We left the sunny wetlands behind, as the current on the Ichetucknee river pushed us forward into a dark tunnel of cypress trees. They stretched upwards, so tall they seemed to join each other at their tips, blotting out the winter sky. Bright orange foliage poked between the bleached white trunks. Gnarled stumps jutted from the rich soil. Nature’s art, worn smooth from years of river flooding. Turtles perched on half-submerged logs, stretching their legs out in a ‘plank’ pose. And schools of fish dashed beneath our kayaks, their bodies silvery flashes over the pools of turquoise on the limestone riverbed. It was us and the river. The only sounds were the swish of our paddles stirring the water and the birds in the trees.
paddling
Family Fun at Alexander Springs
A huge black winged bird swooped across our path and landed neatly on the picnic table in front of us. The ebony reptilian rolls around the bird’s neck jiggled as the creature leaned forward and peered into the blue and white striped canvas sack standing on the table top. I watched with a mixture of horror and fascination as the animal I recognized to be a turkey vulture, stuck his glossy beak into the bag and pulled out a piece of bread.
“Mom, do something,” my son urged.
15 Cool Ways to enjoy your Spring Break in Florida
With the Florida beaches already teeming with college students, what is a family in Florida left to do? Sure you can fight the Frisbee games for your spot of sand, or join the throngs at a theme park for a 3 minute ride, but it’s no secret that we would rather be doing than waiting in a line. With that in mind, we came up with a list of alternative ways to spend your spring break in Florida.
Best Coastal Towns in Florida Your Whole Family Will Love
Ditch those busy Florida beach destinations and rediscover the real side of Florida, where life is slower, ice cream parlors on the main street are the hot-spots, flip-flops are the main footwear and fishing poles are trendy. Here are the best Florida coastal towns your whole family will love.
5 Inspiring Paddle Trips in Marion County, Florida
5 paddle trips, 1 county in Florida. Explore the unique waterways of Marion County in North Central Florida with these 5 paddling adventures worth taking.
10 Things You Know If You’ve Paddled Juniper Run
What happens during that 7-mile wilderness paddle in the Ocala National Forest? Here are 10 things you’ll know only if you’ve tackled Juniper Run.
Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve: Hidden Refuge on Florida’s Nature Coast
Hidden on Florida’s Nature Coast in Levy County, the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve is a 431 acre wildlife refuge, park and haven located on highway 40. Most people fly by the gravel road entrance, but those that dare take the turn will find themselves in for a pleasant surprise…
Best of 2018: Adventure Review
The new year is just around the corner- so here’s a look back at the best of 2018: A year of adventure. With no bears. A serious snake encounter, a big gator, even a ghost, but no bears. Read on….
Kayaking Florida’s Coastal Paddling Trail
My bright blue kayak bobbed on the waves. The wind picked up and the knot in my stomach tightened. To my left yawned the gaping mouth of the Weeki Wachee and Mud Rivers, and to my right stretched the endless Gulf of Mexico. I was but a speck in the great wide open sea. My…
Paddling Florida’s Weeki Wachee River
I’d always wondered why my kayaking friends raved about the Weeki Wachee River- until I paddled it myself. Pristine water, wilderness, and some kitschy river style- find out why the Weeki Wachee River is one of Florida’s most popular paddling destinations.