Life at 60, (mph)

The ‘Upside’ of the Little Manatee

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Water Clarity – 8+

Natural Quality – 6 thru 9

(depending on the crowd)

Because anything can happen…….

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Little Manatee River – Fl

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Little Manatee State Park

So the last three years have been sorta sticky, Dad died without a will and it’s taking forever to tie-up those loose ends; it’s still going on!  It’s not something that affects a person physically, but doggone it – its a real ‘anchor’ mentally.  Of course there are other dynamics and complications to the story, but that’s for another day; maybe when we’re ‘belly-up’ with a frosty beverage – if you have the time; I’ll fill your ear (that’s no fun, lets just paddle and think about it).

Anyway that’s the basis of why I ended up in the area – in checking ahead I noticed a ‘meetup’ group of ‘like-minded’ slackers about to participate with a ‘poker-run’ – live music (Ober Rivers & His D.U.I’s Band) for charity, curious – I signed on.

Signing on with a group is a little ‘out-of-the-box for me, but what the heck – surely they could put-up with me for one day…  While pondering a place to anchor I found that the Little Manatee State park was full, a place for “Little Bessie” (the rv) was out of the picture – not a big deal, with a nearby wal-mart I could adapt.

So just like investigating a body of water I gravitated to the ‘headwaters’ of the action – Hwy 301 at the little Manatee river.  There was my answer, Canoe Outpost located right on the river (creek) – with ‘hookups for Bessie, a neat little store with lots of trinkets and it was right on top of the river.  It was a fit! – figure me in.

I didn’t go any further, didn’t need too.  I will say that while there (three days) I gained a lot of respect watching the staff  (Brian, Mike, Chris, ‘B’) go about ‘running’ the place and how they treated folks – it wasn’t an act.  These folks were genuine and the best of hosts all weekend – to everyone and any one.

They also provide a shuttle – for twenty bucks, they’ll haul you up the river (creek) and leave you with a paddle, a group, alone, or anything you want.  Some choose this trip and then camp along the way before returning.

After settling in on Friday I did paddle up the river a couple of hours just to settle my mind from all that estate stuff.  The solitude for those 4 hours was perfect – and with a poker run the next day – I figured it might be the only ‘quiet-time’ I would have – we’ll come back to this point.

Lets run the ‘river,’ first – that’s why we’re here.

On Sunday I took the shuttle up river – the upside I call it because it fits (downside is from 301 to the Bay), at about 6 miles (@ 4 hour) ‘paddle’ of leisure back to the Outpost – I say ‘paddle’ because its mostly with the flow and alot about maneuvering down a creek, decision making stuff – similar to Juniper Springs just at a smaller scale.  The experience is good for anyone – just more difficult with a group, especially when folks start getting ‘bunched-up.’

So yes, I sprang off the bus and away from the group to find my ‘peace’ with this river – alone.

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I know its out there, as a kid growing up a few miles south of here it was a regular Saturday event to follow our local ‘drainage ditch’ (Manuel branch) to the river, I recognize parts of the Little Manatee as similar to our ‘drainage-ditch,’ but this is much better than that.  The outfitters have managed the overgrowth and the currents of people that take the route have ‘beaten’ down most of the obstacles leaving a practical and interesting experience for all to enjoy. I saw very little unnatural debris.

The water quality was very good on this date, the tannic water was as clear as the Suwannee’s , for me an easy 8+ (10 would be Rainbow or the Silver) Along the way there’s alot of shoaling too, so water levels may be something to watch.  The sand of the shoals (migrating sand-bars) is easy on the feet – but there is a warning attached;

There are areas that you might be tempted to get out and walk – like this one where one of numerous clear springs flow into the Little Manatee – it’s ok, but keep the kayak at your side when you step out – ‘quick sand.’  The folks at the outpost will explain it clearly, but me being a skeptic had to try it for myself – they were absolutely correct! – your boat is a tool that will help you move from the area (I was at my waist in ankle deep water).  Don’t be alarmed, just be aware.

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It can be a peaceful paddle – and for the most part the current allows for a playful ‘free-ride.’

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After a few hours this stoic testimony – an old Atlantic Coast RR trestle comes up, its a nice place to stop and stretch.

