Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida

I got to meet up with some folks from Paddling.net and paddle the Weeki Wachee Springs in Weeki Wachee, Florida. We could not have picked a colder day to do so. With an air temp of about 45 degrees, it felt more like I was getting ready to paddle the Fox River than a tropical spring. I was nervous that the weather would ruin this experience for me. Sitting in 45 degree weather for a few hours could go drastically bad, let a lone whatever the water temp was going to be.

I was SHOCKED to find that the water temp was about 70 degrees (based on some internet info). I was even more pleased to feel how warm it kept my boat. It was like sitting on a heating blanket...lol. The difference in the water / air temp also produced a cool mist that rolled in the breeze the whole trip. Right off the bat, I noticed how clear the water was. I found myself looking at the landscape of the bottom of the river more than the trees and vines of the banks.


We started right at the Weeki Wachee Springs Park, made famous by the resident mermaids. We paddled right up to there sanctuary, but didn't see any of the rare women of the Spring. We then spun and headed down river to start our long adventure.

It was not long before we saw the wildlife of the river. As we rounded the first bend, we startled a deer that was enjoying a snack on one of the tiny islands of the river. As we came around the backside of the island, we were able to watch her run across the shallow river and blend back into the forest on the shore. This encounter set the pace for the trip. We saw a lot of needle fish and other random fish as we made it through the very clear water. One of group members also got to see a needle fish breech the water. There was also a lot of birds a long the river. Many Storks, Cormorants, and Robins watched us float past.

The Weeki Wachee River is also known for another amazing creature. The laid back Manatee is very common in the area and I was excited to see one! We were about half way through the trip when we spotted a little Manatee headed up river. I was surprise that he was able to move pretty quickly upstream. We were able to spin around and meet up with him in a small cove in a river bend.

I was told that he was a 'small' manatee, but he seemed to be a good size to me! I was happy to have seen this little guy and my goal of grabbing a picture of one was accomplished. The rest of the trip would be all bonus!

Before we started the final section of the river, we regrouped and chatted about what we had seen already. Nothing compared to what we were going to see at the end of our trip. It just got better and better. The scenery was awesome (both above and below the water) and the residence of the river we also very interesting.


As we entered the more populated section of the river, we were greeted by a mother and baby manatee. The led us to whats known as Hospital Cove. From what I understand, there is a high amount of sulfur in this little spring, and the Manatees refresh here. Our group joined another small group of paddlers already in the cove and quickly I saw why it was the place to be.


There was about 8-10 Manatees floating just below the surface of the water in this area. The water was a lot cloudier in the cove due to the activity in the area. You could still see about 2 feet into the water before it became too dark. This added to the eeriness of the experience. You could see these beautiful creatures emerge from the depths of the cove and come up for a breath. They would stick their snouts out of the water right next to the kayaks. They would also give us a little show as they headed back underwater, poking their back and tail out of the water as they dove. There was one that we were catching glimpses of that was massive. At one time, it was right under one of the kayaks and it was longer than the boat. When you caught a glimpse of it from above, you could really get a good look at how wide this animal was. It was a great experience.


Most of us agreed that we could stay in Hospital Cover for hours....but the weather was taking it's toll on the majority of us. We were now closer to the Gulf and the wind was coming down the river pretty strong. This made the 45 degree air feel even cooler. So, we had to say goodbye to the creatures of the cove and head around the corner to the take out location, Rogers Park.

This was the best paddling I have done in Florida so far, and honestly, it will be hard to beat it. After taking two trips to the coast and not seeing much, this was a great change of pace! This was what I was thinking Florida paddling would be like, and I was very happy to experience it

Howard Park To Sting Ray Cove (Florida)

I got the loner out for another trip the other day. This time, I wanted to try my skills at some Florida deep water. I found Howard Park on the Gulf coast and planned to paddle north to the mouth of the river that runs to Tarpon Springs. It was about a 6 mile paddle round trip. Howard park is an awesome park with a lot of palms and ferns. The beach that I launched from was actually an island that was connected to land via a long bridge. It looked like it would get me out far enough and then the paddle north to the mouth was about 2 miles.

On the beach, looking north, the open water looked pretty intimidating. This was going to be the longest, open water cross that I have done so far in paddling. I dropped in and started into the wind across the bay. The ground never dropped out from underneath me. I could have WALKED to the other side of the bay. It was about 2 feet deep the whole way.

