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.
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