| |
 |
Well we had another adventure this past
weekend, we were invited to the Oklawaha Outpost to go on a canoe trip. We
met with owners Larry and Gloria Reiche at the Outpost at 10:30 AM for an
overview of the trip which was to begin at 11:00, they explained to us the
best spots along the river for photography and the little creeks where we
might find some of old Florida. The trip we elected to take was an eight
mile journey back in time, to what Florida looked like for hundreds maybe
thousands of years before the settlers came and did what settlers do,
change things. I guess we got lucky because the middle portion of
this 110 mile river has been saved from mans intrusion. The river
originates in several lakes in the middle of the state and runs northward
along the edge of the Ocala National Forest before it joins the St. Johns
River.
|
|
|
| Larry told us that in the early morning the mist
rises over the spring-fed streams. To see the river early in the morning
you would have to opt for one of the overnight camping trips where Larry
and Gloria can arrange for just about all your camping needs. They offer a
wide range of options, from a few hours to days on the river. What struck
me was the quiet and solitude. With the river flowing downstream at three
to five knots paddling is quite easy and actually relaxing, leaving time
to pay attention to the pristine beauty of this semi-tropical forest.
As you wind through narrow waterways lined with gnarly cypress, swamp
maples and sable palms you have the opportunity of seeing some of the more
than two hundred species of birds or three hundred different mammals that
call this place home. |
 |
|
|
 |
We had a great time and would do it again in a
heartbeat. We saw dozens of turtles, a few small alligators, hundreds of
birds but alas no monkeys, which are known to be along the river. It is a
beautiful river and thanks to Larry and Gloria a lot more people can share
our experience. |
|
|
|
The rates at this time were about $16.00 per person for
the eight mile trip and starting at $61.00 for the overnight. All kinds of
special arrangements are available, so it's best to
call and make reservations
- Contact Information: Oklawaha Outpost
- 15260 N.E. 152nd Pl.
- Fort McCoy, Fl. 32134
- 352 236
4606
|
 |
|