The scenery in this section was standard issue shoreline for the area. A lot of Mangrove trees and birds. It was very quite in this area too. The headwind made the paddle up to the mouth pretty difficult. I had to keep paddling, otherwise, I would start floating backwards. 2 miles of hard paddling into the wind was not the most enjoyable, but it paid off once I got behind the breaker islands. The water was still about 2 feet deep, but the wind was dead. I hung out in this section, just south of the mouth, and took in the scenery. I was also welcomed by a good size fish that jumped out of the water about 20 feet off my bow.

As I came around the back side of the last little island, I saw the channel leading into the river. I also saw the current. The water behind the islands was not moving at all, and the windy water that was in the channel......was moving good! Now THIS was getting intimidating. I am in a kayak that is on the fence of being out of it's elements. This is more of an inland waterway kayak, and I was out in some choppy water. Once I got into the channel, I was back to relaxing. That was until I was reminded what I was sharing the channel with.

The tour boats and fishing vessels that use this channel were huge compared to the lil boat I was in. I really got a good idea on how small I was out there. Although I had no idea how deep it was in this area, I could feel it. And just when I was about to bail into a smaller section of water.....3 dolphins came up for air right in front of the kayak. They were headed out as I was headed in, so I only saw them for that split second. It was well worth everything I went through on this trip.

I went down the channel for about a mile, then ducked around the backside of some islands and headed back out to the Gulf. The paddling on the backside of these islands was pretty nice and easy. There was some huge homes to look at and some nice little beaches.

There was one point as I exited back into the gulf that I got a little concerned on where I was. Everything looked different. I wasn't too worried, because I knew if I kept land on my left and water on my right.... I would find the car eventually.

Caladesi Island

Well, I was able to sneak out of the cold weather up north and head to Florida for 2 weeks. I was planning on bringing the ol' fiberglass canoe with me, but I was told that I had a loaner kayak waiting for me. I could not argue with that! The loaner is a 12 foot Pungo made by Wilderness Systems. I took it out for the first time and spent a little over 4 hours in it. It is a comfy boat.

I dropped in off the Dunedin Causeway and headed south to Caladesi Island. I noticed VERY quickly that the tide was out.....WAY out. I cut across a channel and ran aground immediately. I did get the attention of some birds while I made the walk across the sandbar, though.

Once I got to deeper water, by deeper I mean water that was deep enough for the boat and myself to actually FLOAT, I was able to scoot along pretty well. I was hundreds of feet from shore and I was still in water that was just over a foot deep. I was really shocked at how shallow it was so far from shore. I found the channel into Caladesi and took a slow paddle in to the docks on the island.



On the trip down past Caladesi, the water was too low to explore the other little channels in the area. I continued south and hoped that the tide would come back in as I came back North on the return trip. I headed out into deeper water in the hopes that I would see some marine life and to hang around the few islands in the area.

The water was very calm in this section. I was in water that was pretty deep for me, but not deep enough for motor boat traffic, so I was pretty alone in this section. Plus, the temp was about 55 degrees and the water was about 50...so the locals were playing the "it's too cold" card..lol. I didn't see any marine life, but I did see a lot of birds. They entertained me while I was out there. I stopped paddling and just let the current take me for a few minutes and I had seagulls dropping into the water for fish about 10 feet off my bow. It scared the crap out of me when the first bird hit the water right off my stern but after that, it was pretty awesome.

I made it down to the back side of Clearwater Beach. The trip was about a 7 mile round trip loop. It really was a pleasurable trip other than the wind. When I was headed back north, there was a pretty good head wind. Luckily, the tide came up a little and I was able to duck into Caladesi for a little break. I was also able to hang around in the channels in there. It was really cool to see the Mangrove trees up close. Again, there were all types of birds to watch in this area too.

After I left the main channel from Caladesi, I had about a mile and a half paddle to the causeway. It was not enjoyable with that headwind. I was getting cold from getting splashed then, with the wind, it REALLY got chilly. I think the worst part of the trip was from the tip of Caladesi to the causeway. There is a channel that goes out to the Gulf and the wind was just whipping through that area. The waves were hitting the side of the kayak and I got pretty wet with each hit.

All in all, it was a great time and it was nice to get out. For future paddles in this area, I would look at a tides chart and make sure you hit it when the tide is in. You will see so much more and it will be a lot more enjoyable. Also, watch the weather down here....it changes fast.

My next scheduled trip is to Weeki Wachee Springs to, hopefully, see some Manatees and Gators!

