Here are paddle master Sandy Hubbard’s brief notes on the fantastic paddle on Sunday. We are fortunate that we have some beautiful photos from Jane Blaise, Pam Smith and Toni MacIntosh.
Sunday’s paddle was exceptionally well attended! This is what happens when you combine an absolutely beautiful day with crystal clear water and manatee sightings.
We put in at Ichetucknee Spring. Between there and the south entrance where we had lunch, we saw our beloved manatees. Many had young. There were none at the confluence with the Santa Fe, where I expected most. Perhaps the ones with young sought permanent winter refuge upstream while others didn’t hang around in such warm weather? Lars Anderson would know : )
I will admit that the stretch of open water Santa Fe to SR129 was no fun. There was a strong west wind in the face, power boats and jet skis. We paddled hard! But that is the price we gladly paid for the first half of the day!
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-
Very enjoyable paddle and day. Met lots of great people and saw a beautiful slice of nature. Oh, yeah, and then there was the wind on the Santa Fe . . . (But that’s part of the charm of kayaking, right?)
It was a wonderful day on the river. Thanks to Sandy and Pam and everyone who helped organize it. The manatee sitings were magical and the weather was perfect. Nothing strengths our commitment to our river more than being out on it. Looking forward to next time.