From the Nose of Our Kayak: Chapter 15 "O-H-I-O"

Janet & Don Beasley

Hello and welcome to the JLB Creatives Blog, where you'll find an array of creative features from a hand-picked group of creative geniuses. 

Wednesdays on the JLB Creatives Blog are set aside for our blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." JLB Creatives CEO, Janet Beasley, and her husband, Don, have been kayaking for nearly 10 years. Together they are excited to share with you, their awesome experiences that they have encountered. In this Wednesday feature you'll find kayaking stories, scenic nature photography from their outings, and some helpful tips when it comes to maneuvering your "butt sleds" (aka kayaks) on your journeys.

So if this is a topic that interests you, you'll want to be sure and become a follower of the JLB Creatives Blog, and stop in on Wednesdays each week for the latest chapter in Don & Janet Beasley's adventure blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." 

Previous chapters can be found in our blog archives. We began the series on June 1, 2016.

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From the Nose of Our Kayak

Don & Janet Beasley

Chapter 15: "O-H-I-O"

Our New-Used 16'  #WildernessSystems Sealution

In less than a month we hit the road for Michigan again. This time we decided to stop off in Ohio and visit family and friends...and do a little bit of kayaking in our ol' stompin' grounds.

But we must warn you...yeah...the addiction continued. We added another kayak to the "fleet!"

We had been looking for and dreaming about a #WildernessSystems fiberglass tandem kayak. This is not an easy find when you're being as specific as we are. But low and behold we found a single, 16', SeaLution over on the Atlantic coast here in Florida. Yeah, it's a single, but it's fiberglass, and we learned to "share" early on...just like our parents taught us. 

So we loaded up the Sealution and the T145 and headed north. Our first stop to try it out came 16 hours later when we arrived in our hometown of #Beavercreek #Ohio. There we joined up with Don's brother and headed for the lake. It was a beautiful day. Sun was shining bright and the wind was minimal. 

Don Performing a Deep Water Entry

When we arrived at the launch sight we hooked the kayak to the back of Don's brother's sailboat and off we glided across the lake to a place that was a bit less crowded. 

Don, with his life vest on, hopped into the water to practice his first kayak entry from deep water. He was successful! 

Success on the Deep Water Entry

He also had a waterproof camera attached to a helmet for this adventure, but goodness knows what we ever did with those photos?!  

Don paddled around for quite a while, then it was time to sun on the sailboat. Before the day was done he hopped back in the water for one last excursion, nailing the deep water entry, and paddled for another hour or so before we called it a day.

Don Taking One Last Trip Before Calling It a Day

Ohio has plenty of places to kayak. If you're planning a trip to the #Buckeye state and are looking for information on where to kayak and what to expect in Ohio, we invite you to visit this Paddling.net website link http://www.paddling.net/places/OH/ to check out several Ohio kayaking options.

When in Ohio, sometimes getting the destination of where you're going to kayak is just as scenic as the kayak trip! 

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Doing a deep water entry sounds much more complicated than it truly is. It is a great skill to add to your list, just in case you decide to paddle around a lake and either on purpose, or accidentally, find yourself in the water in the middle of the lake, or out in the ocean a good ways from the shore.

Here's a super little video from Pratkis.com to show you how a deep water entry is achieved. 




So what are you waiting for? Autumn is coming, and Ohio is one of the best places to visit in the fall! It's rich colors, rolling hills, and mid-western charm make for some of the most beautiful road and kayak trips during that time of year.  

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Kayak Tip of the Week: Always be sure to plan ahead for lodging or camping during peak seasons such as autumn. Whether you're planning an entire weekend trip or you're just going to kayak to see the autumn leaves make certain your are dressed properly for the temperatures of the air and the water.

From the Nose of Our Kayak: Chapter 14 "Look Out Panhandle Here We Come!"

Hello and welcome to the JLB Creatives Blog, where you'll find an array of creative features from a hand-picked group of creative geniuses. 

