Silver River

This river is about 1 hour south of Gainesville. 

The cost is $39 for "wanna go" members ($50 for non-members). With your own boat it's $25 for members ($35 for non-members). NOTE - There is an additional $4 park/launch fee.

For tour dates, please check our website calendar at:  www.adventureoutpost.net

Description

 On this downstream-only paddle, we will launch near the river's large head-spring. We be on the water about 2.5 hours. Since we'll be done by about 1:00 we won't stop for any kind of food/eating break. 

As we make our way down stream in the 30 - 40 ft wide channel, we are treated to an unbroken panorama of cypress, ash, gum, red maple and an assortment of other trees and plants associated with the Ocklawaha river basin, of which this is an important part. There are always plenty of water birds, especially near the head spring. Turtles, gators and and other reptiles always keep things interesting, as do my personal favorites, the river otters. The quiet paddler with a searching eye will usually spot one of these stealthy hunters on about 3/4 of our trips.

The most popular animals on Silver River are the Rhesus monkeys  (actually macaques - see below). Even though exotic species are never welcome in natural habitats, its hard not to enjoy watching these interesting, amusing Asian/African primates. It's not their fault they wound up in the forests of central Florida. But be very careful and never approach them. They can be aggressive and have a wicked bite.   

Tropical green meets icy blue

Our launch site will be near the river's water source, the Silver Springs group. The main vent--Mammoth Spring--is one of the largest springs (in average flow rate) in the world. This area is within Silver Springs State Park. The main river channel within the park is a public waterway, with free access to all. Please be very respectful to other boats by staying off to the side when they pass. We want all visitors--paddlers and tour boat passengers alike--to have a positive experience when they explore Florida's beautiful waterways. It looks bad for everyone when there is friction between boat operators.

Perhaps the main thing that sets Silver River apart from other waterways is it's water. Crystal clear and relatively deep (averaging about 6 - 8 feet, with a few much deeper holes), few waterways rival this one for sheer beauty of its water.

Likewise, few waterways can match the diversity and numbers of species that you find on Silver. Put down your paddle and float with the current  (save this for the downstream part of the trip!) and you'll soon find crowds of small fish (mostly of the sunfish clan) drifting along in the shade of your boat. Feel free to bring swim-wear and snorkeling gear if you think you might be inclined to jump in and meet the river inhabitants face to mask.

Highlights

The most popular animals on this trip, and the most unusual for any of our trips, are the monkeys. Earlier in this century a number of Rhesus monkeys escaped into the wild from Silver Springs Park. The most prevalent story is that they escaped from sets of the old Tarzan movies which were filmed near the springs. But, in reality, their presence can be credited to (blamed on?) Col. Tooey, a concessionaire at Silver Springs park in the 1930's. To add some tropical flavor to his "jungle cruise," he released some of the monkeys on a small island in the middle of the river. He didn't realize they could swim. Today, they are well established in the bottomland forest along the Silver and a bit of the Ocklawaha Rivers.   

If you do see any monkeys (about 4 out of 5 paddlers spot at least one), be sure to keep a safe distance -- and DON'T FEED them. They are fun to watch, but they can be aggressive and will bite if you get too close.

Lunch stop

Difficulty

  

This is an easy one-way, (downstream-only) paddle of about 2.5 (3 hours if you do a lot of poking around and taking in the natural wonders--large and small--that line every inch of the run.) (Note: we encourage slow poking. Such beauty should be savored!)

           

Santa Fe River: Spring Hop

 

          

 

This is about 1/2 hour north of Gainesville in High Springs. 

 

The cost for this trip is $39 per person for "Wanna Go" members (non-members $50). With your own boat it's $25 per person for members and $35 for non-members.

 

 

The River

 

There are two Santa Fe Rivers. One is a small creek, a brown, watery trail ambling aimlessly through the shaded hardwood forests and intermittent swamps of northern Alachua County. It starts at Santa Fe swamp, just north of Lake Santa Fe near Melrose and extends about 30 miles west to present day O'leno State Park near High Springs. In some places, this little stream can be easily crossed with a running leap. And yet, it played an important role in the early history and settlement of this area.

 

A quarter mile downstream from Old Leno (now shortened to O'Leno), a huge cavity in the porous limestone swallows the river in its entirety. For three miles, the river courses underground, following a network of subterranean channels before resurfacing. But, it is a changed river.

 

Like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, the pupal creek that was the upper Santa Fe now emerges as a larger, faster waterway. It is now truly a river. The primary reason for this transformation is an increased volume of water. While underground, the river water is joined by an upwelling of the Floridan aquifer. So, as it surfaces into the world of light and color, this the reborn river carries the combined waters of the upper Santa Fe and a large, artesian spring. It is here, at the fountainhead known as River Rise, that the second Santa Fe is born.

 

Having now entered an area of more exposed limestone, the river carries itself with bold determination. It's steady, unfaltering surge carves through the rocky terrain in broad, sweeping strokes as it weaves a 30 mile path westward. Along the way, it picks up the clear, cool waters from dozens of springs before merging with the Suwannee River near Branford.

