Kayaking the Silver River - Sunday–January 8, 2012

WARNING…WARNING…WARNING

This Blog Is Photo Intensive

 (click on any photo to enlarge it)

We decided to kayak the Silver River this morning with Sherry and David.  Our goal was to start as early as possible to improve our chances of seeing wildlife.

I beat the sunrise and got the kayak inflated.

We headed to the launch area around 8am.

It was about a mile walk from our campsite.

 

This was the first time we have used our kayak wheels

and

 

we were very pleased with the way they functioned!!!

The chilly morning mixed with the warm spring fed waters

made for an eerie looking launch.

 

Sherry and David gave us some assistance

so we could launch without getting wet feet ;o))

Next came Sherry…

then David used his LONG arms to launch himself !!!

The cameras started clicking from

the moment we hit the water!!!

If you look closely,

there are some deer on the left side of this photo.

The fog made it difficult to get a clear photo.

But in short order,

the fog lifted and the wildlife was EVERYWHERE!!!

White Ibis and Common Moorhen

Grebe

which Nancy calls ‘The Rubber Ducky’

Pileated Woodpecker

Green Heron (we think)

Great Blue Heron

Golden Anhinga

Red Headed Woodpecker

Nancy here:  I have to tell you that I LOVE our two man kayak.  It allows me to take pictures while Bill paddles!!!   He is such a great paddler ;o)))

Sherry mentioned that we could possibly see Rhesus Monkeys on the River.  They were released here years ago after a Tarzan movie was shot on this river.

David was scouting ahead of us and he found something??

Back in a quiet cove,

he had found the troop of monkeys.

It was AMAZING!!!

They came from everywhere…Dad, Mom and all the kids!

We were so close to them,

they could have easily jumped into our kayaks ;o((

So we backed up a little

and

watched them interact for almost an hour.

We hated to leave but there was more river to explore.

Our goal was to reach the spring head. 

There is an amusement park called Silver Springs

that surrounds the spring head. 

They offer glass bottom boat rides.

No boat ride for us…

we were able to paddle right into the park.

You cannot get out of your kayak as the park is privately owned,

 but the waters are public property.

How cool is this palm tree ;o))

The water is so clear you can see the fish swimming by!!

It was like paddling in a huge aquarium.

However,

I don’t think you would see this in an aquarium!

He swam right by us.

Apparently, he could see the fish as well. 

He caught a HUGE one and

we got to witness him having breakfast!!!

He flipped and turned the poor fish

to get it into position for

 

THE BIG GULP!!

WOW…it was like watching The Discovery Channel!!!

We had paddled to our destination

and

now got to FLOAT, with the current, back to the launch:o))

There was still so much to see!!

Wish I could describe the beauty and serenity!!

Anhinga

Looking at the Sea of Grass below the water.

Turtle Jam

Sherry and David enjoying the float down river.

Did I mention how serene it was ???

This cormorant swan all the way back with us.

He would dive and we could see him go under the kayak.

Then he would pop up, look at us and dive down again!!!

Reach out and touch an Ibis ;o)

Blue Heron coming in for a landing ;o)

Did I mention how serene it was???

Great White Egret gliding over the water.

Nancy’s ‘Rubber Ducky'

Tangled Cypress Roots

Sherry and the Alligator

Perhaps a little paddling is in order here ;o))

Sherry spotted a river otter

 

and our gentle float

turned into a chase!!

 

Past the alligator, not stopping here!!!

The River Otter is Sherry’s favorite animal.

We just wanted to get close enough for a photo.

You need to PADDLE… they are very fast!!!

Finally… 

We got the Photo :o))))

Whew… time for a nap!

Playing well together!!

Unfortunately,

all good things must come to an end ;o( 

Time to head back to the campsite.

David got some help from a very helpful, Jacob.

He was so interested in what we were doing,

I believe there is a future kayaker here!!!

A great morning, a great paddle with great friends!!!

Do we REALLY need to empty the black tanks?!?!?