Wednesdays on the JLB Creatives Blog are set aside for our blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." JLB Creatives CEO, Janet Beasley, and her husband, Don, have been kayaking for nearly 10 years. Together they are excited to share with you, their awesome experiences that they have encountered. In this Wednesday feature you'll find kayaking stories, scenic nature photography from their outings, and some helpful tips when it comes to maneuvering your "butt sleds" (aka kayaks) on your journeys.

So if this is a topic that interests you, you'll want to be sure and become a follower of the JLB Creatives Blog, and stop in on Wednesdays each week for the latest chapter in Don & Janet Beasley's adventure blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." 

Previous chapters can be found in our blog archives. We began the series on June 1, 2016.

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From the Nose of Our Kayak
Don & Janet Beasley
Chapter 14: Look Out Panhandle Here We Come!

To celebrate our 30 year anniversary we headed for the panhandle of Florida...the Apalachicola area to be exact. We wanted to visit some long time friends plus do some kayaking in yet another area of Florida that was "virgin" to us. 

Along the way we stopped for some lunch. Seafood was calling our name...something it always does when we're on the gulf coast. When we came upon the town of Freeport we started looking for a local diner. Sure enough we spotted one that suited our fancy. There were plenty of cars in the parking lot.

I have to say that Oyster Po Boy Sandwich was out of this world! The oysters were heaped on in quite the fashion, and the bun was so good and soft, and the tartar sauce - lettuce  - and tomato capped it off.

Don enjoyed a plate of fried shrimp that were absolutely to die for. And in addition to the outstanding food, the service was ever so friendly, fast, and spot on. We made sure we left enough time on the way home to stop in one more time.

Once we arrived at our destination, The Gibson Inn (above), and were greeted with some awesome southern hospitality. Our room was nothing shy of stellar.

We got settled in, all of the luggage and snacks were unpacked and it was time to start exploring, looking for some great places to kayak.

First we stopped at a sharky kind of place. C'mon...you know these kinds of places make you laugh, and are always a blast to shop!

Luckily we escaped the dangers of the giant shark and headed on toward some state parks.

There were many other cool sights to behold. The boat docks filled with vessels of every size, sea-worthy displays, lighthouses, beaches, and so much more! 

The weather was not cooperating for kayaking (until the day we left of course! LOL!). Storms had moved in, and left us not wanting to be on the water. So we spent a couple of days visiting St. George Island and State Park, St. Joseph State Park, St. Vincent's State Park, and St. Mark's NWR to scout out the area. 

Believe it or not, sometimes bad weather can lend itself to being your friend, as long as you respect it. 

How can you tell when it's safe or not safe to be on the water in Florida? There are a few quick ways to get an idea. 

Obviously if the sky is getting dark in any direction that's a good sign there's going to be a storm. To be safe check your weather radar. Set the radar in motion if you can to get an idea of how fast and in what direction it is moving.  

Sometimes you may be deep in the woods and not able to see the sky. If that's the case, use your ears. Listen for thunder or "brewing" winds rushing through the leaves. If the wind is kicking up, even on the river, there's a good chance inclement weather is heading your way. 

If you think you saw a flash...if you're in Florida, you probably did. Always take lightning seriously no matter how far away you think it is. If you can't make it back to the dock before the storm reaches you and your kayak, head for the shore...get off of the water immediately and seek shelter. You can even use your kayak for such by sitting on the ground and holding it up over your head. Don't hang on to a tree...they are prime targets for lightning. If time allows you to get your kayak at least back to your dock to your vehicle, you can always leave the kayak out in the rain and lightning while you seek shelter in your vehicle. Kayaks are used to getting wet. Turn it upside down so it doesn't fill with water that you would have to "bail out" later.

Your goals when you are kayaking should be to have fun and stay safe all at the same time. A weather app on your phone is yet another good tool to have on hand. 

The best place we decided for us to kayak would be St. George Island. It was a "prairie" kind of paddle. We were used to the rivers of central Florida...not the open style water with no shade. But it ended up being another awesome adventure in the yak. We paddled for several hours, enjoying the new sights, and paying close attention to the weather. We began to hear the booming in the background and knew it was time to exit the water.