A little more meaningful for me on this date because just a few days earlier my Uncle Buddy passed (life is not all good at 60),  fine man and absolute character – a retired conductor and fireman for the Atlantic Coast Line Railway, he was 90.  You see my Mom was from a railroad family, her Dad was a hard-driving crew foreman responsible for ‘laying’ alot of track down North to central Florida – so all the kids ended up with the railway too – the Hilliards of Kathleen, Lakeland. – RIP Buddy.

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The Little Manatee State Park surrounds the river in areas, there were four-wheelers running ‘about’ this section as I passed…

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and yes, if you are running ‘stealth-like’ you just might see a ‘little-buddy’ – nothing to be concerned with, just don’t step on him or call his Mom a hand-bag!…..

Right back to the hwy 301 bridge, an ez 4-hour paddle…

The Canoe Outfitters on the West side of 301

POKER RUN, Saturday

– all those ‘doggone people,’ but for a good purpose

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This is another place that I noticed the patience of the staff….. after a career of dealing with ‘people,’ I have to admire those that do it ‘with sincerity.’

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and it was ‘feet-up’ and down the river – with a bunch of ‘slackers.  This was a fun-loving bunch of folks that were warm and inviting all weekend – like-minded, friendly, and simply laid-back (good people).

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– there were fishermen participating too.

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You see a poker-run is not race, its an opportunity to get out with some old friends and enjoy the time. This is Beth, Bonni, and Jodi (the ‘Ladies Auxiliary’) – they were great sports all weekend and old pro’s with the run. I ran into them several times – that happy attitude never changed.  Bonni eventually won with a ‘full-house’ (KKK99) and shared her prize with a 9 year old that participated also – way to go Bonni (and I’m going to check on that tat next time in Pagosa).

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Fun folks, good time

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There of course were a couple of areas for ‘trail-breaks’ if you liked

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– but it was all just simple fun.  There were five buckets along the way, pick an envelope (with a card inside) and have it opened at the end…..

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This is Brian of the Outpost, serving up a variety of burgers for all to enjoy –

Then a free shuttle back to the Outpost for some evening festivities….

Alright, maybe this is where the weight of all that estate stuff might have come a little loose.  Ober Rivers & His D.U.I’s Band played at the Outpost through the evening, there were burgers and beverage flowing.  The guys did a fine job, well – my beverage was doing a fine job also.  All’s I could think (the next day) was that they probably have to put up with some nut every now and then, well – I guess it was my night.

Those Cranberry juice/tequila (‘waggitt-adder‘) beverages were tasting pretty good and somewhere in it all my lower mandible got a little loose – it was so good to be where I was, plus it felt good to holler.  Hope I didn’t insult anyone, its really not in my nature, but I do recall a little stumbling around that night (fell off the drum box (cajon) about three times (when they were jamming later) and had a blast making lyrics of no sense (to others).

Oh well…..  thanks guys, you made it fun….

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life remains, just a tire-swing……

The ‘upside’ of The Little Manatee River is a great place for an afternoon paddle or weekend visit.  With the way the staff went about their business I would highly recommend the Outpost to anyone.

as for me; – I will return at a later date for the ‘downside’ (301 to the bay), why not?

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Broad Kill River – De

Water Clarity – 6+

Natural Quality – 7+

Perception – weekday

Coastal

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A family gathering (her side), time to spare, and after previously paddling the Rehoboth – Lewes Canal, it was only right to return to explore the source of the opposite end of that ‘canal.

The Broadkill river pretty much begins with Wagamons Pond at Milton, De – then flows about thirteen miles through the level sawgrass of the Great Marsh Preserve before entering into the Atlantic Ocean (via Roosevelt Inlet). Its a setting where the ocean’s perpetual tide continues to prod the creatures through another cycle of life.

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For a ‘put-in,’ Milton has a great little public park with boat ramp behind the library.  This October day was overcast and lightly sprinkling, but no matter..

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– after paddling through three days of solid rain on the Suwannee River in Florida – I knew Gordy wouldn’t dissolve…..

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Gordy lives nearby and is part of our extended family, it was good to meet up with him for some time on the water.  Once on the water and headed downriver (against the tide) – it didn’t take long to recognize the familiar setting of the Broadkill, which in many ways reflected Estero river where I was raised..

