It was a hot and sunny start on the Silver River and a great day to get wet. There were ten paddlers on this trip with eight starting at Ray’s Wayside and two starting from Silver River State Park. The river was cool, clear and refreshing as we set out paddling upstream. Our group (Curt, Kie, Mariam, Ken, Patrick, John, Vickie and Bill) soon passed an alligator swimming downstream just like a passing boat. A stop was made along the river bank to search and find a geocache ‘a frog’s life’. The group continued upstream, staying wet and enjoying the day. We met up with Don and Helen at the state park and then continued upstream to the spring-head.

We lingered at the spring-head viewing the spring and learning some of the history of the area from Ken. On the way back downstream, we stopped and lingered at the state park. After continuing downstream, we soon encountered a large colony of rhesus monkeys. Many of the monkeys were babies who seemed to climb and swing from the branches like the adults. Before departing the river, the group paddled downstream to the confluence of the Silver River and the Ocklawaha River. It was interesting to see how the crystal clear waters of the Silver River meets the deeply tannic waters of the Ocklawaha. It turned out to be a great paddle and a good time was had by all.

Host: Bill Smith Co-Host: Don Cihak

The Silver River trip today was perfect! We had a nice turn out with Clark, Brenda & Brien, Merle, Sandy, Michael, Erica, Don, Diana & Bill.  We could not have asked for a better trip as the weather was super and we saw more wildlife today than I have ever seen on this river. The group saw about 20 monkeys (ies), gators of all sizes, birds birds and more birds, then no one could even count  all the turtles, a turkey or 2....yes, I said a turkey,  2 snakes, an otter and a few humans as well. Thanks for all who came today.

Host Kim Joiner

Saturday's paddle on the Silver River was perfect. 11 Trekkers (old friends and new friends) all enjoying the great weather on one of the best rivers in Florida. All enjoyed the wildlife that was limted in the beginning, however picked up the further we paddled up the river. Monkey???....YES! plus alligators, turtles, fish and birds. Also, the flowers on the river we beautiful adding color to the river. The Silver River's park launch is such an improvement and makes a nice place to stretch and eat lunch. Thanks to all who came out for the paddle.

Host: Kim Joiner