Paddle to Seattle

If you are a paddler and have not seen Paddle to Seattle, you are missing out. These two guys, JJ Kelley and Josh Thomas, paddle their wooden Pygmy kayaks from Alaska to Seattle via the Inside Passage. Even if you are not into kayaking, the story, adventure, and scenery that is in the film is worth the watch!

JJ and Josh spend over 3 months traveling the 1300+ miles of mostly uninhabited nature. They come across brown bears, illness, poor weather, interesting locals, and surprising sea life along the way.

I love the way that they shot this film. It feels like you are making the trek with them. You feel the solitude, the sense of accomplishment, and just the overall fun of this adventure! If you have ever dreamed of dropping everything and hitting the water, this is the film for you.

PBS is streaming the entire film on their website until January. If you have the time, here is the embedded video. Check it out! For those of you that do not have an hour and a half right now, watch the first 30 seconds for the preview.

Watch the full episode. See more Reel NW.

Season Ending???

Well, I got word from a friend on the river that the ice is coming in.... So does that mean it is the end of the season? It looks like it might be, at least locally. I am not planning on staying off the water ALL winter though. I have a trip booked to Florida at the end of December and I will find a way out on the water down there! But will it be the same as paddling on the "home" river?

I think the change will be nice! Palm trees and ferns, rather than evergreens and overgrowth. From what I can tell, the water will be clearer down there.... depending on where I am at of course. I think I am most excited in finding a kayak down there to use for the couple weeks I will be there. I have a friend of a friend that has told me that he has a canoe and kayak that I have access to if I want. I may also check out craigslist. See if I can't find a keeper.

So, although the river and lakes up here are headed into hibernation, that doesn't mean that we as paddlers are done. The addiction is still burning in there and we will find a place to paddle. I may just sit on a stool in the living room, watching the National Geographic channel with a paddle in my hands..... I think that will quench it a bit.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend doesn't sound like a perfect time to get out on the water, but with a high of 45 and barely any wind, it was a great day to be out. I took the canoe down to Voyager Landing in Elgin, Illinois. The ramp is almost right under the I-90 overpass. I like to head north from there.

This section of the river is still deep enough for motor boating traffic so, in the summer, it can get pretty rough. This time of year though is perfect. I was reminded that there was a lot of duck blinds in this section too. I thought I was pretty late in the season...but about 15 minutes into my paddle I heard the gunshots start up. It was a little unnerving hearing them so close. Luckily, they were coming from a wooded area on the other side of the river. It was still spooky to hear them so often, and so close. None of the blinds that I paddled past were occupied.

The wind in this section can change during the day. I was out for about 2 hours and the water was very calm as I headed north. There was a breeze coming from the South, but once I got around the first corner, the water turned to glass.

About a mile north of Voyager Landing is South End Park. Before you get to this little park, there is a nice size island that splits the river. If you hug the left side of this island, the river dips to about 1.5 feet to 3 feet deep. There is a section that gets down to about 6 inches deep. I like to take this route north, then shoot down the other side of the island on the way back. The current through the east side of the river is very strong.

The river continues past South End Park and heads into downtown West Dundee. The river has a nice current to it in that section. It is tough, but it is worth the paddling. South End Park is where I like to turn around and catch the current back down the East side of the island and head back down river.

On this trip, when I got back to the wider section of the river, the wind had picked up. It was tough to keep the bow of my 16 foot canoe into the wind AND fight the waves that were coming at me. It was a tough paddle, but it was worth getting out there this late in the season.

Paddling, to Me, is......

Paddling, to me, is more than just getting out on the water. It is more than just enjoying the nice weather. It is an escape and an adventure. Whether it is a river that you have paddled 100 times before or a lake that you have never gotten out on, each time that boat slides off the bank, it is an adventure.

While paddling, you are in a parallel world. You see things in a different light. You could pass over a bridge every day during your commute to work, but when you pass under that same bridge in your canoe, it is a completely different structure. The world slows down when you are out for a paddle. You have the time to discover, to explore, and to open yourself to the environment around you. And this peacefulness is not just found in rural creeks and lakes.

I have paddled right through towns and watched cars cruise over me as I pass under bridges. You feel like you are watching an interactive movie. You are there, but you are not a part of that world. You are paddling. What is happening along the shores, on the bridges, and in the buildings you pass, does not pertain to you. You are just floating past.