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– except for the duck-blinds, at first they were occasional – then the numbers increased as we paddled nearer the coast.  I am reminded of the huge flocks of Snow and Canadian geese (along with other foul) that pass through on the once mighty migration – the Atlantic flyway…

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October and fall was in the air, leaves were beginning their seasonal change too.  The river itself was fairly unremarkable, but there were areas that held a certain beauty all its own.  The water clarity is more of a non-factor along the coast, my ‘take’ simply reflects the ‘brackish‘ character of the water – I really didn’t expect the same clarity as those Florida springs.

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Today was more about simply escaping the ‘bustle’ and paddling a few hours, absorbing a different ‘stretch of water.’ Of course there were the reminders of how difficult it really is to find a place completely unaffected by ‘habitation.’  The number of human habitat along the river was surprisingly few – this being one of three separate areas of seasonal housing.

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Nearing the Hwy-1 bridge, we joked about whether this was an old shipwreck or simply an old fishing pier….

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along many rivers it’s hard to tell, but just beyond the busier highway-1 stands the long-idled bridge embankment – lives past….

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which incidentally made good for time for a present day stop.

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A mile of so later, seagulls were the only fall residents of Steamboat Landing RV Park.

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‘Resuming  a safe speed’ back out into the ‘flats’ (;_)), I missed seeing the fiddler crabs scamper across the mud at a lower tide.  The river’s direction is a constant east and North, with a few wide ranging variables where the river meanders – increasing the distance to Roosevelt inlet.  Along the way their were a number of canals that deviated into the marsh – would make for interesting paddling, another day…..

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With the rain gone and sunshine coming and going, the wind made its presence clear – with the meandering river it just meant that the wind was at your back as often as at your face – “just a part of it.”

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More duck-blinds, I hadn’t seen as many since the Mississippi River.. Once out on the sawgrass flat it was possible to mark the rivers course by spotting the blinds in the distance..

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The old tracking station from the 60’s was a familiar sight, raised in Florida – we had one near our home in Ft Myers, I wondered what their present-day use might be.  This one had an eagles nest close-by –  with wildlife seemingly scarce, on the day we saw at least two bald eagles, numerous heron, and the ever-present king fishers.  Its easy to appreciate the efforts of naturalists in this area – it does show.

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Oyster Rocks Rd.

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Upriver from Oyster Rocks

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Once again a stop to stretch and calibrate.  With the tide at its peak, we watched as two ‘jesting’ fishermen set up their poles as they found comfort for the outward flow – a good time to fish with the nutrients of the land moving outward….

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The Great Marsh Preserve

Its just a stroke; sometimes when the paddling becomes mundane or I feel engulfed in the setting – I just remember what it felt like at Lake Powell, truly a grandiose place out there.  University of Delaware’s windmill (bottom right) seems almost as massive when viewed from its base – I have seen the wind-fields in New Mexico and agree with this effort of research for easing our future fossil-fuel dependence.

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Roosevelt inlet, three o’clock – five hours after ‘put-in.’

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along the piers of the Lewes – Rehoboth Canal

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5.5 hours to the Irish Eyes restaurant, with an empty boat slip it was a manageable take-out right into the parking lot – inside awaited a couple really cold beverages and some much needed ballast!

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The thirteen miles from Milton was an interesting paddle, I was a little disappointed that nothing outstanding stood out – like abandoned vessels, or the abundance of wildlife – several times I thought that overall it was all fairly ‘unremarkable.’  With this being said, I’m sure that other season’s could provide the variables to completely change this perception.

Still, no regrets – time well spent…………….

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Ichetucknee Springs – Florida

Water Clarity – 9.75

Natural Quality – 9.75 (without people)

Ichetucknee Springs is a collection of eight natural springs, then in combination pass though a setting that could easily capture the feel of 10,000 years ago.  Once a rich resource to the native Timucians of this area, concerns now are with groundwater awareness.  Quality.

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With proper respect (and please don’t ask me to pronounce it consistently), the Ichetucknee is one of several springs along the Sante Fe river (which flows into the Suwannee) below Branford.  I had once thought the Ichetucknee was the spring-head for the Sante Fe, but no – just a good ‘feeder’ along the way with a very simple history.  With a day to spare and looking forward to a future Sante Fe paddle – investigating this spring will only save me time later.

