It is a long drive, 150 miles one way, but well worth the effort. Saw three deer (while paddling, more later on the bike), three bald eagles, three hundred alligators. Ok, not 300, but so many I lost count early in the day. 50-75 easy. Birds from glossy ibis to white pelican.



I arrived at the Park before it opened, had to wait 15 minutes. Obtained a permit to enter the Wilderness Area, south of State Highway 72. The ranger told me water levels were low, I should be ready to portage. I ended up having to get out of the yak once, but I did take apart the paddle and pole like a skier, albiet seated, on several occasions.




My put in point was the small parking area east of the Park Drive Bridge. The River was low, but that attracted more birds. Not sure what this is.




Black vulture and juvenile black crowned night heron.









Green heron.






Snowy egret.

















Great egret and gator.

















The pictures were taken in a 24 minute time span, and are just the birds I was able to photo. I was unable to capture 5 glossy ibis, and a bald eagle, among others. The gator in the first picture came later, just inside the Wilderness Area. It was the largest of the day. A bit down River, a mature black crowned night heron.














This section of the Myakka, from the 72 bridge to Lower Myakka Lake, is twisty and narrow. Some gators lie on the bank.





Others swam.





It took 1 hour 20 minutes to reach Lower Myakka Lake. The first time I paddled here, I saw rosette spoonbills in a narrow inlet/slough just east of where the River enters the Lake. So I always investigate the area. Haven't seen any spoonbills there since that first day, and today, the water level was very low so I could not go far. But far enough to see these three deer.














Click the pic. Hopefully it will blow up so you can see the deer.







Lower Myakka was. Lower. Very shallow. I made better time to the south end of the Lake than two guys in a motor boat. I kept hearing "Stop !" "Left !" and so on as they maneuvered over the shallow bottom. I arrived at Deep Hole before they did, so I got a chance to watch the alligators at this very deep sinkhole for a bit. I count eleven gators on the other side of the mud bar.





I thought of continuing down River, the Myakka narrows again after Deep Hole, but it was too shallow. Unless I went through Deep Hole. I chose to turn back. This is where I walked, after poling in. The guys in the motor boat gunned the engine, scared the gators, landed, and began to fish. Nothing left for me, so back I went. The second bald eagle of the day flew over head as I paddled north.







The Myakka River and in particular. Lower Myakka Lake is full of birds that I would expect to see on the coast, like the above black necked stilt. The Lower Lake is thirty miles upstream of Charlotte Harbor, yet the mud flats are full of the same little birds one sees on Gulf Beaches.














Another bird I have only seen in coastal areas is white pelican. Yet one was on the Lower Lake. Just one, perhaps a bit off on its migratory path.

It picked a fine day to visit, blue sky, 85 degrees. Hot for the first time in a while. I got some color. No wind early, but just as I was leaving the Lower Lake, a strong south breeze kicked up. My timing was perfect, that wind was behind me. I paddled past more alligators.

Two kayakers came downstream, glad to hear they could make it all the way to Lower Lake Myakka.

I crossed beneath the State Highway 72 bridge, leaving the Wilderness behind. Soon after, I stopped for lunch in a River front picnic area. The Saturday crowds were gathering, an event at a nearby pavilion., another gathering at a picnic table. I walked around, ate, and continued my trip. Saw a few more paddlers near, and launching at the Park Drive Bridge. They were launching right at the Bridge, on top of the sandbag looking things. Why they didn't launch from where I did is beyond me. Probably not Dave's Yak Tales readers. My spot is much better.

Am I the only one who sees the post-White House LBJ in the above snowy egret ?

In addition to the tricolred heron, more alligators, and limpkin, I saw the third bald eagle of the day. And pigs and hawks.

I told myself I was going to paddle to the dam at the Upper Lake or until I saw a rosette spoonbill. Never saw a spoonbill. Lots of other birds near the dam.

Another 10 gators, at least, on the bank and in the water. "Be careful of that alligator !" " He better be careful of me." I landed. If that woman could have seen all the alligators that I could see from kayak level, I think she may have backed away from the dam. I got out, stretched, saw kayakers, rentals from the Park, on Upper Myaka Lake, got back in and went down River.

Into the wind. Alligators hunkered down.

More pigs, raccoons and birds.
Other than two anglers in a small motor boat under the powerlines, two more on the shore nearby, I saw no people between the dam and the Park Drive Bridge. I complemented the boaters on their navigation skills. I landed about 3:40, 7 plus hours,with two breaks, on the Myakka River. The day was not finished.

Yak on, bike off car. Pedal to the main concession area. Deer are often seen just off the road. I saw two, one on each side of the road. Got a photo of the first.

The new concession building, which was under construction last March, is now open. Since Wednesday, Feb. 11. I went to the old building for my gator stew. They need a sign saying food is in the new building. But, I did get the chance to hear the kayak and canoe rental guy tell a woman it was too shallow to go past the dam. I waited until the customer left, and told him I had paddled well past the dam, but understood why he would not want renters to make the attempt. I then went to the big beautiful new building and ate what I had been looking at all day.

There is one problem with the new building.

The sign states "No Storage By Order of the Fire Marshal" I had assumed the rental canoes and kayaks would be kept here, instead of out in the open. Speaking to the concessionaire again, he had figured the same. I wonder if hydrants are in the area or what. Someone failed to plan. But,it is a good thing the place was planned, budgeted, and built before the recession.

Back on the bike, I rode to the pig, er, birdwalk.

Just one distant bird. Back on the bike, the way I came. Upper Myakka on the right, woods and more deer to my left.

This deer was part of a small herd of 5-6. Next stop, the canopy walkway. Noise in the underbrush on the trail leading to the walkway. Armadillo ? No, a dozen piglets.

My timing was perfect. A boy scout troop walked away from the tower as I approached. Up the short tower I climbed. Can I take credit for this?

Across the walkway among the treetops.

Up the tower for a panoramic view of the Myakka River.

Back on the ground. Lots of light comes through the walkway way up there. I think I know why they built it here, that's a heckuva oak.

A couple was at the top when I arrived, the woman said she saw "a black panther" I said pigs are black,she said, she knew that,but this had a long tail. There are panthers in Florida, not black. I have read Myakka is two small to support them or bears. But, there is some unusual large animal in the Park. When I returned my Wilderness Permit, a ranger said the other night she saw what a large animal. She thought coyote. I told her about the"panther" thewoman thought she saw. All I know is I have another reason to return to Myakka, I've never seen a coyote.

To my loyal readers, after three days, I finally finished this Tale. I hope it dosen't take as long to read.