Are you a baby boomer who wants to connect with nature? Nothing beats a glide down the crystal clear waters of the Ichetucknee River located in north-central Florida. The six mile journey takes paddlers through a cypress forest chock full of wildlife. And, the hardest part of the experience? Getting in the open kayak without falling in the water.
I started my Ichetucknee travel adventure at the North gate of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The folks from Adventure Outpost met me in the parking lot with my ride (kayak), then picked it up later on the other end. Joining a ranger-led paddling tour, I floated along as Ranger, Sam Cole, pointed out turtles, otters and a beaver dam. Rounding a bend, we came to an open area where a woodstork perched on a tall tree snag. The birder’s paradise offered sightings of great blue heron, kingfisher, lumpkin, egret and a pileated woodpecker. The few kayakers who were on the river passed quietly by.
A series of clear springs feed into the Ichetucknee, providing a constant flow that makes paddling effortless.With water temperatures at a consistent 73 degrees, the river offers a comfortable, peaceful escape with nature from October to April. But, in the summer season, tubers take over making it a totally different experience that would be fun with grandchildren.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is an easy drive from Gainesville, Florida. Or, consider headquartering at the Grady House Bed and Breakfast in High Springs. Be sure to include a dinner or lunch at Great Outdoors Restaurant located in the restored Opera House.
Have you kayaked on Florida’s spring-fed rivers? Post a comment to tell me more. If I close my eyes, I can still feel the gentle peacefulness of floating beneath moss-draped cypress trees on a misty morning.