 

The seven mile stretch we'll be paddling, from Poe Springs to Hwy 47, begins as a slow, slightly tannic flow with only the slightest inclination to move westward. Without the benefit of a paddle, canoes and kayaks surrender their obedience to the river's current in favor of the slightest breeze - even if it's blowing in the upstream direction!

 

Moving downstream, the river alternately loses water by way of siphons (underwater cracks which drain the water into deep, underground channels of the aquifer) and gains water by way of springs (which bring water up to the surface from the aquifer). Among the largest we'll pass are Rum Island, Blue, Ginnie, Devil's Ear & Eye, July and Myrtles Fissure. By the time we get to Hwy 47, the transfusion given to the river by way of siphoning away thre surface water and adding artesian water has turned the river into a grand spring run.

 

 

 

Wildlife

 

Of all the rivers in north Florida, there is perhaps none with the fantastic population of turtles that you'll see on the Santa Fe. Most common are peninsular cooters, and chicken turtles. Occasionally you might also see a Florida snapping turtle. There are plenty of otters in the river. Keep a good eye out for them near Poe Spriungs. This is also a good area to watch for beavers, the huge rodents (largest in N. America) that survived being the main ingredient in a long-lived hat fad (remember Abe Lincolns stove-top?) and have repopulated their original Florida range. As with so much of Florida, feral hogs are well established. The first hogs to frolic in the Santa Fe woodlands were plodding at the heels of the first Europeans intruders - the Spanish conquistadores who crossed the river in 1539 (more about this in the "History" section below).

 

Of all the rivers we guide tours on, this has the smallest population of alligators. Most people are just fine with that. (if you want to see gators, there are plenty in other nearby waters - we'll gladly point the way!) On the other hand, you'll find more turtles here than any other north Florida river. Not only in actual numbers (it's not uncommon to see a couple of hundred in a 3 - 4 hours of paddling) but it has the greatest number of species. Water birds, deer, wild hogs and otters are some of the other animals commonly seen.

 

History

 

Florida's earliest inhabitants who first arrived nearly twelve thousand years ago, found game to be plentiful in the lush Santa Fe forests and at the many springs along the river.  One of the earliest dated artifacts of human presence in Florida came from a paleo-Indian camp site found near Hornsby Spring. Here, a spear tip imbedded in a mammoth bone gave clear evidence of a nomadic hunters brave efforts to feed his family. Another interesting prehistoric site is near the Hwy 27 bridge, where the remains of a fishing weir was discovered in the river bottom. This was a row of posts spanning the river in a V-shaped configuration, with the point of the V pointing downstream. In the point, a basket would catch fish driven down by a group of Indians.

 

In 1539, Hernando de Soto led an army of nearly 500 Spanish soldiers on an exploratory mission through Florida. Earlier Spanish expeditions to South and Central America had yielded unimaginable wealth (at the expense of the natives who rightfully owned it) and the rush was on to find similar loot in La Florida. Fortunately for the Indians of north Florida, their wealth was not in gold or precious minerals, but in rich land. That would be taken later. For now, the Spanish moved through quickly, making winter camp in the Tallahassee area before continuing westward.

 

In the 1600's, Spanish missionaries of the Franciscan order established a network of missions and outposts across north Florida. Most were built at Indian villages that sat alongside an important Indian trail, stretching from the St. Augustine area to the mission San Luis in present day Tallahassee. For nearly a century, this important era in north Florida's history, resulted in the total demise of the Indian populations through disease, abuse and warfare.

 

Today, many place names in north Florida can trace their origins to the mission period. Some of our primary Rivers, including St. Mary's, St. Johns, St. Marks and even Suwannee get their names from missions that were located on their banks. Santa Fe river gets it's name from an important mission, Santa Fe de Teleco, that overlooked a broad, beautiful valley of the Santa Fe a few miles east of today's O'leno State Park.

 

 

 

Difficulty

 

This is an easy downstream paddle, going with the current. We'll be on the water for about 3 hours. 

 

 

Santa Fe River: Hwy 27 - Rum Island

This is about a 2 hour paddle on easy water. We'll be going downstream, with the current, the whole way. This river is about 1/2 hour north of Gainesville in High Springs. 

 

The cost for this tour is $39 per person for "Wanna Go" members (non-members $50). With your own boat it's $25 per person for members and $35 for non-members.

 

for tour dates, please check our website calendar at:  www.adventureoutpost.net

  

 

Description

 

On this trip, we will start with a lesson on how to kayak. We don't get into advanced techniques (don't worry, we won't be rolling!) but focus on the basic techniques for steering, 

The four mile stretch between Hwy. 27 and Rum Island County Park begins as a slow, slightly tannic flow with only the slightest inclination to move westward. Without the benefit of a paddle, canoes and kayaks surrender their obedience to the river's current in favor of the slightest breeze - even if it's blowing in the upstream direction. Moving downstream, the river alternately loses water by way of siphons (underwater cracks which drain the water into deep, underground channels of the aquifer) and gains water by way of springs (which bring water up to the surface from the aquifer).

