In 1539 Hernando De Soto came through Gum Swamp on his way to the Timucua village of Ocale. Spanish artifacts and Indian mounds have been located in this area. Gum Slough is water designated worthy of special protection because of its natural attributes and was designated an Outstanding Florida Water in 1989…James
The Suwannee River is a federally designated wild blackwater river, flowing 246 miles from the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia through Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. The river is characterized by its swamps, high limestone banks, hardwood hammocks, and marshes. The river’s limestone outcroppings and a drop in elevation create Florida’s only whitewater rapids at Little Shoals and Big Shoals located several miles upstream from the city of White Springs…James
This area was inhabited by the Tocobaga Native Americans and later Spanish explorers Panfilo de Narvaez and Hernando De Soto. This was the beginning of Spain’s conquest of Florida. In 1900 the fort was named after Hernando De Soto. Both Fort De Soto and Fort Dade, on Egmont Key contained batteries of artillery and mortars to protect Tampa Bay. In 1923 both forts were officially abandoned and in 1948 Pinellas County designated Fort De Soto and Mullet Key a recreational area…James
The Silver River is famous for many things, among which are the numerous springs that feed the river, the abundant wildlife, diverse flora, artifacts, and shipwrecks. Unless you have had the opportunity to enjoy a tour on one of the several glass bottom tour boats, these underwater sights often go unnoticed and unseen as we paddle the surface of this beautiful, scenic river…James
Rock Bluff Spring is located in Gilchrist County just northwest of Bell, Fl. Once only accessible by boat, the Spring is now part of the A. H. Anderson Jr. Memorial Park, opened at the end of May 2019. This 2nd Magnitude Spring has several vents and is characterized by the beautiful Cypress trees around the spring pool as well as the larger Cypress along the spring run…James
Tracking and Logging Paddle Data Tracking and logging paddle data may not appeal to many folks, just out to enjoy a day on one of …
Cumberland Island has a long history dating back 4,000 years and the Native American Mocama inhabitants belonging to the Timucua tribe. After the Revolutionary War, Nathanael Greene founded most of the southern island. Ten years after his death in 1786, his wife Catherine married Phineas Miller and together they built a four-story tabby mansion and named it Dungeness, surrounded by 12 acres of gardens. The Millers planted Sea Island cotton and helped Eli Whitney develop the Cotton Gin….James
Alligator Mating Season is here!… With the abundance of waterways throughout Florida, there is no doubt about encountering one of these magnificent reptiles at some …
Yesterday was a beautiful day to revisit the Ocklawaha River. We launched at Gore’s Landing, paddling downstream ( North ) to the take out at Eureka East on HWY 316. The temperature was in the upper 60’s at launch time with spotted showers and became mostly sunny with a high around 72° for most of the paddle…James
This 1/4 mile long run begins at the head spring inside Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park and flows to the Santa Fe River…a brief video of the pristine water…James
