Author: <span>James Steele</span>

Okefenokee Swamp – Minnie’s Lake

Okefenokee GatorEver since my first trip into the Okefenokee Swamp, I was destined to return. Back in March of 2019, it was sunny, breezy, and in the upper 70s, and today’s paddle in mid-November offered the same weather. This is such an awesome paddle into the ‘wilds’ of the swamp and offers quite a glimpse of numerous gators. The last trip I paddled to Billy’s Island and today’s paddle, to Minnie’s Lake, will be a first…James

Withlacoochee River (S) Hwy 200 to Hwy 41

Paddling in Fall - WithlacoocheeWe could not pass up the predicted excellent weather and so ventured out on a 12-mile section of the Withlacoochee River (S), launching just north of Hwy 40 at Spruce Public Boat Launch and paddling to Dunnellon to enjoy our reward at The Blue Gator Tiki Bar and Restaurant. Along this Florida Paddle Trail, we enjoyed temperatures in the 70s, sunny skies, an awesome breeze at our back, and a swift current! Couldn’t have been better…James

Alexander Spring Creek 2020

Paddling Alexander Spring CreekFlorida Paddles Notes is back on Alexander Spring Creek for another relaxing, scenic, paddle to one of Florida’s premier springs…Alexnder Springs. This paddle offers up a variety of blooming shrubs, vines, and aquatic plants, as well as offering plenty of wildlife to include turtles, gators, otters, and an assortment of water birds along the way.

Durbin Creek – Bartram Canoe Trail

Durbin Creek ReflectionsAnother first for Florida Paddle Notes, Durbin Creek. In an effort to fill in some paddling voids in this northeast section of Florida, and with some suggestions from fellow paddlers, we headed up on this perfect Fall morning and were not disappointed! Due to time restraints, as well as having only one vehicle, we chose to paddle downstream three and a half miles and return for a 7-mile paddle. Going further leads to the numerous houses, a much wider and open creek as well as boat traffic. This was perfect! …James

The Ocklawaha River – Ray Wayside to Gore’s Landing 2020

Paddling the Ocklawaha RiverThe Ocklawaha River is the principal tributary of the St. Johns River. Its main source is Lake Griffin, part of the Harris chain of lakes in Lake County, Florida. The Ocklawaha River watershed includes parts of the Green Swamp, most of Lake County, and portions of Marion, Alachua, and Putnam counties. The key tributary to the Ocklawaha is the Silver River, which originates in Silver Springs, Fl…James