 

 

Wildlife

 

Of all the rivers in north Florida, there is perhaps none with the fantastic population of turtles that you'll see on the Santa Fe. Most common are peninsular cooters, and chicken turtles. Occasionally you might also see a Florida snapping turtle. There are plenty of otters in the river. Keep a good eye out for them near Poe Springs. This is also a good area to watch for beavers, the huge rodents (largest in N. America) that survived being the main ingredient in a long-lived hat fad (remember Abe Lincolns stove-top?) and have repopulated their original Florida range. As with so much of Florida, feral hogs are well established. The first hogs to frolic in the Santa Fe woodlands were plodding at the heels of the first Europeans intruders - the Spanish conquistadors who crossed the river in 1539 (more about this in the "History" section below).

 

Of all the rivers we guide tours on, this has the smallest population of alligators. Most people are just fine with that. (if you want to see gators, there are plenty in other nearby waters - we'll gladly point the way!) On the other hand, you'll find more turtles here than any other north Florida river. Not only in actual numbers (it's not uncommon to see a couple of hundred in a 3 - 4 hours of paddling) but it has the greatest number of species. Water birds, deer, wild hogs and otters are some of the other animals commonly seen.

 

History

 

Florida's earliest inhabitants who first arrived nearly twelve thousand years ago, found game to be plentiful in the lush Santa Fe forests and at the many springs along the river.  One of the earliest dated artifacts of human presence in Florida came from a paleo-Indian camp site found near Hornsby Spring. Here, a spear tip imbedded in a mammoth bone gave clear evidence of a nomadic hunters brave efforts to feed his family.

 

Another interesting prehistoric site is near the Hwy 27 bridge, where the remains of a fishing weir was discovered in the river bottom. This was a row of posts spanning the river in a V-shaped configuration, with the point of the V pointing downstream. In the point, a basket would catch fish driven down by a group of Indians.

 

In 1539, Hernando de Soto led an army of nearly 500 Spanish soldiers on an exploratory mission through Florida. Earlier Spanish expeditions to South and Central America had yielded unimaginable wealth (at the expense of the natives who rightfully owned it) and the rush was on to find similar loot in La Florida. Fortunately for the Indians of north Florida, their wealth was not in gold or precious minerals, but in rich land. That would be taken later. For now, the Spanish moved through quickly, making winter camp in the Tallahassee area before continuing westward.

 

In the 1600's, Spanish missionaries of the Franciscan order established a network of missions and outposts across north Florida. Most were built at Indian villages that sat alongside an important Indian trail, stretching from the St. Augustine area to the mission San Luis in present day Tallahassee. For nearly a century, this important era in north Florida's history, resulted in the total demise of the Indian populations through disease, abuse and warfare.

 

Today, many place names in north Florida can trace their origins to the mission period. Some of our primary Rivers, including St. Mary's, St. Johns, St. Marks and even Suwannee get their names from missions that were located on their banks. Santa Fe river gets it's name from an important mission, Santa Fe de Teleco, that overlooked a broad, beautiful valley of the Santa Fe a few miles east of today's O'leno State Park.

Santa Fe River: "Kayaking for Beginners"

 

This is the first in a two part class. The second class is usually on Cross Creek, the following Sunday. You're welcome to do either one of these two trips without doing the other.

 

This is about 1/2 hour north of Gainesville in High Springs. 

 

The cost for this trip is $39 per person for "Wanna Go" members (non-members $50). With your own boat it's $25 per person for members and $35 for non-members.

 

For class dates, please check our website calendar at:  www.adventureoutpost.net

 

 

Class Description

 

We'll begin with kayaking basics, starting with how to kayak. Our focus will be on the basic techniques of steering, avoiding hazards and basically staying afloat. We won't be getting into anything fancy. No rolls, rescues or anything like like that. The main purpose of this class is to allow people who've thought about kayaking to try their hand with other novices. If they like it, there are many opportunities for more advanced training at a future date.

 

After the basic paddling instruction, we'll discuss the various paddling environments found in Florida. There are 4 - 5 primary kinds of waterways in our part of the State, but most fall into two basic categories - linear, flowing streams and wide open waters where winds are usually more of a driving force than water currents. This is why we're doing two classes. Today's trip will be geared toward techiniques and issues concerning paddling in streams. Next weeks trip will deal with open water paddling. As I mentioned before, you're welcome to do either of the two classes (This Saturday or next Saturday) without doing the other. Just bear in mind, if you only do the second class on Cross Creek, you'll miss the basic kayaking lesson.

 

After the lesson, we'll take to the water and hone your techniques on a scenic paddle down the Santa Fe River. The water is slow and easy here - perfect for learning to paddle.