We headed to get some dinner, and found a couple of really cool places to stop and photograph Mother Nature working overtime. The sunset along with the clearing storm late that evening made for some of our best sunset shots to this day!

We plan on returning to the area some day in the fall or spring. Summer can be quite rainy in Florida...and also very hot on the water.

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Kayak Tip of the Week: If weather is not cooperating, don't get discouraged, use the opportunity to your advantage for when the storm clears. 

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Below are some shots from our launching point...

From the Nose of Our Kayak: Chapter 10 "Canoe vs Kayak"

Hello and welcome to the JLB Creatives Blog, where you'll find an array of creative features from a hand-picked group of creative geniuses. 

Wednesdays on the JLB Creatives Blog are set aside for our blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." JLB Creatives CEO, Janet Beasley, and her husband, Don, have been kayaking for nearly 10 years. Together they are excited to share with you, their awesome experiences that they have encountered. In this Wednesday feature you'll find kayaking stories, scenic nature photography from their outings, and some helpful tips when it comes to maneuvering your "butt sleds" (aka kayaks) on your journeys.

So if this is a topic that interests you, you'll want to be sure and become a follower of the JLB Creatives Blog, and stop in on Wednesdays each week for the latest chapter in Don & Janet Beasley's adventure blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." 

Previous chapters can be found in our blog archives. We began the series on June 1, 2016.

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From the Nose of Our Kayak
Don & Janet Beasley
Chapter 10: Canoe vs. Kayak

Being December in Florida brings some of the most beautiful weather in the nation. Nice cool, comfortable temperatures mixed with plenty of sunshine and bright blue skies. December, like November, is a continuation of an autumn feel in the air. 

Believe it or not, we dashed back to Rock Springs Run for one more run in 2010, and our visiting went family with us. At the time we didn't have but only one tandem kayak at the house in Florida, that being the Wilderness Systems T145 "Mean Greenie" as we like to call it.

That meant we needed to rent a vessel for our guests. The rental house didn't have any kayaks available at the time, so our company decided it was fine with them to tackle the river in a canoe. 

Even though a canoe and a kayak are similar, you'll find some differences. For starters each one has its own "look" about it. A canoe has an open bow and aft, meaning the front and back of the canoe come to a point (like a kayak) but there is no covering so to speak. A kayak lends itself to being more enclosed on the front and back, and even sometimes in the middle if it is a tandem kayak. 

Another difference is the seating. In a canoe the seats are "raised," sitting flush with the top rim. Usually canoe seats stem from side to side between the left and right rims of the boat with one seat in the front, one seat in the back and sometimes a seat in the middle. A kayak usually puts paddlers sitting "on the floor" of the vessel in a chair-like seat as opposed to a bench style found in canoes. There are also what are considered to be sit-on-top kayaks. The sit on top kayaks are a popular style sometimes used for fishing. 

Canoe paddles are "one ended," meaning that there is a paddle on one end, and some type of handle shape on the other. Kayak paddles boast blades on both ends. A canoe paddle can also be used as a make-shift rudder. Some kayaks, like ours, have a rudder installed and can be operated by pushing on right and left foot pegs attached to cables that steer the rudder.

A canoe is a real workhorse making it great for carrying tons of gear, supplies, and even the dog! Kayaks aren't known for their "roominess" though gear can be carried on top of the nose and tail by strapping it down with bungee style cording, or in handy (though small) lidded compartments on some kayaks.  

Depending on who you talk to, you'll get mixed opinions on this next topic. Which tips easier? We used to do quite a bit of canoeing. When we discovered kayaking we both found it to be much easier to paddle and maneuver...without feeling like we were going to tip over. We went over more times in our canoe than we can count, but in our tandem kayak we've stayed upright, unless we decide to tip it over and get cooled off. Smaller, narrower kayaks will feel very "roly poly" if you're not used to them. So for us, we prefer the less roly feel of our kayak...but again, others may feel better paddling the heavier solidity of a canoe. But we will tell you that an Eskimo roll in a canoe is most likely not going to happen. 