Many springs in Florida (Rainbow) have become unnatural habitat for thousands each summer in their escape from the heat, all those folks – all those tubes – all that traffic.  After the visit herein on the ‘itche,’ I wondered if they could really appreciate what a quality stretch of natural habitat this is.  In nearing the area the tubing market was apparent – almost every corner rented tubes – as for me, it was a weekday, October (off season), and a mighty lonely (closer to natural) place.

First stop was at the Family Campground on the North end near the spring-head. The place was pretty much vacant, but the folks in the store provided some great information about ‘the run.’  It was obvious that the Ichetucknee provides the local area a strong influx of seasonal income – and that the quiet time of year was now.

I gleaned from the conversation that a paddle ‘up’ the run, to the N springhead would be the best route for me; at 4-miles – shouldn’t be a big deal.  Paddling up river couldn’t be any different than the Silver, or the Colorado –  it’s simply about finding the ‘dead-water’ and keeping the arms moving; it’s “just water passing under.”

I proceeded to the River Run campground a mile from the South entrance and ‘put-in’ at 10:00 am.

(@VGPS – 12341 U.S. 27 Fort White, FL 32038)

They’ve done a great job with the park, the place is quiet and clean, plus there were folks parked and biking on the comfortable trails as I entered.  The portage to the ramp wasn’t bad @ 1 tenth of a mile, stuff organized –  and on the river (reminder to throw my ‘dollie’ on).

What an awesome place and time of year – I pretty much had it to myself.  Two other paddlers the entire time, and they were enjoying the ride further down to the Sante Fe for a ‘take-out’ at the hwy 129 bridge.

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I did spot a couple of ‘beaters,’ cypress trees that represent numerous encounters with humans – much like Juniper Springs.

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For some reason I couldn’t give the water a ‘ten,’ Silver and Rainbows clarity was in how the bottom ‘jumped up’ at you – at 9.75 this is close enough.  The first section was a winding area within a swampy type of area – cypress knots.  Mullet were a plenty, even ‘schools’ of them.

Then there was this open stretch, a wet-land feel.  The lingering fog helped me here – wildlife aplenty. On the day (and without all those doggone people) this place was easily a 9.75 in the Natural Quality rating – a rare one for me to give (I guess its those people).

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The hour and a half leisurely paddle to the North end of Ichetucknee came quickly, a simple paddle in an awesomely peaceful setting – again, only two other paddlers.  The North spring head is restricted – this is the farthest point…

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Lunch, my lack of preparation and unwillingness to run the 7 miles to Branford had me eating potato salad as a main course, I missed my turkey sub.

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and I thought the paddle up river was nice.  Once turned around, its easy to locate this ‘other’ living ecosystem.  I find no hurry in the return – put your feet-up and absorb the world, ‘as it has been.’

‘Feet-up,’ the paddle touches the water only to correct drift, Why paddle here?

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There are several ‘restricted areas’ along the way, Blue Hole spring is restricted too – I suppose for good reason (doggone people)….

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In turning away from Blue Hole Spring

there were those ubiquitous tree roots, plunging into the water with centurion like speed – just like those ‘old mountain-man’ roots along the Suwannee at Holton Creek.

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and herons, egrets, and through the swamp-like area either beaver or river otter –

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if you look close (or enlarge) there is a mullet leaping in the center – mid air

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Through the open area once again the fog had burned and the sun was warming up the critters…

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Turtles reluctant to move from a ‘drifter…….

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and I liked this ‘free ride, reminded me alot of the Current River ..

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shorelines of century’s past…

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The only burden was my conscious…..

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Guess I’ll have to work on that one..

The Ichetucknee was simply awesome! A morning, an afternoon, a day paddle – my thoughts are that the natural part of this river can only be realized during low (to no) traffic (people) periods.  It may have been simply a flooded ditch many, many years ago, but these are the times and systems that feed my desire to ride them.

Paddle up, then make a stealthy return – highly recommended.

little Bessie

First true day of ‘Life at 60.’

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Rainbow Springs, Florida

Rainbow River (or “Blue Run”)

Water Clarity – 10

Natural Quality – 8+

Perception – weekday!!

easy paddle, highly recommended for family

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(hasty post, will return and complete)

Hey, this place can get busy.

A few months back while visiting my Uncle I rode over to Rainbow Springs, I had full intention of paddling Rainbow.  With two places in mind it was one of those ‘water’s edge’ calls, and what I found on arrival was a crowd.  It was July and the place was so full of people that my ‘call’ (whether I would paddle or not) was from an overload parking area at KP Hole – instead of at the ‘waters edge.’ I mean, I can stand a few flimsy bathing suits – but on that day, there were just too many doggone people between me and the water.