 

 

The River

 

There are two Santa Fe Rivers. One is a small creek, a brown, watery trail ambling aimlessly through the shaded hardwood forests and intermittent swamps of northern Alachua County. It starts at Santa Fe swamp, just north of Lake Santa Fe near Melrose and extends about 30 miles west to present day O'leno State Park near High Springs. In some places, this little stream can be easily crossed with a running leap. And yet, it played an important role in the early history and settlement of this area.

 

In the last few centuries, the upper Santa Fe has been the setting for Indian villages (one of which was visited by Hernando De Soto), the important mission of Santa Fe de Tolosa (for which the river was named), Forts Harlee and Call during the Second Seminole War and the modern settlements of Worthington Springs, and Lacrosse. It is the northern boundary of Alachua County.

 

At the western end of this upper portion of the river, the town of Leno was also established on the river's bank in the mid 1800's. But the whims of civilization had other plans and the settlement was all but gone by the end of that century.

 

Nearby, on the river itself, the whims of geology also come into play. A quarter mile downstream from Old Leno (now shortened to O'Leno), a huge cavity in the porous limestone swallows the river in its entirety. For three miles, the river courses underground, following a network of subterranean channels before resurfacing. But, it is a changed river.

 

Like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, the pupal creek that was the upper Santa Fe now emerges as a larger, faster waterway. It is now truly a river. The primary reason for this transformation is an increased volume of water. While underground, the river water is joined by an upwelling of the Floridan aquifer. So, as it surfaces into the world of light and color, this fountain, known as the River Rise, carries the combined waters of the upper Santa Fe and a large, artesian spring. It is here, at the fountainhead known as River Rise, that the second Santa Fe is born.

 

Having now entered an area of more exposed limestone, the river now carries itself with bold determination. It's steady, unfaltering surge carves it's path in broad, sweeping strokes as it weaves a 30 mile path westward. Along the way, it picks up the clear, cool waters from dozens of springs before merging with the Suwannee River near Branford.

 

On Saturday's trip, we will be exploring the "birthplace" of the lower Santa Fe river, taking an upstream paddle to the River Rise. 

 

For more description, go to: http://www.adventureoutpost.net

 

Difficulty

 

This is a round-trip paddle, going upstream for 3 miles and returning, for a total of about 6 miles. Upstream paddling can be exhausting if you aren't in average condition. This section is not as strong as Silver River, for instance, but you should be realistic about your abilities, nonetheless. We're planning on being out around 4 - 5 hours.

 

Moonlight Paddle on Santa Fe River #2: Hwy 27 - Lily Spring

 See the river in a whole new light--moonlight! 

This trip costs $32 per person for "Wanna Go" members ($35 for non-members). There are no discounts on this one for bringing your own boat. The price includes $4 fee for the use of Lily Spring.   

 

For tour dates, please check our website calendar at:  www.adventureoutpost.net

 

 

Description

 

This is a 1.5 - 2 hour paddle under the stars, down the Santa Fe River. After meeting Adventure Outpost to get everyone signed in and situated with a boat (canoe or kayak), we'll drive down to our launch site at the Hwy 27 boat ramp. we'll then paddle downstream for 1.5 hours to Lily Spring. There, we'll be greeted by the spring's legendary caretaker, Naked Ed.

 

If you've never met him, you're in for an experience. For over 20 years, Ed has lived on the banks of the spring in a small thatch hut (actually, he's now in his third hut, but that's another story). By now, I'm sure you're wondering about his nickname - Naked Ed. The answer is yes, he often strolls around in his natural state. When that's the case, he's fairly discrete and perfectly harmless. More often, however, he wears a loin cloth - especially when there are people around. But, not always. You've been warned :-)

Of course, the main attraction is the spring. It's not very big, but it still accommodates a thriving community of spring-loving species. We encourage you to bring a mask, snorkel, fins and  an underwater light (if you have one) and enjoy a swim. Exploring the underwater spring habitat at night is a interesting and rare opportunity that we encourage you to experience. Loggerhead musk turtles, crayfish and grass shrimp are among the many species that come out at night. Anyone who has an underwater light should bring it. Even if you don't have your own gear, bring a swim suit and we'll share. After you've had all the fun and relaxation you can stand, we'll shuttle you back to your car. 

 

Unlike our day trips, where scenery and animal watching are the main focus, moonlight paddles are more about relaxing, checking out the stars and enjoying good company. But, don't rule out animal observation altogether. 

 

Focusing your attention on the sky, you might glimpse a bat or a swift working hard to free the world of mosquitoes and other air born munchables. Occasionally, a pair of barred owls will call out to each other, sometimes from a quarter mile away. With any luck, you'll hear their conversation degenerate from a civil exchange of hoots and hooty-hoo's to a raucous bout of cackling that sounds (I'll say it again) like a Chihuahua with a duck stuck in it's throat.

 

During evening hours there is as much, if not more, wildlife moving around than in the day. With the help of your flashlight, you might see a family of raccoons, rooting armadillos or an occasional deer feeding at the riverside. Fishing spiders perch at the waters edge, dangling a leg in the water waiting to detect an approaching fish on which to jump. Listen and you'll hear owls, frogs, crickets or the eerie call of a limpkin.