Which is faster? Typically a kayak is faster, however there are some canoes out there that can keep up with some kayaks. But as a rule of thumb a kayak will be faster.

You may be asking yourself, "Is a canoe or a kayak right for me?" Only you can decide that, and you'll be happy to know there is no wrong answer. Research your options, think about where you'll be using your choice, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Most importantly, have fun!  

Below are some photos of the scenery and wildlife we saw during our December trip with our family...us in our kayak, and our family in a canoe. It was a fantastic Florida December day on the river!

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Kayak Tip of the Week: If you are renting a canoe or kayak for the first time be sure and ask the rental person to explain some basic tips for paddling one or the other. This will help to put you at ease, and make for a much more enjoyable trip. 

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Turtles on a log

King Fisher with his catch

King Fisher perched

King Fisher taking off

Scenic autumn view on the Rock Springs Run River

"Partly Cloudy" 

Blue Heron

Passing by a turtle

Awesome oak branched reaching over the river

Photos by:

Don & Janet Beasley

JLBCreatives.com

From the Nose of Our Kayak: Chapter 9 Back Down Rock Springs We Go...This Time to Check Out the Scenery

Hello and welcome to the JLB Creatives Blog, where you'll find an array of creative features from a hand-picked group of creative geniuses. 

Wednesdays on the JLB Creatives Blog are set aside for our blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." JLB Creatives CEO, Janet Beasley, and her husband, Don, have been kayaking for nearly 10 years. Together they are excited to share with you, their awesome experiences that they have encountered. In this Wednesday feature you'll find kayaking stories, scenic nature photography from their outings, and some helpful tips when it comes to maneuvering your "butt sleds" (aka kayaks) on your journeys.

So if this is a topic that interests you, you'll want to be sure and become a follower of the JLB Creatives Blog, and stop in on Wednesdays each week for the latest chapter in Don & Janet Beasley's adventure blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." 

Previous chapters can be found in our blog archives. We began the series on June 1, 2016.

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From the Nose of Our Kayak
Don & Janet Beasley
Chapter 9 Back Down Rock Springs We Go...This Time to Check Out the Scenery

Don at the end of the Rock Springs Run
Wekiva Island pick-up destination

As we mentioned in our last chapter, we would be back to kayak the Rock Springs Run. And here we are, only a few weeks later. This trip happened on November 18, 2010.

You may be surprised that we get the beautiful colors of autumn here in Florida, but depending on your location and how the weather has played out, you could very well find yourself in a wilderness of all of the fall colors you long for...yes, in Florida!

We launched our Wilderness Systems kayak early morning, and decided to take our time now that we knew how long it actually takes to get to the pick-up point (Don and I have done the run in as fast as 2 hours...but that was paddling for exercise, not scenery). 

Before we even exited the canal onto the river, the fall leaves were showing themselves, dancing atop the calm water.

We reached Rock Springs Run and took a left, and entered the waters of the Wekiva Springs State Park. In no time we were thrust into all that nature had to offer on this gorgeous, blue sky, sunny, autumn day.

The water of the Rock Springs Run River is just as crystal clear as Silver Springs, but is much more shallow. The clear waters lure you in on a hot day, to dip your feet, stop and take a quick swim, or just gently glide down the river with your fingertips caressing the top of the water. 

Our first sighting was a Great Blue Heron. I never tire of photographing these majestic creatures on any river. Mother Nature pulled back the veil and allowed us to spot turtles, Phoebes, and a Great Egret. And as we rounded one bend, we accidentally startled a mallard duck. I was quick to rap off some pictures, including one of him taking flight from the water. 

Another amazing experience happened as we approached a large tree laying across the river. The large log came to a "V" in the middle of the river, dipping down to where the hardwood was somewhere around 2-3 feet above our heads. Much to our surprise, sitting in that very "V" was a hawk. The hawk allowed us to glide under him. We turned the kayak back around so we were heading against the current, and Don held the kayak steady while I took some of my most favorite photos to this day.

It wasn't long before we reached the "prairie" portion of the river and were greeted with Florida's fall colors. The foliage was stunning to say the least. The lily pad beds that lined the shoreline were still present, making for a fantastic contrast of colors. 

