Paddling Rainbow River–Tuesday–January 24, 2012

We didn’t walk this morning since we were meeting Dan and Tricia at 8:30am to paddle Rainbow River up to the Springhead. We decided to go early in hopes of seeing more wildlife.

Off to the boat launch… hang a right;o)

We hadn’t even made it to the boat launch and Nancy was busy snapping pictures of wildlife.  I guess early is better!!

Red Headed Woodpecker getting breakfast.

 

(Click on any photo to enlarge)

We were first to arrive at the boat launch.

 I proceeded to get the kayak into the water.

Nancy, on the other, proceeded to snap more photos!!

This Anhinga was all curled up trying to stay warm.

This fish picture was taken from the dock. 

The water is incredibly clear!!

Just about the time we got our boat in the water,

Dan and Tricia (aka MacGyver and Conniver) rolled down the path.

Here’s a close-up of MacGyver's prototype

PVC Kayak Cart.

He has already developed several upgraded models;o))

In short order, we were headed up river

towards the Headsprings.

What a difference a day makes. 

 We were the only boats on the river. 

Early weekdays are the best!!

The paddle upstream was easy and took slightly over an hour to reach the Headsprings.  This trip was much nicer and more peaceful than Sunday.  Wildlife was everywhere!

Green Heron crossing the river

Anhinga drying its feathers

Great Egret among the grass

These two women enjoyed a swim to the Headsprings.

The water is a constant 72 degrees.  One woman wore a wetsuit, the other wore only a swimsuit.  They were the only people we saw all morning :o)

Before long, we had reached the Headsprings.

Dan and Tricia are approaching the swimming area.

The colors are amazing!!

We paddled around searching for the source of the spring.

We think we found one!!

Dan was attempting to get a closer look!!

Once we had explored the Springhead area, we literally floated with the current back to the launch area. The two hour float back was very peaceful and serene. The four of us chatted quietly and enjoyed each others company along with the sights and sounds of nature:o))

American Coot

Cormorant and Wood Duck sharing a branch

Close-up of the magnificent Wood Duck

Green Heron

White Ibis

Cormorant with a REALLY big fish!!

Can’t imagine how he could possible swallow it.

Lovely Anhinga

Difficult to photograph….  Belted Kingfisher!!

They rarely stay still long enough to get a picture.

There was so much wonderful wildlife!! 

However, the scenery was just as awesome.

Spring colors are beginning to show up.

Fantastic tree roots and reflection

If it was a little warmer may have given the swing a go ;o))

The contrasting colors makes this a favorite photo.

This paddle was so different from our Sunday trip up the river. 

This was a special treat

and

we really enjoyed sharing it all with Dan and Tricia.

Hope we can do this again real soon!!!