 

We often see a beaver or two on these moonlight trips. Northern visitors, who are often giddy at the thought of visiting Orlando's famous, big-eared, lederhosen-clad mouse, aren't so impressed with our beavers. Apparently, they are still holding there own in northern regions and are considered a nuisance for their tree-gnawing ways. But here in Florida, where beavers were wiped out by fur trappers in the 1800's, we celebrate their return. They're always quick to announce their presence with a loud tail-slap on the water surface as they dive out of sight. While this stunt is intended to startle potential predators, it's pretty effective on paddlers as well.

 

When we reach the spring, you're encouraged to put on some snorkeling gear and check out the amazing spring environment at night. Loggerhead turtles, crayfish, grass shrimp and other species come out at night. If you think you'll be swimming, please bring a mask, snorkel, fins and an underwater light (if you have one. Exploring the underwater spring habitat at night is an interesting and rare opportunity. Anyone who has an underwater light should bring it. Even if you don't have your own gear, bring a swim suit and we'll share.

  

Please note - This is not a "guided" excursion (too dark to see the wildlife), but we will have someone on the river bringing up the rear, just to make sure everyone's coming along okay.

 

Note #2 - We don't guarantee there will be moonlight! While this is called a "moonlight paddle" and we schedule it to coincide (nearly) with the full moon, there are often clouds obscuring the moon. In fairness to other participants (and us, your humble outfitters), please don't sign up for this one if you're likely to cancel because of imperfect conditions. Even with reduced visibility, you can see better than you might think and an evening paddle is still a great way to experience the river. Don't worry, we won't go out in genuine 'bad weather' such as rain or freezing temps.

 

Difficulty

 

Easy, but I don't recommend night paddling for your  first paddling experience.

 

Moonlight Paddle on Santa Fe River, Hwy 27 - Rum Island

See the river in a whole new light--moonlight!

 

This trip costs $29 per person for "Wanna Go" members ($35 for non-members). There are no discounts on this one for bringing your own boat.

For tour dates, please visit our website calendar at:  www.adventureoutpost.net

Description

 

This will be a 1.5 - 2 hour paddle under the stars, down the Santa Fe River. After meeting Adventure Outpost to get everyone signed in and situated with a boat (canoe or kayak), we'll drive down to our launch site at the Hwy 27 boat ramp. We'll then paddle downstream for 1.5 hours to Rum Island County Park.

 

The main attraction here is Rum Island Spring. It's not very big, but it still makes for a fine swim under the moon and stars. 

 

Unlike our day trips, where scenery and animal watching are the main focus, moonlight paddles are more about relaxing, checking out the stars and enjoying good company. But, don't rule out animal observation altogether.

 

Focusing your attention on the sky, you might glimpse a bat or a swift working hard to free the world of mosquitoes and other air born munchables.

 

Occasionally, a pair of barred owls will call out to each other, sometimes from a quarter mile away. With any luck, you'll hear their conversation degenerate from a civil exchange of hoots and hooty-hoo's to a raucous bout of cackling that sounds (I'll say it again) like a Chihuahua with a duck stuck in it's throat.

 

During evening hours there is as much, if not more, wildlife moving around than in the day. With the help of your flashlight, you might see a family of raccoons, rooting armadillos or an occasional deer feeding at the riverside. Fishing spiders perch at the water’s edge, dangling a leg in the water waiting to detect an approaching fish on which to jump. Listen and you'll hear owls, frogs, crickets or the eerie call of a limpkin.

We often see a beaver or two on these moonlight trips. Northern visitors, who are often giddy at the thought of visiting Orlando's famous, big-eared, lederhosen-clad mouse, aren't so impressed with our beavers. Apparently, they are still holding their own in northern regions and are considered a nuisance for their tree-gnawing ways. But here in Florida, where beavers were wiped out by fur trappers in the 1800's, we celebrate their return. They're always quick to announce their presence with a loud tail-slap on the water surface as they dive out of sight. While this stunt is intended to startle potential predators, it's pretty effective on paddlers as well.

 

Please note - This is not a "guided" excursion (too dark to see the wildlife), but we will have someone on the river bringing up the rear, just to make sure everyone's coming along okay.

 

Note #2 - We don't guarantee there will be moonlight! While this is called a "moonlight paddle" and we schedule it to coincide (nearly) with the full moon, there are often clouds obscuring the moon. In fairness to other participants (and us, your humble outfitters), please don't sign up for this one if you're likely to cancel because of imperfect conditions. Even with reduced visibility, you can see better than you might think and an evening paddle is still a great way to experience the river. Don't worry, we won't go out in genuine 'bad weather' such as rain or freezing temps.

 

Difficulty

Easy, but we don't recommend night paddling for your first paddling experience.

Santa Fe River: Upper River & Olustee Creek

On this trip, we'll explore the lesser known upper section of the Santa Fe - above the River Sink and O'Leno Park. We'll paddle as far as the confluence with Olustee Creek.