As we cruised across the shallow, crystal clear, liquid terrain we noticed a fish floating down river with us. The mirror-like water's top produced some of the best reflections we've ever seen. This feature was yet another luring tactic, by this river, tempting us to return in the spring and summer...we did, and we were not disappointed!

We've put together a short video (below) of a compilation of all the wonderful sightings we described above. We invite you to watch and enjoy the scenery just as we saw it on November 18, 2010 From the Nose of Our Kayak...

  

             

From the Nose of Our Kayak

Rock Springs Run, Florida November 18, 2010

Video created by: JLB Creatives

copyright 2016

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Kayak Tip of the Week: Just because the water is shallow and looks inviting, be careful...the riverbed can be soft (like quick sand) and the river's current can be stronger than it appears. If you want (or need) to exit your kayak to portage on the shoreline, beware of wildlife; in central Florida that can include alligators, snakes, bears, coyotes, and/or stinging insects to name a few. 

From the Nose of Our Kayak:Chapter 8 Discovering Wekiva River Rock Springs Run

Hello and welcome to the JLB Creatives Blog, where you'll find an array of creative features from a hand-picked group of creative geniuses. 

Wednesdays on the JLB Creatives Blog are set aside for our blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." JLB Creatives CEO, Janet Beasley, and her husband, Don, have been kayaking for nearly 10 years. Together they are excited to share with you, their awesome experiences that they have encountered. In this Wednesday feature you'll find kayaking stories, scenic nature photography from their outings, and some helpful tips when it comes to maneuvering your "butt sleds" (aka kayaks) on your journeys.

So if this is a topic that interests you, you'll want to be sure and become a follower of the JLB Creatives Blog, and stop in on Wednesdays each week for the latest chapter in Don & Janet Beasley's adventure blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." 

Previous chapters can be found in our blog archives. We began the series on June 1, 2016.

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From the Nose of Our Kayak
Don & Janet Beasley
Chapter 8 Discovering Wekiva River Rock Springs Run

As hard as it was to leave our brand new kayak and actual kayak-wheel-thingy in Michigan until next summer, we decided to do so in case we would want to fly instead of drive. So it was back home to our new-old mean-greenie kayak...thank goodness it was home waiting for us.

After we got home, the locals found out we loved kayaking Silver River so much, they suggested we give Rock Springs Run a try. When they said it was only about 8 miles from our house there was no reason not to try it. Silver River is about 75 miles away (but worth it every time nonetheless). Rentals are available at both King's Landing and Wekiva Landing, but we use our own kayak. 

To launch onto the Rock Springs Run from King's Landing (or Wekiva Island) there is a fee. Launching from King's Landing (and if you're only going down river) you'll have to coordinate your time with the launch site's pick up time(s), or use two vehicles - one at the ending point to transport the kayak back to your starting point and pick up your other vehicle. If you're renting a kayak from King's Landing and going all the way down to Wekiva Island (approximately 8.5 miles) all you have to do is be at the pick up point at the designated time so you don't get stranded.

Our first trip down Rock Springs Run to the Wekiva River took place November 2, 2010. 

We began at King's Landing (near the top left of the first Google map below). On this inaugural run we connected to the Wekiva River and turned left, away from the actual springs (intersection of Rock Springs Run and Wekiva River is at the bottom right of second Google map below) to reach our pick-up point of Wekiva Island - and we made it in plenty of time to not miss the shuttle ride back up to King's Landing.

The meaning of Wekiva (sometimes spelled Wekiwa) is "spring of water." The Wekiva River is located in central Florida. It is 16 miles long beginning in Apopka, Florida and joins with the St. Johns River in DeBary, Florida. The Wekiva is is longest river in the state, so there is plenty of nature scenery to take in on this beautiful waterway.

We immediately fell in love with Rock Springs Run's "intimacy." Paddling this winding gem of nature puts you within only a few feet of flora and terrain at times. 

