Kayaking with Friends

It’s a sunny spring day, almost summerlike, as we ready the gear and kayaks for a trip down the Wakulla River. By the time we reach the landing at the upper bridge on Shadeville Rd., the roadside parking is beginning to fill up, and early kayakers who launched at the 98 landing are resting from their paddle upstream. Quite a crowd scatters as we back the trailer into the water; one fellow even trys to keep his toes away from the blue crab  scurrying across the sandy bottom. The maiden launch from Kerry’s carefully crafted trailer proves to be a perfect fit for the two kayaks. The lower units of the electric Minkota motors clear the trailer easily as the water lifts the kayaks off with ease.

Typically the current from Wakulla Springs makes the trip downstrream more of a float than a paddle  but, the higher water from recent heavy rains and high tide slow the current just a bit. The warm sun glistens across the water reminding us how much we have missed paddling. Our trip in November to the Ichetucknee had been the last before we set the kayaks aside for the winter months. Although the cold season was never really cold, we are fair-weather friends with the springs.

Boats, kayaks & canoes abound on this first day of spring break giving  Kerry opportunity to exchange conversation with everyone that will ablidge. Inquiries of manatee sightings are always part of the dialogue, but this trip leaves us without a single glimpse of the gentle giant.  Today I understand why the turtles climb up on a limb, salute with their heads toward the sun and basque in the warmth. It feels so good; it feels so good.

Click for Video WAKULLA 2012 KAYAKING WITH FRIENDS

I’ve always prided myself as not being high maintenance, to which some may disagree. But when it comes to food, a granola bar and a bottle of water are not my idea of a picnic. So knowing that I wanted to raise the bar with this picnic on the water, I’ve been preparing for some time now. New 9 x 12 individual soft side coolers in aquatic colors of blue and green are embroidered with the blog address, sunbrella fabric with those shades of blues & greens make the perfect table cloth and solid color cotton napkins complete the linens. On this particular Saturday morning, I rise early to bake snicker doodles. While they cool I chop and mix the fresh ingredients for our Chicken, Avocado & Black Bean filling (recipe) as the wholesome goodness for the  whole grain tortilla wraps. Each individually latched container includes a wrap, a large dill pickle wedge, a serving of baked chips, snicker doodle, chocolate mousse, spoon, fork and cloth napkin. Emergency food (just in case) included a 6pk of whole grain crackers with peanut butter, an extra frozen bottle of water and a 6 oz. V-8 juice can. There are no “just in case” moments, thank goodness, so we’ll store our emergency supplies for another trip.

Just south of the 98 bridge, we realize that heavy debris  floating on the river is a little too much for our tiny motors so we turn and head upstream in search of a suitable dock on which to spead our gourmet meal.  An unoccupied, yet stable dock without postings, lies ahead. We tie off the kayaks and climb up this first dock northwest of the bridge. We spread the tablecloth, wash our hands with gel and eagerly unpack  the feast. The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing and the food is delicious at Notre Restaurant quai Springside (Our springside dock Restaurant). We stretch our legs down the long walkway into the woods and back, then pack it up and motor upstream.

Fellow kayakers,  who are so tired from paddling,  just marvel as our little Ocean Torques with motors carry us back upstream with ease. We enjoy the coveted peacefulness of the day and the spring songs of the birds as the lovely 3 1/2 hour adventure ends back at the upper bridge. We hope to learn more about birds and add photographs of them and maybe some manatee or a sunning gator. Until next time~

…Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, you morning stars;
Praise him, high heaven,
praise him, heavenly rain clouds;
Praise, oh let them praise the name of God—
he spoke the word, and there they were!… Psalm 148 3-6

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Trails
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. This beautiful park, located between urban Tallahassee and suburban Leon County, offers a nice blend of southern charm and recreational activities. The park has formal gardens, two lakes and a series of trails, all on former plantation lands at the foot of the Red Hills district. The highlights for trail-enthusiasts include the unpaved trails in the Lake Overstreet portion of the park. Hikers, bikers and equestrians will enjoy the beauty of this area, which serves as an integral link in the Maclay/Phipps Cultural Heritage Greenway.

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandleeast/trails/alfred_b.htm

What’s the noise?

In search of a letterbox, we grabbed this clue, “To find the letterbox, first locate the stone seen. From here wander toward the stone abode. A short walk down the grassy path leads to a choice. Turn to the yellow bricks. Keep your eye out for Aunt Matt. She’s hiding the source of the sound, between her and an ancient tree. It may be easier to get the box if you walk to the rear” and headed to the Old City Cemetery  near downtown Tallahassee, FL.

