Florida Kayaking Adventures

Rock Springs Run Kayak Trip - March 11th 2001

The Florida weather was cool and clear as we started loading the kayaks onto the truck. After positioning and strapping the kayaks onto the top we were ready to head off to Rock Springs Run. Arriving at King's Landing we unloaded and filled the kayaks with supplies that we would need for our day trip. The river was narrow and twisting every which way, filled with wildlife and lots of swamp land. Rock Springs Run is quite a bit different that the Wekiva River, which is much wider and much straighter as well.

As we paddled our kayaks down the river we saw Alligator, Raccoon, Turtles, Egrets and something that looked like an Otter. As we continued down Rock Springs Run a state trouper stopped us. Checking for life vests and beer onboard the kayaks. We were given a warning for having the wrong type of life cushions. It seams that life vests are mandatory on the rivers. Continuing downstream we found a place for lunch and docked. While eating lunch and watching the fish, the group behind us was busy getting pulled over and fined for "beer onboard". Getting back on the river, we heard tree frogs and owls as we made our way from the swamp to the marshy areas.

Near the end of our trip we noticed that Rock Springs Run also leads into Wekiva Springs State Park. On our way to the Wekiva Marina we passed under a bridge that was no longer in use except by some vultures, which took cover below. If we had more time we could have continued onto the Wekiva River.

Looking back at the end of this 8-mile trip I think that we could possibly have used another hour (The trip lasted about 5 ½ hours). The river was scenic and seemed to be very well maintained. As we loaded our kayaks onto the truck I pondered where our next Florida kayaking adventure would lead us.