Compared to Silver River, Rock Springs Run is very narrow, winding, and shallow with many obstacles (sometimes calling for intermediate to advanced maneuvering skills). We highly suggest that you have been kayaking for a while before you venture on the full run from King's Landing to the Wekiva River, or go with someone who is familiar with the river and can help you.

We were more so concerned about navigating this trip, we didn't take a lot of time to photograph the scenic delight, but we were able to snap a few captivating shots on this first trip.

Little Egret: known by its black, slender bill
Feeds on a variety of small creatures found both in the water and on the shore

Little Blue Heron: known by it bluish-grey color
Feeds on fish, frogs, crustaceans, small rodents, and insects

Green Heron: known by its brown-green colors
Feeds on fish - sometimes using small sticks or insects as "bait" to lure the fish closer

Eastern Phoebe (also called a flycatcher): known by its song "phoebe"
Feeds on insects, and will favor fruits and berries in cooler weather

Osprey (sometimes referred to as fish eagle, sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk: known for its
rich dark brown wings and tail, and grey-ish head.
Feeds on fish: Its talons make it a marvelous fishing raptor

Needless to say, we wanted to return to the Rock Springs Run with two vehicles so we could take our time and not feel hurried to get to "the finish line." The nature and scenery are simply stunning, all of which you will see as you journey and discover with us From the Nose of Our Kayak. 

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Kayak Tip of the Week: When approaching an overhang, judge wisely. Never try to go under an obstacle, such as a downed limb, if there is a suitable "escape" route to the left or right. Sometimes, portaging is your only solution whether in the shallow water, or moving to the dry land and carrying your kayak around the obstacle.

From the Nose of Our Kayak: Chapter 6 Out with Old and In with the Older!

Hello and welcome to the JLB Creatives Blog, where you'll find an array of creative features from a hand-picked group of creative geniuses. 

Wednesdays on the JLB Creatives Blog are set aside for our blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." JLB Creatives CEO, Janet Beasley, and her husband, Don, have been kayaking for nearly 10 years. Together they are excited to share with you, their awesome experiences that they have encountered. In this Wednesday feature you'll find kayaking stories, scenic nature photography from their outings, and some helpful tips when it comes to maneuvering your "butt sleds" (aka kayaks) on your journeys.

So if this is a topic that interests you, you'll want to be sure and become a follower of the JLB Creatives Blog, and stop in on Wednesdays each week for the latest chapter in Don & Janet Beasley's adventure blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." 

Previous chapters can be found in our blog archives. We began the series on June 1, 2016.

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From the Nose of Our Kayak

Don & Janet Beasley

Chapter 6: Out with the Old and In with the Older!

View on Silver River
From the Nose of Our (new-old) Kayak

One thing we'd like to mention to those of you who are new to the sport of kayaking...beware, kayaking is addicting and you'll find yourself justifying the numerous kayaks you will come to own over time. 

After a year of fun and minimal discovery we decided it was time to move up. We wanted to get away from the softer plastic and move up into a hard plastic body for the kayak. We searched and searched, and finally found the one at the price we wanted to pay. Being it was our first step up, we didn't want to drop a lot of money into it just to try it out. 

Our first hard plastic bodied kayak was a Wilderness Systems (tandem) 145T. This particular kayak was new to us, but much older, and shall we say much more "experienced," than our brand new one in which we had started. The seats in the new-old one were held on by threads, the bottom was pretty scuffed, but it had something we really wanted...a rudder! And for the price of $350 we couldn't argue. It took about another $100 or so to get it up to speed where we could actually sit in seats and adjust them, carry some water with us, and restring the bungees, but it was definitely money well spent. 

Water bottle holders

It depends on who you talk to, and where you're kayaking as to whether or not a rudder is right for you. For Don and myself we found, after giving it a go, that a rudder is definitely for us! Paddling up river winding, bending, staying clear of gators, and dodging downed cypress trees, and lily pad beds lends itself to having to be quick to maneuver at times. With a rudder, the quick maneuvering happens faster, and stronger (for lack of a better word). You've probably heard of cars drifting(?), good news, with a rudder you can actually "drift" some of the bends in the winding river with ease. Some say a rudder is for "sissies." (Fine, then we're sissies, but we're usually out-maneuvering those without a rudder, both up and down the rivers - tee hee) Don always laughs and asks the people calling us sissies, "Would you drive a car without power steering?" The answer is the same every time, "...uh, no."  Don replies, "Case and point." 