We’ve decided to give you specific directions and coordinates on this letterbox, along with pictures. It’s fun and easy for children to find as well. I suspect many of the letterbox clues are much more difficult. If you’re interested in letterboxing – start here: http://www.atlasquest.com/

Enter through the gate on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, the eastern most side of the cemetery. Note the Marker Board that an Eagle Scout made that bear a grid and directory of burials in the NE quadrant. Samuel Allen Sheppard is G20.

Travel north 159′; look west to see the marker. The stone abode is another 170′ west, including turns.

 Follow a short path west and down to the next level 40′. Look south to a family plot made of yellow brick another 55′.

 Just past that family plot is the headstone of Aunt Matt.

Go to the back side of the stone to access the small brown canister between the stone and the cavity of the old tree.

Inside, find the stamp of a wolf “soft shoe” tap dancing. That’s the noise. We were the eighth finder on 12/6/2011 – what fun! 
GPS Coordinates –
N 30 26.575
W 084 17.216

Old City Cemetery is the oldest public cemetery in Tallahassee. It was established in 1829 by the Territorial Legislative Council and acquired by the city in 1840. The ground was laid out in its system of squares and lots in 1841 when a violent yellow fever epidemic swept the city and regulations were required to assure order and sanitation to protect the public.

When the cemetery was established, it was located outside the City boundaries on the far side of a 200-foot-wide clearing that surrounded the town to protect it from Indian attacks. Today, Old City Cemetery is one of Tallahassee’s most distinctive historic sites. It is the final resting place for many of the men and women who contributed to the development of Tallahassee and the state of Florida. Because it was Tallahassee’s only public burying ground (nearby St. John’s Episcopal Cemetery was established for its congregation in 1840), Old City Cemetery represents a cross-section of Tallahassee’s people during the 19th century — slaves and planters, governors and store clerks, veterans of wars and victims of yellow fever are all buried here. More…. http://www.talgov.com/pm/occhist.cfm  Old City Cemetery Burials

Daisy Walker dreamed of building a town called East Goose Creek at Wakulla Beach. She and her husband, Florida State Senator Henry N. Walker, Sr.,built a hotel to attract visitors to the site. Sleeping rooms and a dining room were located off of a long porch to let in cooling sea breezes. Around 1920 the Walkers converted this hotel into their residence and built a second hotel located closer to the beach. Constructed entirely of cypress, the two-story building was probably destroyed by a strong tropical storm that caused extensive damage in Wakulla County in September 1928.Undaunted, the Walkers built a third, even larger hotel which had fluted columns formed by pouring concrete into a mold built around pine timbers. The kitchen and dining room were located on the ground floor with sleeping rooms on the second level. Swimming and fishing in the summer and goose hunting in the winter attracted guests year round.

Daisy Walked died in 1935. Even though the coast still draws visitors, weather seems to have conspired against the success of a permanent
town. Along with the hotel business, Senator Walker ran cattle on his property. The “Fence Law,” passed in 1949, curtailed open range grazing
in Florida. Around this time, Senator Walker decided to leave the ranching business and worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to add Wakulla
Beach – the lost town of East Goose Creek – to the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
The first and second Walker Hotels no longer exist. All that remains of the third hotel is a foundation at the edge of the surrounding forest. This information taken from http://www.stmarksrefuge.org/history/WakullaBeach.pdf

Photos include the spectacular beach, the hotel ruins, the state landmark signage and a gator floating in a small pond less than a mile from the beach. Kerry estimated the gator to be 11′-12′; as big as “Old Joe” at Wakulla Spring State Park. Incorrect GPS coordinates sent us on a wild goose chase rather than a letterbox hunt of Ahhh….. so we’ll return at a later date to find the letterbox.

Maybe he ate the Letterbox

The assumption that a quiet day on the Wacissa River would allow us sufficient time and space to practice with our kayaks was proven to be anything but quiet and uneventful. A typical launch and cool refreshing wading through the shallow headwaters of the Wacissa were abruptly interrupted by the roar and screech of an airboat. If you’ve never heard one, be glad. The extreme noise so contradicts the peaceful flowing of a springfed river, that I can’t believe Kerry used to LOVE these beasts.

