This Florida Paddle Notes category, Florida Rivers, lists several rivers in this category explored by Florida Paddle Notes
Today we paddled close to home. One of the last remaining sections of the Ocklawaha River, that I have paddled but have yet to document. The entire Ocklawaha River – Bear Creek Loop, which begins at the Hwy 19 Bridge, goes East to the St Johns River, then back up Bear Creek, is about a 10-mile paddle. Today, however, we paddled a 6.5-mile loop, entering Bear Creek 3.5 miles down the Ocklawaha.
Today, despite a threat of rain, Donna and I headed on over to the Rainbow River expecting crowds and finding none! The weather was beautiful and we had a relaxing few hours, spending some time exploring beautiful Indian Creek and enjoying the paddle to the Rainbow head spring…James
A first new adventure in 2020 for Florida Paddle Notes…The Lower Wekiva River. It’s mid-January and a dreary morning, but hey, I’m on the water in Florida! …James
The third of three new paddle spots on our camping weekend in Hillsborough County. On this day we launched and paddled the Little Manatee River. This river is winding, shallow and narrow. There was a lot blooming on this trip through canopied and open stretches. An easy, quiet paddle…James
This week the Ocklawaha River was added, at #9, to the list of Americas Most Endangered Rivers! If you have ever paddled this river during a Rodman drawdown, you will understand the significance of this designation. It is definitely not a list we want to see one of our Florida’s waterways on! Let’s hope this brings added attention to the cause for restoring this awesome river!…James
The second of three new paddle spots on this camping weekend in Hillsborough County. On this day we launched and paddled the Alafia River…what a treat it was! A narrow, winding river, with lush canopies, clear incoming streams, and numerous shoals to provide some thrills along the 10-mile route. We will certainly return to this river!…James
This past Saturday, Feb 29th, we paddled the 14 mile stretch from Eureka West to Orange Springs and enjoyed Cannon Springs for the last time until the next drawdown. It’s sad to see so many dead trees as well as current, Palms and Cypress, decaying before our eyes due to the high water caused by damming the Ocklawaha. Seeing so many tree seedlings sprouting on the banks, nature’s natural, forest regeneration, happening before our eyes, only to be covered over to die, is disheartening…James
It’s been over 20 years since I’ve paddled on the Upper Santa Fe River, the stretch above Oleno State Park, and a first-time paddle onto Olustee Creek. It was a beautiful spring day ( despite being February ) and I was definitely treated to an exciting new adventure! …James
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Saturday, the 18th, numerous paddlers will be gathering at the Rodman Dam to protest for the removal of the dam and allowing the Ocklawaha River to flow freely again…James
With the Rodman Reservoir drawdown taking place every few years, it presents a wonderful opportunity to experience paddling on the original Ocklawaha channel, lined with the towering remnants of Bald Cypress, Tupelo, and Ash, killed when the reservoir was filled. These past couple of weeks I have shared paddles to the ‘Sentinel Cypress’, an early morning Sunrise through a cold mist, and today I share a unique paddle to observe the January ‘Wolf’ Moon rising over the Ocklawaha, Enjoy!…James