So on that date I rode over and paddled a section of Withlacoochee instead.

(VGPS – 18185 SW 94th Street., Dunnellon, FL)

Today’s a new day, I have new reasons to be here, and its a weekday (less folks).  I’ve been watching for an RV the past couple of years and finally found me a ‘mobile-crib’ in Ohio last month.  I mean why the heck not?  Gas is still below ten bucks a gallon, its a familiar space to default to, home to a consistent cup of coffee in the morning, and I can shower, sleep, and crap like a human instead of a bear.  It’s good ‘space’ to even write some,  life at 60, right…think I’ll call er ‘little Bessie.’

I’m filling a void between a cousins funeral (Ronald O. Denmark of Orlando) at Bushnell National Cemetery and a trip to Delaware.  I find that Rainbow Springs has a campground too, rv hookups and all – close to water’s edge.  At 32 bucks its a cheap landing –  a fair price.

They have hot showers and you can rent a canoe or kayak if you need – or, you can use their senior improvised dolly’s to roll your own down to the water….. which I did.

I wouldn’t really set up camp because it would be an early out tomorrow for Bushnell, so I just threw out the rug as close to the water as I could get – still it was a short walk (@2 tenths of a mile).

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The first thing I noticed was an Eagle, a large male with white head – while in awe and to my surprise another male came and landed beside it, now this was really cool to see two hanging out so close.  But then too it made me wonder, ‘Rainbow‘ Springs???

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There were other paddlers out too

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The waters were awesome, few folks, crystal clear waters – and the critters seemed almost people-friendly…..I guess with all that summer traffic…..

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There were some homes along the way, and a sign at the headwater entrance that defined the swimming rules therein..

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Quality alot like the awesome Silver River of Ocala

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at the headwaters I couldn’t find the ‘mouth’ of this beast – like the one at Silver River/Springs, but there were humans in the limited swimming area making lots of people noise…

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From the state park ramp it was an easy paddle up to the headwaters, I wouldn’t think much more than a mile – from there its possible to pretty much drift and let the thoughts flow while headed back – no hurry here.  The overcast skies on this day helped too – for a while I was stretched out, feet-up..and really close to a floating nap. It was all pretty much a ‘free-ride’ back.

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Its tough with no schedule.  But what an awesome place it would be to live around this quality of water – I’m completely jealous of the homes and spring water setting…..

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For entertainment, I stopped and watched these guys working on this dock – sure, while sitting there drinking my favorite beverage I added my 2-cents worth to their effort, no charge.

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But then back to my work station…….

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All the way to KP Hole Park, its really not that far and the campground is in a great place between.

The Rainbow river continues its flow into the Withlacoochee a few miles down. On others dates I have continued further down the Rainbow about three miles.  Two hours of float time will get you to a bar named Swampy’s where you can stop to eat. If you prefer not to paddle back, the little outfitters next to it will shuttle you back to the park.

I like the mile further to the Blue Gator restaurant on the Withlacoochee at Hwy 41. cold beverage and land-food – pull out just before the Blue Gator where the kayaks are; Rainbow River outfitters – they too will shuttle you back to the park (without reservation) 10 or 15 bucks I think.

All the way  to the Gulf wouldn’t be a bad paddle either – but not this trip I’ll think about it.

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Suggestion; Get three nights at the State Park (at least two) First day – paddle to the head waters and enjoy the ‘free-ride’ back to the Park.  Second day, go downriver to the Blue Gator – shuttle back……

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The place was just great and it was all so simple – I like simple.

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I wouldn’t quite put it in the ‘eye-candy’ category – but with a birthday tomorrow, it was as close as I was going to get

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And sure, I swam – the water was perfect.  Most of the spring water in Florida comes out at a constant 68 or 72 degrees – this wasn’t far off – clean – comfortable, wet – and calibrated.

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First day back to the landing with plenty of time left.  The overall paddle could be completed in three hours or less, kids would probably love it with all the fish and turtles there are to see – I did see one @ 4-foot gator.

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I really did take my time – the five hours on the water was well worth the simple effort – recommend a weekday visit.  Now, to find a drawer for traveller…..