  According to Wikipedia, “An airboat, also known as a fanboat, is a flat-bottomed vessel (jon boat) propelled in a forward direction by an aircraft-type propeller and powered by either an aircraft or automotive engine.^[1] Airboats are a very popular means of transportation in the Florida Everglades, parts of the Indian River Lagoon, the Kissimmee and St. Johns Rivers, as well as Louisiana Bayous, where they are used for fishing, bowfishing, hunting and eco-tourism, and in other marshy and/or shallow areas where a standard inboard or outboard engine with a submerged propeller would be impractical.”

Wikipedia goes on to say, “Knowledge of operational safety is essential when operating an airboat. The average airboat produces a 150-mile-per-hour (241 km/h) prop wash behind it and if a tree branch gets into a propeller the spray of material could be devastating, causing damage to the vessel and injury to the boat’s occupants.”

So, I’m thinking that on this particular day, the airboat operator/pilot/driver had not had essential operational safety instruction to navigate his new toy. The craft raced back and forth like a pacing tiger through the thicket of trees and herbicide-resistant hydrilla when all of a sudden silence filled the air like darkness, and we stopped what we were doing to stare in awe; then to listen to the scream called out taking names of those who had been onboard, but tossed into the water.

The boat had taken an immediate right angle turn straight into huge tree branches that, once forced through the propeller, had jolted the contraption to a stop along the woodsy bank of the river. With the two family members pulled out of the water and back atop the boat, the distressed driver began to swim through the alligator infested grassy bottom pulling his boat back to the landing. He must have been relieved when Kerry (aka Superman that day) rushed over in his motorized Ocean Torque and saved the day!

I couldn’t believe my eyes as I filmed the little kayking towing the big broken beast back to the landing. We were so glad that the only actual casualties were the near $3,000 busted airboat prop, one very unhappy wife and the feelings/pride of the owner. Poor guy – we wish him well.

Come along and watch as the amzing little kayak performs it’s finest!

I don’t go anywhere without food~.

The change in temperature brings our friends to the Florida coast for an annual November respite.We’re excited about meeting up with them at the head waters of the Ichetcknee River for a few hours of kayaking and exploring.

Since Kerry (*aka Wilson) has loaded our Ocean Torques on the newly built trailer the night before and I have the chicken salad ready for sandwiches, we leave Tallahassee early on our nearly two-hour trek south and east toward Ft. White. The weather is a bit overcast and gray as we make our way down Hwy 27 to Perry and on past Mayo on 98. It’s cool enough for long sleeves, but warm enough to put our jackets in the backseat. Text messaging and Facebook tell us that our friends are on 15 minutes behind us, coming up from their new coast house at Spring Creek.

Upon arriving at Ichetucknee Springs State Park, we pay our $6 to the honor system box and follow the winding paths through empty parking lots and down to the launch site. We gasp in disappointment when we realize that there is no landing at the springs and we must carry the heavy 14 footers through the trees, on narrow paths, down the two levels of stairs to the river. This isn’t in the plan, but remaining flexible, I am learning, is essential. We return to the truck to get all our necessary paraphernalia to set up the rigs. One trip, two trips, three trips and then I move the truck back several hundred feet to the parking lot. In spite of my recent months at the gym, I find myself a bit winded after jogging back to the group.

Our friends brought two friends, Mandy and Mike, and it’s nice meeting them - yet another upside to this kayaking with friends thing. We all bend our stiff limbs and plop our old cushy bottoms down into our seats with extreme caution, careful not to tip over into the 72 degree water. Since Mike isn’t eager to kayak, he takes a group photo of the rest of us and shuttles the truck to the south end of the river at the take out location. Mandy seems excited by the possibilities as she floats backwards at first, using the same green sit-on-top that I used back in July on my first day of paddling.

The current is swift as we leave the head waters of Ichetucknee Springs floating with little effort toward the south entrance of the state park. The low lush banks and waterway look like they have been planted responsibly by a member of some Aquatics Gardeners Association. And, in a manner of speaking it was planted by an expert. The area is untouched by man’s attempts, so what grows and flows there in this sweet setting is just exactly what God created on the third and fifth days (Genesis 1:11-13, 20-23). The expedition downstream continues to offer spectacular sights and sounds as colorful wood ducks, great blue herons, and white egrets go about a typical uninterrupted day. The assemblies of sunning turtles sit along our parade route as if waiting their turn to perform, as if waiting to break out in song. A covert of coots flutter and sqawk about in glee and abandon, skimming across the glistening water as the sun burns through the clouds.