In July 2010 we tied the ol' green monster (new-old kayak) on top of the car, loaded up the famous kayak-wheel thingy and deer-drag-rig, and headed back to Silver River. We couldn't wait to give our new-old kayak a try. 

Don in the lingering fog at the
Silver River State Park Kayak Launch

The morning fog was lifting when we arrived, making for some pretty soggy, steamy, air, but beautiful nonetheless. We off-loaded the kayak and were eager to get it in the water. 

We shoved off with ease and headed up river toward the main spring head. 

In no time I had the Canon digital point-and-shoot camera out and snapping photos. We saw tons of wildlife that day, making it a superb inaugural trip. 

The water at Silver Springs (like many other Florida spring-fed rivers) is so clear you can see all of the way down to the sandy bottom in 30 feet of water.

The clear water allows you to see the weeds beneath the water's surface, and it looks as though you are looking through glass.

Alligator next to lily pad bed

Gators are not always out in the open on logs, sometimes they are "perched" on floating weed beds, or nestled next to or in the lily pad beds.

Giraffe at Silver Springs Amusement Park 2010

Silver Springs amusement park was still operating as a family adventure destination in 2010. As we kayaked along the shoreline of the amusement park we could see the giraffes, some of the rides, and had to steer clear of the numerous glass bottom boats making their guided tours filled with curious people who were longing for a glimpse of the springs from a different angle.

Cormorants drying off

Cormorants, like anhingas, rest atop logs to dry their wings before taking another dip for a snack. It took us some time to distinguish between anhingas and cormorants. But we learned it this way: the Cormorant has the "Crooked" beak. When they're not diving, cormorants will swim "on top" of the water like a duck, where anhingas will usually swim with only their necks and heads out.

Cormorant swimming atop the water

Spider webs will often times catch the morning dew along the river and create outstanding, enchanted, pearly, fairy-like appearances. The spiders on the jeweled web in my photo are known as golden silk orb-weavers. The name is reflected in the spider's silk as opposed to the spider's color. They are larger spiders whose venom is potent, though it is not lethal to humans. Female bodies range in length from 1 1/2" - 2". Golden silk orb-weavers can be found in warmer climates within the southeast region of the US starting in North Carolina and ending in Texas.

Golden silk orb-weavers

Dragonflies are all around. I never seem to tire photographing those incredibly visually stunning buzzers. And when they land on the kayak to ride with us for a while it's a sheer treat, nothing shy of amazing. Some interesting facts about dragonflies include one that dates back 325 million years ago; It is a fossil showing that a dragonfly ancestor boasted a 30" wingspan! Another fact is that dragonflies can be found on every continent in the world except Antarctica. Believe it ro not, they're predators of tadpoles and small fish, and are also territorial. Sadly, the loss of wetland habitats around the world threatens dragonflies and their habitats. The dragonfly in my photo appears to have decided to land on a floating weed bed and catch a ride on the leaf. (Love those transparent wings...so pretty!)

Dragonfly on a leaf that's resting on a floating weed bed

Ibis are always abundant on the Silver River. But even with the "plain Jane" appearance of their white feathers and orange beaks, when they're placed against Silver River's gorgeous backdrop they can't help but look really impressive
as well. 

Needless to say, there was plenty to photograph on our first trip out in the new-old kayak. As always, Silver River didn't let us down regarding its amazing scenery, and interaction with nature. The trip was a successful thrill and joy wrapped into one. We were so happy we had purchased the new-old kayak...with the rudder!

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Kayak tip of the week: Be sure to pack plenty of water to drink. Just because the sun doesn't feel hot where you're kayaking, you're still losing body water (sweat) as you paddle. In Florida we like to freeze the drinking water (either in its original bottle or in one of our re-usable containers and put those in the drink holders. We keep back up frozen water in a small cooler as well.