Suwannee Kayaking

What an amazing day! Beautiful weather, light winds, temps about 72, sunny. Couldn't ask for any better to go kayaking down the Suwannee River. We got to Manatee Springs State Park and signed in, picked out our kayak of choice, and by 10am we were on the river. We cast off from the Springs where the water is fed from underground springs and there were manatees staying there - so we were not allowed to 'paddle' per se until we got out into the river. No boating, swimming, snorkling, etc. of any kind is allowed until after March 31. Since this trip was sponsored by the Florida State Parks and a Ranger was with us, they allowed this trip to happen. Not a disappointment at all! Here is a picture of Dave floating down the river.


The current in the river was at least 6 knots so we didn't have to do much paddling - only stick them in for a rudder to steer basically. When we got to where they were going to pick us up and take us back - it felt that we could have gone on the other 20 miles to the Gulf. After being brought back to Manatee Springs State Park we walked around and watched the manatees that were lounging in the springs, walked some of the trails - just had a nice day outside. Dave has lots of pictures and I'll be sending them on separately.


Tomorrow is supposed to be even nicer - high near 80. I need to find our next campground in the morning and make reservations, do grocery shopping. Then we'll take our bikes and go in the other direction we went yesterday. Very pretty place, so very dark at night, lots of spooky sounds from the swamp right here, and the cats are loving it.