 

This is about 1/2 hours north of Gainesville. 

 

The cost for this trip is $39 per person for "Wanna Go" members (non-members $50). With your own boat it's $25 per person for members and $35 for non-members.

 

For tour dates, please check our website calendar at:  www.adventureoutpost.net

 

Description

This tour will be part of our Viva Timucua! series. [ For a description of this series and the story behind it, please see - http://riverguidesjournal.blogspot.com/2013/08/viva-timucua-other-anniversary.html .

This segment of the Viva Timucua! series will take us past the site of the mission village, Santa Fe de Toloca. It was here that Alonso Cabale's Potano ancestors (a faction of the large Timucua group) lived in the decades leading up to the destruction of the mission system in the early 1700's. Like all mission sites in the Florida interior, nothing visible remains of this village--just archaeological remains, scant records kept by the missionaries and Spanish authorities,.and a handful of interesting (and tragic) stories from your trusted river guide. 

This tranquil, charming reach of the upper Santa Fe River--above the River Sink and O'Leno Park--is characterized by a wide channel with high, sandy banks. This is a little-known section of the Santa Fe River. If water levels allow, we'll paddle beyond the confluence of Olustee Creek for a short exploration of an attractive, narrower section of the upper river. 

 

Wildlife

 

Compared to some of our trips, wildlife is relatively scarce here. There's a fair population of deer in this area, but high banks discourage them from spending much time at the riverside. There are some 'gators - especially one sizable fellow whose lair is in the area near the confluence of Olustee Creek and the Santa Fe. 

Most of the birds we see are forest species such as barred owls, woodpeckers and perching birds. Egrets (several species) are commonly seen wading and fishing in the shallows at the river's edge, while ospreys scan the water from overhead. Kites (both swallow-tailed and Mississippi) are often spotted overhead in summer months.Other animals we sometimes see are wood ducks, deer, beaver, otter, and even a. few capybara?!

 

One animal species of special interest in this region is the capybara. A group of these animals escaped into the wild reaches of the upper Santa Fe and lower Olustee basins some time in the 1980's or '90's. I first spotted one in the mid-1990's. Since then, I've been sent nearly a dozen reports of sightings. These huge rodents (the largest in the world) are native to south America, but judging from the reports, are finding life in North Florida to their liking.

 

 

History

 

When Hernando De Soto came through North Florida in 1539, the ancient Indian trail he was following forded the Santa Fe River in this section. The village of Cholupaha, which is mentioned by the expedition's chroniclers, is on a high hill commanding a fine view of the river valley.

 

In the early 1600's, there was still an important village here, called Toloca. Spanish missionaries established a mission here as part of the chain of missions which stretched across north Florida from St. Augustine to the Tallahassee area. This mission, named Santa Fe de Toloca, was the namesake for the river.

 

The name Olustee was immortalized on Feb. 20, 1864, when Florida's largest battle of the Civil War was fought near the stream's headwaters, far to the north of the Santa Fe, at Ocean Pond. When the smoke cleared from the battlefield, nearly 300 men lay dead - 93 rebels and 203 from the Union side. Nearly 2,000 more were injured. The Battle of Olustee was a victory for the Rebel forces, but it would be a short-lived celebration with the confederacy losing the War a year later. 

Difficulty  

While this is an up-and-back, round-trip paddle, going against the current in the first half, the current here is very slow. This, plus the wide river channel, makes this an excellent paddle trip for beginners.

Santa Fe River: River Rise

This is about 1/2 hour north of Gainesville in High Springs. 

 

The cost for this trip is $39 per person for "Wanna Go" members (non-members $50). With your own boat it's $25 per person for members and $35 for non-members. **

 

 

Description

 

There are two Santa Fe Rivers. One is a small creek, a brown, watery trail ambling aimlessly through the shaded hardwood forests and intermittent swamps of northern Alachua County. It starts at Santa Fe swamp, just north of Lake Santa Fe near Melrose and extends about 30 miles west to present day O'leno State Park near High Springs. In some places, this little stream can be easily crossed with a running leap. And yet, it played an important role in the early history and settlement of this area.

 

In the last few centuries, the upper Santa Fe has been the setting for Indian villages (one of which was visited by Hernando de Soto), the important mission of Santa Fe de Tolosa (for which the river was named), Forts Harlee and Call during the Second Seminole War and the modern settlements of Worthington Springs, and Lacrosse. It is the northern boundary of Alachua County. At the western end of the upper river, the town of Leno was also established on the river's bank in the mid 1800's. But the whims of civilization had other plans and the settlement was all but gone by the end of that century. Nearby, on the river itself, the whims of geology also come into play.

 

A quarter mile downstream from Old Leno (now shortened to O'Leno), a huge cavity in the porous limestone swallows the river in its entirety. For three miles, the river courses underground, following a network of subterranean channels before resurfacing. But, it is a changed river. Like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, the pupal creek that was the upper Santa Fe now emerges as a larger, faster waterway. It is now truly a river.

