Incredible Kayaking

Yesterday we packed up the kayaks and headed to Crystal River to paddle in what we have been told is the most beautiful spot to kayak in Florida. The river was called  such due to the crystal clear water.  Here we were launching and getting ready to head out.

 Tom, John and Judy are getting into the water.

 Check out the cool boat we saw as we paddled along the river.

 The "Three Sisters Springs" is an area where only kayaks and swimmers are able to access.  The water in this area is crystal clear.  This is the spot where the manatees like to hang out as the water from the springs is warm.  We did see some manatees but due to it being Sunday there were so many people in the area that the manatee moved back out into the river.

We moved back into the river but there were a lot of people, a lot of motor boats and a lot of kayaks.  This meant that the water was churned up and murky. We were actually very disappointed in the Crystal River experience but would not write it off.  If we were to try it again it would be on a weekday when hopefully there would be less people  This area was just far too crowded for my liking.  We did spent a few hours on the water and then packed up and headed to the Holiday Inn Express where we had a suite for the night.  Dinner at Chilli's,  Nascar and the Oscars on tv.  A great day and we were ready to head to another kayaking spot this morning

We headed out this morning to the Chassahowitzka River Campground.  Now this was a find!!  No motor boats, no noise, no crowds.  Only a few kayaks on the water   The water was so clear that you could see to the bottom.  Hundreds of fish swimming around, many of them jumping out of the water.

 There are many streams that feed into the river.  During the winter many manatee inhabit the streams but we were told that they have been moving back into the gulf.  The first stream  we entered was inhabited by a manatee that let us float all around her and she didn't move.  Look at the size of her in relation to Tom's kayak.

 The next stream we entered was fabulous.

 Look at this incredible blue water

  We came across this family of turtles.  Four turtles, four different sizes.  Look at the tiny baby at the head of the group.

Birds along the shore just sat and watched us.  In other places they would fly away before we got too close.  These birds let us get within feet of them and didn't move.  This Anhinga never moved while I moved within a couple of feet to get this snap before I moved away from it again.  Its partner was fishing.  It caught a fish that was about six inches long.  Before I could snap a picture it was down its throat in one piece.

 This Great White Egret was busy fishing but didn't move away as I approached within a few feet.

 This palm tree looks pretty neat growing straight out from shore making it look like it is growing out of the water

 This is a Green Heron.  This is one bird I have never seen before.  It flew out of the bush, squawking at me.  Then it just sat there watching as I tried to get a good picture.  I googled it when I got home to find out what it was.  

 The picture below is from the internet which gives you a better view than the picture I snapped above  What a beautiful bird!!

 Below is a Moscovy Duck.  I have never seen one of these before either.  It was swimming near a boat dock.  Kind of an ugly bird really.

We must have paddled for hours.  It was absolutely beautiful.  Here we are heading into the launch to finish our paddle for the day.  

How fortunate we are to have been able to spend a day in this unspoilt treasure we found today.

Until next time - safe travels.