Rock Springs Run Paddle -

You never know what weather you will have on a trip, but sometimes you get lucky and you have a day like we had to paddle Rock Springs Run. It had rained a couple of days before the trip, so the water level was high, and the weather that day was pretty close to perfect. Getting on the river to start the trip was a bit chaotic, as this is a popular paddle and we weren’t the only ones trying to get an early start, but once we got on the river it wasn’t very crowded. Given the current, the water level and the disposition of the participants I think it’s accurate to call this more of a relaxing float than a paddle. While I always enjoy paddling Rock Springs Run, I heard several favorable comparisons to Juniper from some of the first time paddlers. We did see a gator or two and the usual assortment of birds and turtles. Thanks to all participants and a special thanks to Janet Labrada for running the return shuttle and sharing some of her photographs.

Host: Tony Owen

Rock Springs/Kelly Park Paddle and Camp -

King’s Landing rented their last canoe when two canoes were brought back because of leaks. We witnessed the chaos because we started later than usual since we were camping nearby. It was an unusual paddle because of an inexperienced men/boys large group that certainly needed and appreciated our help. They had brought no water or snacks and the boys ranged in age from 4 to 14. Lesson: avoid King’s Landing on a Saturday morning between 8:30 and 9:30. The run was beautiful but we, of course, saw little wildlife. Kelly Park is absolutely beautiful in the late evening and early morning. The trail system is 7 miles and we were impressed that most of it was shaded. Sonia, initially reluctant to brave the 72 degree water, swam/walked the ¾ lazy river 4 times! Kelly Park is a keeper.

Host: Lynn VanHorne

Rock Springs Run Paddle -

Ten intrepid paddlers set out my favorite paddle. It was a fairly chilly morning, but once the sun got up in the sky it warmed up. It had rained a good bit a few days before the paddle, so the water clarity was not as good as it can be, but there weren't many difficult deadfalls to negotiate because of the higher water levels. It seems like every time I do this trip there's something that is striking about it, and while we did see some of the usual animals; wading birds, turtles, deer, alligators and raccoons, the bird song was exceptional this trip. The paddlers in this group were a very competent group, and it was a nice leisurely float. Thanks to all who participated and special thanks to Erica and new member Julie for facilitating the shuttle.

Host: Tony Owen

Rock Springs Run Paddle -

We all met at 8:30am to sign-up, put on name tags, get acquainted, run our shuttle & get on the water this very pretty Saturday morning 04/12/08. The "new" owners (Loomis family) of this Apopka Kings Landing are really awesome people, and are very supportive of our Wilderness Trekker groups. If you haven't been here since they bought the place (Dec'2006), you've gotta check it out again now! We had 13 people total, two(2) in a canoe & eleven (11) single kayaks. The water was gorgeous, clear & deep/high. We saw several young gators (from 18" to 4 feet) + egret, heron, turtle, and luscious plant life, including my favorite cattails. The campsites along the way are beautifully restored. There's Indian Mound, Otter Camp, and Big Buck Camp. The weather was breezy, but not too windy, just beautiful. We enjoyed lunch together at Big Buck, played/swam in the clear clean waters, and had an easy, fun, wonderful day of paddling, making new friends too. I can't wait to do it again!! I highly recommend checking out their website at Kings Landing.

Host: Valerie Mundo

Rock Springs Ice Cream Social-

Over 30 participants cooled off in the 72 degrees waters of spring-fed Kelly Park, shared a potluck dinner, and then devoured ice cream with lots of toppings.  We had a pavilion right at water's edge for shade, but that water beckoned and kept us cool.  There was a hike around the perimeter of the park, a barbeque, visiting, trip sharing and meeting new members.  The park was almost empty, when we left.  This Orange County Park is a true Florida treasure.

Host: Lynn VanHorne

Rock Springs Run Paddle -

Rock Springs Run was a success!  We only had 1 difficult portage over a large log blocking the river.  With a "running start" we got almost half-way over the log, and could position ourself on top to pull ourselves over the rest of the way + there were some skinny, string-y branches which tried to trip us up a bit, but were unsuccessful :).  We enjoyed the sight of at least 5 or 6 gators sun-bathing on the banks, none of which appeared frightened by us - they totally ignored us.  Although there were low sandy spots, none required portaging.  Plant life was lush, green & abundant.  Fortunately, there was always a clear path, even thru the thickest hyacinth patches.  We travelled wide & narrow waters, with changing scenery all along our trail.  It did rain on us several times but just short, cool sprinkles - no thunder or lightning to fear.  We stopped at Big Buck Park & ate our lunch & chatted with some folks in the Mosquito Lagoon Paddlers group.  We felt secure, with plenty of fellow-boaters nearby, but never crowded - peaceful & beautiful.  We did the 8 mile trip in 5 hours, leisurely.  The river's current got stronger towards the end of our trip which was special fun just to coast & steer.  We had a brand new girl with us who'd never paddled a kayak before.  She borrowed one of my kayaks & gear, and did fantastic!!!
Welcome to Florida, Anita - thanks for joining in the fun!!!

Host: Valerie Mundo