Detouring into small blue spring holes along the way, we stop for awe and photo ops. Words can’t describe the beautiful and peaceful moments on the river this day. Reaching the halfway point, the river’s narrow edges draw close and fallen trees create an obstacle course for maneuvering. Another 30 minutes downstream, we find a place to sit aground for a bit, stretch and locate a tree to hide behind as nature calls. Final words are exchanged as we bid our friends a farewell, turning our motors to the north for the return trip. Mike will pick them up just past here and they are hoping to find a good seafood restaurant on the way home.

Our quiet path back up to the head waters is brushed with sunlight which showcases the crystal clear water all the more. The sounds of the birds and the rustle in the wetlands edge take away any thoughts of the busy work life we left in Tallahassee. Soothing therapy, a tranquil place to be amidst the otherwise abandoned corridor. It’s as if we’re the only ones for miles around; and maybe we are. Come along for a ride with us.

Sharing this little snippet of our day is such a pleasure, but you may want to turn down the volume. The sound is a bit annoying and scratchy since my flipcam dipped into the water, but the picture is good.

*(Kerry calls himself Wilson, from tv’s Home Improvement, and makes sure that I never get his full face in the photos or videos)

Ichetucknee Springs State Park
12087 S.W. U.S. 27
Fort White, Florida 32038
(386) 497-4690

The crystalline Ichetucknee River flows six miles through shaded hammocks and wetlands before it joins the Santa Fe River. In 1972, the head spring of the river was declared a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. From the end of May until early September, tubing down the river is the premier activity in the area. In addition to tubing, visitors can enjoy picnicking, snorkeling, canoeing, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. October through March scuba diving is available in the Blue Hole (only you must be cave certified). White-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, wood ducks and great blue herons can be seen from …     http://www.floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings/

During the summer-season, there is an in-park shuttle service available. During the off-season, you must arrange your own transportation service either with a local canoe outfitter, or private vehicles.
Canoe rentals are available from local vendors outside the park.
The one-way canoe trip from the NORTH Entrance (UPPER LAUNCH) to the LAST TAKE-OUT POINT is about 2 hours (see park map).

Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a 2,241-acre (9.07 km²) Florida State Park and National Natural Landmark located four miles (6 km) northwest of Fort White off State Road 47 and State Road 238. It centers around the six mile (10 km) long Ichetucknee River, which flows through shaded hammocks and wetlands into the Santa Fe River. The Park contains hardwood hammock and limestone outcrops. Like many rivers in this part of North Florida, the Ichetucknee is fed by natural springs which boil up (in various holes) from the aquifer. 
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichetucknee_Springs_State_Park

By 12:30pm we’re headed north on the canopied Meridian Road and west on Highway 12 toward the Florida-Georgia state line. A quick stop at the country store in Coon Bottom should complete our to-do list for the day.  I leave Kerry with the truck running and go inside to gather cold drinks. I’m standing somewhat patiently in line waiting to pay the cashier when a young guy jumps out of his dusty blue Chevrolet Malibu and tears open the front door in hot pursuit of another boy, neither one yet 20 years old. Obscenities are flying, feet are shuffling, my heart is racing and I realize that this altercation is blocking me from my only safe exit. When the brawlers push and shove each other out into the parking lot, I drop my four icy cold bottles of natural spring water, my bag of ruffled potato chips and my space in line, and run quickly to the truck. Wheeew

The ever patient Kerry smiles, reminding the always tense me, that today is a day to relax and that we are not in a hurry. I breathe. As we move toward the intersection at 97 South, even Kerry is hoping for a break but the big monster trucks turn left and remain in our path. And heaven forbid that lunchtime should pass us by. Since it is now about 1:30pm, I pull out our picnic lunch and we feast on tuna fish sandwiches and chips right in the truck like our farmhand traveling companions. 

Well worth the trip, the beautiful landing and park are invitingly quiet and serene. We launch the boats and load the motors and batteries, check the new GPS and log the coordinates, 30.7885237   -84.6665835 and time 13:50 in the new handmade paper journal. We’re off at last.

The day’s trip is mostly to test the motors (and eat the brownies, of course). Before we decide to embark on an entire day of kayaking down a long lonesome stream, we want to be sure that the battery charge will hold and supply sufficient power to return us to our destination. Come along for a short ride as we enjoy the glassy calm water of the Flint River.

Yesterday was one of those first beautiful fall days when the morning broke with temps just a bit cooler than normal and a quiet breeze filled the air. The sun shone on us at such an autumn angle that the shadows cast by the trees proved October had arrived.

