Tag: <span>Florida Paddle Notes</span>

Haw Creek

Single file through a Haw Creek ClogA new adventure for Florida Paddle NotesHaw Creek. The creek originates in swampland roughly 13.5 miles West of Ormond Beach, flows North for 9 miles before heading westward to our launch at Russell Landing. Most noticeable on this paddle was the diversity of trees along the creek…James

Ichetucknee & Santa Fe Rivers – Oct 2019

The Ichetucknee RiverIt was a very relaxing paddle with a hint of Fall in the air. The water was clean on both rivers and the lack of Tannin in the Santa Fe River was quite noticeable. Herons, Egrets, several species of Limpkins, an Eagle, and plenty of Turtles, were viewed, especially on the Ichetucknee. The fact that it is Fall, the tubing season being over and it being a weekday made for the peaceful solitude we were able to enjoy!…James

Indian Creek & Gissy Spring

Rest Stop at Gissy Spring RunGissy Spring is a privately owned spring that flows into Indian Creek and travels 0.40 miles southwest into the Rainbow River. The spring actually has 2 vents, formerly known as Indian Creek Spring #3 and Indian Creek Spring #4. The spring discharges into a circular bowl-shaped depression 80 ft. in diameter and discharges from a 15.5 ft deep sand vent strewn with limestone boulders…James

Suwannee River Paddle – Oct 2019

Leaning Cypress - Suwannee RiverIt’s October and Florida Paddle Notes is back on the Suwannee River. This is a repeat paddle of one done in July, posted here…the water was about 2′ lower than July giving us a whole new perspective of several of the springs. Also of note, this is a school day and there were very few folks on the river making for a very enjoyable paddle! The weather was in the low 90°s, partly cloudy, and low humidity…al made for a good paddle!…James

Ocklawaha River – The Rodman Reservoir to Johnson Field Ramp at Hwy 19

Ocklawaha River AweThis was an overcast day, temperatures in the low 90°’s with an occasional rain shower. The paddle takes us, along with the Boll Green Aquaholics, from the Kirkpatrick Dam Canoe/Kayak Launch at Rodman dam, 7.25 miles East to Hwy 19 at the Johnson Field Boat Ramp. The paddle is slow and easy, the water is high and there is quite a bit of downfall due to previous storms, however, nothing interfered with the paddle…James

Sweetwater Creek

Paddling Sweetwater CreekWe decided to do an exploratory paddle this week on Sweetwater Creek. The creek was a tributary to the Ocklawaha River, but now, unfortunately, a tributary to Rodman Reservoir. The Creek forms in the swampland north of the Ocklawaha and has a navigable distance of 3 miles depending on the water lettuce, which forms large clogs throughout the creek…James

Bear Creek – Ocklawaha River Loop

Bear Creek in SeptemberBear Creek is a wonderful paddle through a typical Bottomland Hardwood Forest. Often flooded, bottomland forests are characterized by Cypress, Gum, Ash, Maple among others. The trunks are usually fluted and often form a tangled canopy overhead. The shoreline is loosely defined with the typical ‘Swamp Smell’, which are gases produced by decaying bacteria and vegetation. Bear Creek is known for its diversity of Flora and Fauna.