A Visit to Ocala

While it is true that a trip to the Ocala area isn't Northwest Florida, it still earns a place in the adventure category. This weekend our brave band of adventurers tackled the Ocala National Forest area which included kayak trips on both Alexander Creek and Silver River.

We arrived at Alexander Creek shortly after lunch for an easy paddle upstream to the head springs and state park. Along the way we saw numerous turtles, birds, fish, 4 alligators and even a raccoon. Upon reaching the head springs a sign states that kayakers must pay a $5.50 landing fee if they intend to stop and swim in the springs. Being a Saturday in August the park and swimming area were extremely crowded, but we managed to squeeze in for a short break.

Turtle and Alligator basking on Alexander Creek

Alexander Springs 

We paddled back to our put-in location and loaded up the truck for the drive to our hotel. Out of convenience we staged our base camp out of the Day's Inn Silver Springs, however, I wouldn't recommend that hotel again due to the heavy mold smell that permeated our room. The hotel was booked to capacity and we were unable to move to another room.

We unloaded our gear, showered, grabbed a quick bite at the Outback Steakhouse and managed to make it to our next destination, Ocala Ghost Walks, with 5 minutes to spare. The Ocala Ghost Walk tour is entertaining if nothing else. Having been on legitimate ghost hunts in the past, this one fell far short of expectations. This was mainly a historic walking tour (light on the history) and any attempt at a real investigation is easily contaminated by road & pedestrian sounds, lights, and smells. The tour finally wrapped up and we headed back to the hotel and turned in for the night.

Spanish moss in the eerie glow of the moon

Morning came far too early for some of us. Breakfast was at 7 and we were at Silver River by 8:30. We started early because we still had a six hour drive home ahead of us and we wanted to allow plenty of time for exploring.

Silver River is beautiful. The water is relatively deep and clear, becoming increasingly clearer the closer you get to the head springs. The current is moderate and steady for the entire four mile upstream paddle and can present a challenge for some. We wound up leaving one of our group at Silver River State Park about halfway to the spring while we continued upstream. We could've started at the park for a shorter trip, but it comes with .07 mile portage from the parking lot to the kayak launch.

Silver River

We paddled into the Silver Springs attraction and watched the glass bottom boats glide by as their tour operators pointed out the sights to their fascinated riders. The springs are absolutely beautiful and we spent several minutes exploring and enjoying their beauty. As I was getting ready to paddle out a tourist from the boardwalk told me about a 12' alligator that was hovering near the docked boats. I followed his pointing finger and paddled over to the “monster.” It turned out to be a 4' alligator. Apparently one multiplies the length of the alligator by the number of people who saw it to come up with an “accurate” length. ;)

"12 footer" Alligator - Actually 4' feet

Silver Springs Attraction

After snapping a few photos we headed back downstream to collect our straggler from Silver River State Park. Boat traffic was picking up by this time and we passed several motor boats and an air boat. I'd never seen one in “the wild” before and made sure to snap a few photos. And now that there were more people on the river another new fact revealed itself; there were lots of people swimming in the alligator infested waters!! All I can think is that people like this are the reason we have the 6-O'clock news.

Cormorant

Finally we arrived back at the Ray Wayside Landing where we put in and started loading up the kayaks. August in Florida is not kind and a couple of us got a touch of heat sickness while helping to load the boats and had to retreat to the air conditioned truck. It's important to recognize the signs and take action as soon as they start. We recovered after a bit and were soon on our way home.

Although brief, our trip to the Ocala area was remarkable. We plan to head back when we can spare a couple of extra days to explore the area's other springs and rivers. I'll be posting a more detailed article in the near future so be sure to check back.

Kayaking with the Dog

We don't take the dog with us very often when we kayak. Here in Florida one has to always be alert to dangers like alligators. But once in a while, like on the Shoal River near Crestview, Fl, we'll let Dakota, an American Eskimo mix, tag along for some fun.

 Dakota at the bow

Dakota has a natural affinity to water. He loves anything having to do with water. His 'sister' Tigger, a Boxer-mix tripod, has a strong aversion to water and will likely never be comfortable enough to go on a float trip with us. Dakota is right at home on a kayak, although now that he's getting older his coordination isn't what it used to be and he tires a little easier than in his younger days. For this reason he must wear his doggie life jacket any time he's on the water with us. 


