Sierra Club "Naturalist Kayaking" Outing

The famous explorer and naturalist, William Bartram, was to Florida and its rivers what Lewis and Clark were to the Missouri River in the Northwest, as he paddled Florida from 1773 to 1778. We followed in his paddle strokes as we kayaked first the Upper and Lower sections of the Wekiva River, seen below...



.. enjoying the abundant wildlife exemplified below by the large alligator, one of dozens we observed, as well as by the hundreds of birds along the banks and in the sky.



Next we paddled the Big Econlockhatchee River, a twisting, turning obstacle course with much deadfall in the water. A group in front of us experienced many capsized boats, but we fared far better with only one. This river ran behind our base lodge at Big Oaks Ranch which has been honored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as a "Green Lodging" facility.



Inclement weather chased us off the local rivers on day 4, so we traveled to the coast to visit the Merritt Island National Wildlife Sanctuary near Titusville and were amazed at the number and variety of species in residence. Below is an Anhinga, and more photos are available on my web photo gallery.



A bonfire helped the ranch dispose of unwanted deadfall, and our leader Greg dutifully protected the surrounding area with hoses.



Our final day began at Blue Springs State Park watching the manatees, and then we paddled the St. Johns River to Hontoon Island State Park where we hiked.



We paddled 36 miles on our four days, had delicious meals, great conversations, much instruction in flora and fauna of the area, as well as history and folklore of the state. In short, it was yet another wonderful Sierra Club Outing run by Greg of Adventures in Florida.


Kneeling: Greg, our leader

Front row (l to r): Debbie, Christine, Mary, Allie
Back row: Joe, Paul, Chuck, Ellen, CJ
Not pictured: Gigi and Don
Photo by Duane, assistant guide


Chuck's other Sierra Club Outings (with photos)