 

The primary reason for this transformation is an increased volume of water. While underground, the river water is joined by an up-welling of the Floridan aquifer. So, as it surfaces into the world of light and color, this fountain, known as the River Rise, carries the combined waters of the upper Santa Fe and a large, artesian spring. It is here, at the fountainhead known as River Rise, that the second Santa Fe is born.

 

Having now entered an area of more exposed limestone, the river now carries itself with bold determination. It's steady, unfaltering surge carves it's path in broad, sweeping strokes as it weaves a 30 mile path westward. Along the way, it picks up the clear, cool waters from dozens of springs before merging with the Suwannee River near Branford.

 

On this  trip, we will be exploring the "birthplace" of the lower Santa Fe river, taking an upstream paddle to the River Rise. At the Rise, we'll get out and stretch our legs on a short hike toward the ancient road, known at different times as the Mission Road and Bellamy Road.

 

On our way back down, if water levels allow, we'll take a side trip up the scenic, swampy run to Hornsby Spring, the only first-magnitude Spring in Alachua County. For more description, go to: http://www.adventureoutpost.net

 

 

Difficulty

 

This is a round-trip paddle, going upstream for 3 miles and returning, for a total of about 6 miles. Upstream paddling can be exhausting if you aren't in average condition. This section is not as strong as Silver River, for instance, but you should be realistic about your abilities. We're planning on being out around 4 - 4.5 hours.

 

St. Johns River: "Bartram's Battle Lagoon"

  

This trip meets on the banks of the St. Johns River, about 2 hours from Gainesville.

 

The fee is $39 for "Wanna Go" members ($50 for non-members). This includes your boat rental, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide (yours truly). If you'd like to use your own boat, it's $29 for members (or $40 for non-members).

 

For tour dates, please see our calendar at - www.adventureoutpost.net

 

  

Description

 

This is the first in our new "Great Explorations" series. On these tours, we'll be following the routes of some famous Florida explorations. I've tried to select explorations for which there was some documentation about the wildlife, plants and people they saw.

 

On this 6 - 6.5 hour round trip paddle (going upstream first and then returning to the same spot from which we launched), we pass through a wide range of terrains. Beginning in a wide expanse of the St. Johns River we skirt past open marshes of floating ferns and water lilies before entering a narrower channel. Passing Bartram's "Battle Lagoon" (see "History" below), we'll stop in for a look at his campsite which he described in some detail. It's refreshing to see how little the site has changed.

 

A nice stand of cabbage palms is over-topped by tall, lanky hackberry trees, maples and hickory. Below them, widely scattered shrubs and an easy ground cover of plants like red salvia and bidens alba make this a good campsite even today. Walking over the shelly knoll, (an Indian midden that was ancient even in Bartram's time), efforts to conjure images of Bartram's Florida are aided by a couple of scrawny wild orange trees, reminiscent of the small orange grove he found here.

 

From Battle lagoon, we continue upstream a couple of miles and then enter the mouth of a fair sized spring run. The slight tannic stain of the water hints at the lush swamps lining much of this runs upper reaches. Ascending the stream, the channel narrows and we find ourselves increasingly within the river forest rather than mere passersby. Ash trees, maple, river elm, cypress and gum trees arch overhead and practically reach one another to form a complete canopy by the time we reach the top of our ascent (Note: we do not reach the headspring, which is a few miles furthger upstream). After a brief stretch/snack break, we return downstream along the same route that brought us.

 

 

Wildlife

 

These days, the alligator population along this stretch of the St. Johns is nothing like the horde that Bartram saw,, but you can expect to see a few sunning on the river bank and fallen logs. Wading birds, osprey, cormorants, anhingas and the occasional bald eagle can be seen on the open St. Johns River. In the narrower channels, we become more aware of the forest birds including (depending on the season) parula, black and white and prothonotary warblers, catbirds, phoebes, great crested flycatchers, belted kingfishers, and more. Otters are plentiful in this area, as well, but we don't spot them as frequently here as we would on rivers like Rainbow and Silver. 
 

 

History

 

When England took possession of Florida in 1763, scholars and scientists of all persuasion were eager to learn what mysteries their new land held. Toward that end, a man named Fothergill contracted with the son of his friend John Bartram to journey down to Florida and report back on the plants, animals and people found there. His selection of the 35 year old William was fortuitous, to say the least. The book that was spawned by this four year adventure was not only an invaluable source of information about the nature and peoples of Florida (including the first Seminoles), it would prove to be a significant influence on the Romantic period of literature. Through his lyrical, dreamy descriptions of the places he saw he inspired such notables as Wordsworth, Coleridge and Chateaubriand (in some cases to a point bordering on plagiarism).

 

When William Bartram's account of his exploration was published in 1791, it was an immediate success. However, some of his natural observations were met with skepticism. Some of the species he described and events he recounted seemed, to some critics, to be fanciful exaggerations of an imaginative, albeit very learned youth. It would take decades of further exploration and subsequent observations by later naturalists before Bartram was fully vindicated and recognized as one of America's greatest naturalist explorers.

