Howdee all,
While in Silver Springs,Florida, Jeff and I spent the day in Silver River State Park.
The park has a beautiful campground~it is booked months in advance and I wasn't able to get a reservation.
It was a Thursday, when arrived we were told the river would be busy on the weekends, so if we wanted to take the canoe ride to the springs…today would be the day to do it.
So… for five dollars and hour…a three hour trip…we decided to go.
It is a half mile walk to the river from the parking lot.
Notice Jeff wearing shorts..he only wears shorts when it is hot…and the last few weeks while in Florida the temps were mid to high 80s.
We passed this fella walking on the path…I decided not to have it for lunch ..:)Jeff unlocking our canoe.This is where we put in…Beautiful river…mellow..we paddle up river …A bit of a wind made it slow going in a few places…But all in all it is a very easy paddle…With beautiful scenes…I was in the front of the canoe…
We passed all kinds of wildlife…Great EgretCommon Moorhen A tour boat passes us…A Great Blue Heron fishes…I love the cypress knees….And the patches of green weed…Double~crested CormorantLook at the hairdoo…hee hee..Beautiful blue eyes..
We arrive at the spring area…A theme park is at the beginning of the spring
They have glass bottom boat tours…To view the crystal clear waters of the springClear Blue….
The Silver River runs through the center of this 5,000-acre Theme park. The spring head is still run by the private company "Silver Springs Nature Theme Park" but the rest of the entire 5 1/2 mile spring run is completely pristine and undeveloped.
Silver Springs is the site of one of the largest artesian spring formations in the world, producing nearly 550 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily
Looks like a great place for a swim…though , not allowed.We leave the springs and head back to the State park…On the way back I spotted a Rhesus monkey on the fence…and we looked around and saw around fifteen…three babies playing..
There is also a colony of non-native Rhesus Macaques which were introduced to the park in early 1938 by a tour boat operator, known locally as "Colonel Tooey," to enhance his "Jungle Cruise" ride. A local legend that they are the descendants of monkeys used to enhance the scenery for the Tarzan movies that were shot in the area in the 1930s is not true. Via Wikipedia
Monkey being preened….
Iris flowering in large masses on the sides of the river…Our route back to the park~all downstream..an easy float…Pied-billed GrebeI thought this looked like a birds body….White IbisLittle Blue Heron
Entering the State Park..Reflections…Turtles……….Dinosaur…Gnarly…Its after noon and we see more people on the river…
We had the first part of the trip pretty much to ourselves…Well, except for a gator or two..
And Birds..And..turtles…And an occasional visitor on the boat…I think this may be Cardinal flower…Iris and wood sculptures…The ride is almost over…It has been a delightful three hours..I highly recommend this trip…Easy…beautiful…and full of wildlife..After our canoe ride ..we took a short walk…
Down the swamp trail…Thru the woods..Past mushrooms..Singing Towhees..Turtles…
Thru the swamp…To the River…And back …..
A super day at Silver River State Park
That looks fabulous, great series!!
ReplyDeleteWow so many lifers for me on your trip .. beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos. I had to view this post a couple of times to soak it all in. Well done.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images Dawn! Like ole blue eyes. I consider it hot when the mercury hits 60°F.
ReplyDeleteFABULOUS post!!! So beautiful and you and Jeff in a canoe to boot!! My husband has that hairdo occasionally! LOL
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ReplyDeleteTerrific photos. We may have to put that on our list of things to do.
ReplyDeleteHoly cow...that's a lot of photos...and they are all so green and lush and beautiful!! I've been home for a week and miss it so much. Love the cormorant shots...gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWow, BEAUTIFUL pics! Love the colors... That second to last pic is amazing!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, so many beautiful sights! Lush and scenic. I have not been out on a canoe in years and your post made me long for a leisurely paddle. Looks like you spent a glorious day at Silver River State Park. A beautiful place I most definitely would like to visit. Fabulous post!
ReplyDeleteDawn, this looks like an awesome place to go canoing. The water is beautiful and the trees are cool. EXCEPT FOR THE GATORS. You saw some great birds. I enjoyed your post and the photos.
ReplyDeleteDawn, this looks like an awesome place to go canoing. The water is beautiful and the trees are cool. EXCEPT FOR THE GATORS. You saw some great birds. I enjoyed your post and the photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat a super experience, Dawn!! Thanks for sharing a photo diary of your trip! That spring water looks absolutely gorgeous!! Great bird captures. The tree trunk reminded me of a dinosaur (the long-neck)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Dawn! Looks like a great place!
ReplyDeleteWow! You really went on a photo frenzy and captrued some terrific photos!I've been wanting to try taking photos from a boat in a natural setting but I'm not sure whether to rent one-buy one and then what kind so I don't drop my equipment in the water.Looks like you were at the perfect spot.it looks like the cormorant's eyes were colored by the spring water.
ReplyDeleteIncredible pics especially of the wildlife. May all your trips be quite the adventure.
ReplyDeleteOh I want to be there! It looks FABULOUS! and warm!
ReplyDeleteIt is windy and in the 30s here today! Brrrr!
This looks absolutely fabulous!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://greenfingersmum.blogspot.com
Howdee all,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
Glad you all enjoyed my long long long long list of photos here...You know me...I cant just put one...the more the merrier.
Silver springs canoe trip is a great experience...very mellow boat trip with beautiful scenery.
Hope you all get a chance to do it someday!
Thanks again Friends for stopping by!