For yesterday's trip we revisited the Shoal River near Crestview. This is a shallow, easy-flowing river that's perfect for trips like this. It is also alligator-free (although there could be some off in the swampy areas.) Our trip took about four hours to complete and I think you would've been hard-pressed to find a happier little dog. He got to swim, navigate (he thinks) and be chauffeured in both kayak and truck. Oh yeah, Life if Good. 


So because he can't read or operate a computer, I will share a couple of his more humiliating photos. Here, Dakota had just taken a tumble out of the kayak and had to be hoisted back in. This is where a life jacket with a handle is so phenomenal. 

Dakota takes a spill

And this is where Dakota took another spill. We had so many that we actually lost count. Well, at least he had fun and no one got hurt. 

Perhaps duct tape is in order...

So, now that the importance of a doggie life jacket has been shown, perhaps you'd like to get one for your pet. Below are links to some of the best and safest pet life vests you can get. Paddle safe! 

Plan a Kayak or Canoe Trip on the Shoal River near Crestview, Fl

Shoal River near Crestview Florida is an excellent yet often overlooked paddling destination along the Florida panhandle. From its meager beginnings, the usually peaceful and easy-flowing Shoal travels some twenty-seven miles to join with the Yellow River. Numerous large sandbars along its shallow course offering ample opportunity to stop for a picnic lunch or even to make camp if the weather and water levels are favorable.

The Shoal is not a very deep river, generally ranging from one to four feet for much of its length through hardwood forests. Paddlers can enjoy a peaceful float trip with only a bridge or two interrupting the scenery. As with most rivers, paddler may encounter a submerged log or two, but no log jams. Closer to the take-out point near Hwy 85 just south of Crestview the first hints of civilization reappear in the form of a handful of homes nestled along the highest banks of the river.

Wildlife along the river is abundant. Red-cockaded woodpeckers flit from tree to tree as red shouldered hawks soar overhead. The river hosts an abundance of fish and turtles and the occasional fisherman can be seen trying their luck in lily covered side pools. The surrounding forest is home to Florida black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, fox and coyote.

Plan a Float Trip on Shoal River

The navigable section of the Shoal River begins at the Ray Lynn Barnes Landing on Highway 90 just east of Crestview and continues approximately 9.5 miles to the first take-out at Hwy 85 south of Crestview. For paddlers wishing to continue past this point to the Yellow River or Gin Hole Landing a low-cost recreation permit must first be obtained from the Eglin Division of National Resources, known locally as the Jackson Guard. The office is located at 107 Highway 85 in Niceville and can be contacted at (850) 882-4164 for more information.

Finding Adventure along the Emerald Coast

The Northwest Florida panhandle, also known as The Emerald Coast for it's stunning emerald green waters and sugar white sand beaches, has an abundance of fun activities and destinations to be experienced. While some visitors might be content to sunbathe on the beaches, there are those adventurers that crave activities like deep sea fishing, kayaking, hiking, parasailing, windsurfing and more. Luckily the Emerald Coast has something for everyone.

Starting in the eastern portion of the panhandle, at Port St. Joe visitors can tour St. Vincent Island, scallop in Saint Joseph's Bay or visit Cape San Blas and take a horseback ride on the beach. Panama City and the surrounding area offers pirate cruises, airboat rides and beautiful springs to explore along Holmes and Econfina Creeks. Destin, known as the World's Luckiest Fishing Village, offers dolphin cruises, deep sea fishing, and snorkeling trips.

Moving westward visitors can explore Okaloosa Island and fish, kiteboard, snorkel or surf. On the bay side lies the vast Choctawhatchee Bay where countless adventure opportunities abound. At nearby Eglin AFB, 464,000 acres of wilderness have been preserved and approximately 280,000 acres are available for recreational use with the purchase of a low cost permit available from the Jackson Guard located at 107 Hwy 87N in Niceville, Fl.

Near Pensacola that are numerous kayaking trips that can be planned for Blackwater, Juniper, Coldwater and nearby Yellow River. There are also a number of Florida State Parks worth exploring in close proximity to Pensacola; Big Lagoon, Perdido Key, Tarklin Bayou, Yellow River Marsh and Blackwater River State Parks.

So stick around while I review the best of what the Emerald Coast has to offer. You won't be disappointed.