Friday, February 17, 2012

Canoeing “The Chaz” Chassahowitzka River

Howdee all,

On Valentines day, Jeff and I rented a canoe and toured parts of the Chassahowitzka River.

Here is the link for a few paddling loops from the campground.

We did The Springs Loop.

7 miles RT

Bring a map~and a GPS if you have it (we didn’t use ours)

Print out the directions from this link~you will need them!

Rated Moderate~we felt it was easy.

I am going to highlight my favorite springs in the Loop.

Chassahowitza River canoeing_036We first went to Blue Springs..

Chassahowitza River canoeing_045Water is very clear in most of the river..

I think these fish are Mullet.

Chassahowitza River canoeing_052On our way to The Crack..

We had to get out of the canoe and pull it for a while..

Chassahowitza River canoeing_055

Until it couldn’t be pulled any longer…

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We then proceeded of foot a short distance to The Crack.

Chassahowitza River canoeing_071“The Crack is a jagged crevice about 30 feet long. The clear, oval shaped pool is less than one foot deep and surrounded by forest.”

Chassahowitza River canoeing_075See the small fish in the pool?

We stayed here a short time enjoying the blue water…

Chassahowitza River canoeing_089

then retraced our steps out to the stream

Chassahowitza River canoeing_096

Onto the next spring.

Chassahowitza River canoeing_111

I think my sickstas would probably like to have that plant growing on the dead tree..

Am I right?

Chassahowitza River canoeing_130It was a beautiful day for canoeing..

There were what seemed like tens of thousands of Robins in all of the side streams we went into.. Cedar waxwings mixed in.

Chassahowitza River canoeing_133

We saw an assortment of Herons and Egrets.

Chassahowitza River canoeing_153In the photo below are two Tri-colored and a juvie Little Blue Heron

Chassahowitza River canoeing_155Oh look~my baby camera captured a flying bird!

Canoeing down the Chassahowitza River_029

Brown Pelican preening..

Canoeing down the Chassahowitza River_033See that blob at the top of the photo?

Manatee! We saw several this day.

Chassahowitza River canoeing_159

Crab Creek Springs..

A Beautiful Home…I think their only access to this home is by boat.

Chassahowitza River canoeing_167The Spring

Beautiful!

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We circled around the area and found a few other spring vents.

Chassahowitza River canoeing_184There were three spring vents.

Chassahowitza River canoeing_186Deep holes in the rock..

Chassahowitza River canoeing_189

This vent is heart shaped :)

Chassahowitza River canoeing_199Mottled Duck hanging out near the spring.

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We then left Crab Creek Springs and paddled to

Unnamed spring

Chassahowitza River canoeing_225This spring has several vent areas..that are connected by caves.

Sadlly, several people have lost their lives here swimming in these caves.

Chassahowitza River canoeing_227Time to head back..

Chassahowitza River canoeing_240Past the first spring near the campground..

Chassahowitza River canoeing_246Our resident GBH greets us…

Chassahowitza River canoeing_251A Great day on the river!

Chassahowitza River canoeing_252

11 comments:

  1. We have seen a TV programme on these caves recently Dawn, why do stupid people attempt to swim in such places.

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  2. Oh my.... this looks like so much fun! Great post!

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  3. What a lovely place! I want to go. . . Gorgeous photos too!

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  4. What a great trip! Gonna have to give it a go!

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  5. I'm sure glad you were doing the paddling. My arms are sore. ;)

    Love those blue water springs and all the surrounding green. Great way to spend Valentine's Day.

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  6. Are there any alligators in that river. I would have been afraid to walk in the water. Would have love to had seen the manatees though!

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  7. How cool! You got to see a great deal of critters.

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  8. Hi Dawn, what a great place for canoeing. The place is just beautiful. And very cool to see the manatees, love the birds too. No gators? Great photos and I enjoyed the canoe ride.

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  9. Ummm....A mullet and a crack are what the plumber usually shows. ;) Great adventures! Nice shots of the mottled ducks. I've yet to get a good photo.

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  10. Dawn, this looks glorious! What wonderful color in your photos! OH, and you won't find me swimming in any caves, or alligator or crocodile infested waters either! But I do love to canoe!

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  11. Roy~
    I cant understand why people swim these caves. I think they are young kids and don't consider the consequences.

    Kerri~
    It was great fun and so beautiful~

    Linda~
    Put this place on your wish list!!

    Jerry~
    it was an awesome place! put it on your list!

    Gaelyn
    Happy to paddle for you any time!!

    diane-j-m ~
    There are gators! Not to worry though..they stay far away.

    Steve Borichevsky ~
    Yeah..its such a cool place with lots of critters to see. :P)

    eileeninmd ~
    There were gators..I didnt get any shots though.

    John (Tucker)
    Hee hee..no plumbers here!

    Kathiesbirds~
    Thanks Kathie~the colors were amazing! No gator swimming for me either!!!

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ok what do you really think?????