Among the most controversial (and exciting) tales in Bartram's book, "Travels" was the alligator attacks he survived (barely) in a side channel of the St. Johns River. He dubbed the spot Battle Lagoon. You'll hear this amazing story as you drift in the same spot it happened.

 

 

Difficulty

 

This is relatively easy paddling and is suitable for all skill levels - beginner to pro. While this is an up-and-back paddle, the current is easy, not nearly as strong as Silver River for instance. The main consideration is the relatively long 6 - 6.5 hours of paddling. Please consider your strength and endurance carefully.

 

St. Augustine: Marshes & Dunes

 

See the side of St. Augustine that the trolleys will never take you. On this trip we explore some of the waters near (and within site of) St. Augustine. Unlike our other longer St. Augustine tours, this one will not take us past the site of Fort Mose. 

 

The fee is $39 for "wanna go" members (non-members are $50). This includes your boat rental, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide (yours truly). If you'd like to use your own boat, it's $29 for members (or $40 for non-members).

For tour dates, please check our calendar at:  www.adventureoutpost.net

 

 

Description

 

The area we'll be paddling on this trip is different from our usual "wild side of St. Augustine" trip. It's a shorter route (about 8 miles, as opposed to the usual 10 miles) and is closer to the city. As one might expect, by being closer to town, these waters are usually busier with watercraft than the other trip. Also, more of the shoreline is occupied by homes and businesses. But, if you're able to accept these  realities, you'll find this really is an interesting and fun place to paddle, with plenty of natural shoreline--especially along the large, vegetated dunes, while still getting a great view of the ancient city.

 

Our route will be on very open, sunny waters. The shoreline panorama that glides past our boats alternates between high-dollar homes and historic city buildings, salt marshes and thickly vegetated sand dunes. We'll stop at a couple of the "wilder" spots along our route to check out vegetation, wildlife and, of course, a sprinkling of historical lore.  

 

Dolphins are our frequent companions in thee waters, especially as we approach the deeper water of the inlet. Many shore birds, heralding from all coast-loving tribes are active around us throughout the day. Most commonly seen are our old friends the egrets, herons, cormorants, gulls, terns and of course brown pelicans. In salt flats and oyster beds, raccoons are often spotted busily rummaging through shells and debris looking for crayfish, mollusks and other inter-tidal goodies to munch. High on their list of delicacies are the curious little fiddler crabs that roam the flats in tiny herds, seemingly numbering in the millions.

 

We begin our journey in the sand dunes near the site where many believe Ponce de Leon first waded ashore in 1512 and claimed this land for Spain (probably to the disappointment of the Indians watching from the forest). It was then that he dubbed the island (as he believed this to be), 'La Florida.'

 

(Today's explorers drink from the "Fountain of Youth" from paper cups)

History 

Much of St. Augustine's history was written in the sands of Anastasia Island, or St. Anastasia Island, as it was originally named. In fact, after fire badly damaged the original wooden fort (at the native village of Seloy, near the site of the present castillo), Pedro Menendez ordered that the new fort be built on Anastasia Island. It took the soldiers just ten days in May of 1566 to build the new fort. A month later, when a fleet of 17 ships arrived from Spain with supplies, Menendez decided to build a third, more powerful fort. This one was built on the same site as the second fort and incorporated parts of that earlier structure in its own design. It wasn't until 1572, seven years after Menendez decided to settle on St. Augustine Bay, that the Spaniards crossed the bay once again and began construction on the castillo we know today. While that one went through a number of alterations and expansions over the years, it would remain in the same location from that time forward. But, Anastasia's contribution St. Augustine's defenses continued long after the fort was relocated.

Anastasia Island rests on a foundation coquina rock, a peculiar kind of limestone made from compacted masses of tiny sea shells. Because it is easily cut and shaped, coquina was well-suited to construction. It was especially good for forts because it could absorb the impact of cannon balls without fracturing. Much of the labor for building the castillo was done by Timucuans; from the La Chua Ranch hands at Paynes Prairie, who ensured the laborers had plenty of beef to eat, to the laborers themselves. Even the job of ferrying the huge blocks of coquina across the bay from Anastasia to the fort site, was done by Indian boatmen who lashed together two canoes to form canoe barges. 

The fort was completed in 1695, which, as it turned out, was just in the nick of time. When Governor James Moore of South Carolina decided to attack St. Augustine in 1702, he found an impregnable fortress. Rather than the quick conquest, he had to resign to holding the town under seige. His base of operations was on Anastasia Island, probably near the site of the earlier Spanish forts. The seige last nearly 2 months, until reinforcements arrived from Cuba to aid the besieged castillo. Moore lifted his seige and retreated back to Carolina. 

For more information about this trip, go to http://www.adventureoutpost.net/ToursO-Z.htm#St.%20Augustine