Creator God, I praise You because you made the heavens, even the highest heavens, all their starry host, the earth and all this is on it, the seas and all that is in them. you give life to everything and the multitudes of heaven worship You.   Nehemiah 9:6

Kerry and I loaded the kayaks and headed south down Hwy 319 and into Woodville. The woodsy roads in Wakulla County all look the same to me with the crossroads and occasional Jiffy Store and flashing lights, but Kerry never gets us lost down that way. We turned southwest and in no time, had stopped at a dirt landing off route #365 at the Wakulla River. The low concrete bridge is bound on the north side with fencing to prevent boaters from entering Wakulla Springs State Park, and the spring flows clear and crisp through that part of the river.

We struck up a conversation with four folks who had just paddled upstream from the bridge at 98. One couple from Wisconsin and one couple from Colorado had been staying at St. George Island for the past 10 days and exploring all of the forgotten coast. They would enjoy their last day of vacation on the river and gave us a heads-up that manatee were not too far down stream. They paddled away and we got to work.

Unloading the Ocean Torques remains a task for me until I can get the hang of it and work up some muscles for lifting. It’s not that they are so heavy for two (maybe 75lbs), but just a bit awkward for a couple of senior citizens due to the 14′ length. (Kerry is searching for a trailer which will make off/on-loading much easier.) Taking a bit more time than a typical kayak, these require the loading of the Minn Kota 36 lb thrust motor and a heavy marine battery;

we add the seats/cushions – hook into place, attach the waterproof plastic containers for each of us, neatly organized with towels, tools and lunch. Kerry moves the truck to a small parking lot and packs the t-bar inside while I get situated in my kayak and out into the streaming water.

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/designated_paddle/Wakulla_guide.pdf

At point 1, we leave the landing with a current that scoots us downstream at about 3 miles per hours and I’m very happy with that. Now that I’ve gotten much more comfortable using my paddle to tactfully maneuver myself in any direction, I’m staying in the current and paddling like a pro; well, at least in my mind anyway. Kerry takes naturally to such things and catches up beside me in no time.

The previous report of a manatee siting causes us to peer into the clear Wakulla spring water watching for the gentle mammals. Along the way we see many, multi-level grey, weathered docks. Some with hammocks, Adirondack chairs and picnic tables and loooong decked walkways leading into the woods. Most docks seemed to only belong to the land, rather than a house or cabin. Maybe that is best; no maintenance, no headache, just a place to hangout after time on the river and maybe cookout with friends.

Passing a large tree bent over the river, we encountered two boys and two girls out for a day of fun. One guy was standing high on the tree limb with his spear fishing equipment, trying to make the days catch. They giggled and played in the river like the little otters we had once seen at the Wacissa.

Meandering further downstream, in the quiet of it all air bubbles gurgled up from the sandy bottom and two baby manatee approached my boat. How beautiful and unassumingly they pass.

Continuing to the bridge at Hwy 98 (point 2), we were basking in the calming effects of a leisurely day on the river. Our goal was to turn back just past the bridge, motor upstream til the deeper water slowed the current and pull out our home made lunch. Testing the motors for time and distance was part of the day’s plan. Before we start paddling too far down any waterway, we want to know that the motors can bring us all the way back to our point of beginning. At the site of a few more bubbles, we cut our little props and wait. An air-breathing giant lifts to the surface of the water and blows like a whale in the northern Pacific. The beauty sprays me with the mist on his way upstream, and thinks nothing of our presence in his domain. How awesome!

Some 3 1/2 hours after our departure, we return to the landing as the evening is coming on. There’s a brisk breeze is in the air; it couldn’t be a more perfect ending to a day on the water enjoying nature. We had heard woodpeckers, watched mullet jump and birds fishing. We had seen egrets and turtles sunning on the banks and yes, experienced the manatee. It was indeed a very good day. Thank you Lord for all the blessings.

Kerry – AKA Wilson on Home Improvement

I’ve been inquiring about the Slave Canal and most of the folks in this area, local hunters and other experienced kayakers, say that this time of year, the slave canal is much too low to give it try. Even the Wacissa was considerable lower this past weekend as compared to the July 3rd venture.

The slave canal should definitely be on the list of places to explore, but probably when we get past this dry spell. The You Tube video makes the location look most intriging and the info/pictures below from The Fellow Traveler are interesting.

The Wacissa is perhaps the best day trip available in the North Florida-South Georgia area. It is a clear, spring-fed river with easy canoeing through open areas, canopied channels, and by beautiful springs. There is an easy take-out at Goose Pasture, but everyone should at least once paddle the entire length through the Slave Canal.