The hypnotizing rhythm of paddling calm water is euphoric. The smoothness of the water, the calmness of the air. There are no worries out on that water. There is also something about paddling tight creeks and rivers that gets the blood pumping. The concentration of planning your path. The anticipation of the next turn. Riding the water as it carries you through mother nature.

Paddling, to me, is a lifestyle and an addiction. Once you dip the paddle, you never want it to stop.

Fox River Grove to Algonquin, IL

It was the 21st of November and the weather actually cooperated with a planned paddle trip! I hit the water in Fox River Grove, IL at about 7 am and the temp was about 45 degrees. The best part was THERE WAS NO WIND!! The plan was to head about 4.5 miles south to the dam in Algonquin, IL and back.


The weather could not have been better for a trip this time of year. It was overcast, but it added to the feel of the trip. About half way through the trip to the dam, the wind picked up...but it was actually a warm breeze!

There is a lot to see along this stretch of the Fox River. There is a nice mix of homes, forest, and waterfalls? Yea, the are not as large and impressive as some of the waterfalls you may have seen before, but they are pretty cool. I saw about 3 of them along this section. I also saw 4 deer near this little run off creek. They were quick to get back into the woods once they saw me.

After about 2 hours, I hit the half way point of the trip. This picture is of the Algonquin Dam (in the distance). This is one of the many dams on the Fox River and it is the end of the Fox Waterway Agency's jurisdiction. South of this dam, the river changes quickly. It is a lot shallower and more intimate.

On my way back to the put in, I veered off into a little channel. It is little channels like this that make the trip fun. You get to go places that you usually don't get to see. And you get to see things that most people may have NEVER seen!


LIKE A TINY VILLAGE!! That's right, this guy has a small town set up at his pier. I don't know if it is for the holidays or if it is something that he has out all the time. It caught me off guard for sure though. I didn't see it when I was headed into the channel, and I almost missed it on the way out. Luckily, it caught my attention and I was able to double back to take a closer look. I have never seen anything like it...lol

I didn't think I would see anyone else out at this time of year, but this guy was taking his old ChrisCraft for one last rip down the river. It was a beautiful boat. After he blew past, it was about time to watch for my take out point. I was back before I knew it. 4 hours out on the canoe was one of the longest solo trips that I have taken and I was glad I could sneak it in. If this happens to be the last trip of the year for me, I would be satisfied.

Miller River Front Park

Miller River Front park is located on the Fox River just north of the Miller rd. bridge. This section of the river is a high traffic area. I suggest hitting it during a week day or in the off season. There are a lot of homes and a couple businesses on the river and the water gets pretty choppy. I would say that this is not for the beginners.

This put in is located in a very quiet park. The few times that I have launched from here, there was no one else at the park. Bring your portage wheels, because there is a decent walk to the river. It isn't too bad of a walk and what makes it enjoyable is the heavy canopy.

The bank is a sand so it is super easy to launch. Once you are in, you can head north towards Mchenry, or south to the dam. You can see the dam in the distance so heading south is a pretty short trip. On this occasion, we headed north into downtown Mchenry.


Even with minimal boat traffic, the water can get pretty choppy. We stuck close to the shore and were right off the end of most piers. Once you get up around the corner and see rt 120, there is a small channel that gets you out of the hustle and bustle of the river. D's Marine is at the mouth of the channel. You can take the channel for about 15 minutes at a relaxed paddle before it taps out. Mchenry just gave this section a facelift so it is very pretty after you get past D's Marine. There is even a fountain int he middle of the channel that gives you the feeling that you made a wrong turn and ended up in a downtown fountain.

Caught in the Rain

This was a trip that we took up the Nippersink. The weather was PERFECT. We launched from Pioneer Landing and headed upstream. Once we got up past rt 31, into the prairie section of Glacial Park, the clouds started to get thicker. I wanted to get to the camping area of Glacial Park, but I did not know how far ahead it was. I got into the trap of thinking that it was right around the next bend. As we came around each bend, the clouds came in faster. Thunder started right to the north of us and that's when we realized we needed to get off the creek.

We had heavy trees ahead of us, but the creek zigzags so much in this portion, we could not tell if we were getting closer to them or not. I knew that we would not be able to get back to the last section of trees that we had past either. Just as it started to rain, we caught a nice little bank under some large trees.

Our smallest member had the right idea. She snagged a coat and hunkered down in the canoe.

Luckily, the storm did not last as long. It blew out of the area just as fast as it came in. The trip back to the take out was beautiful. Just as there is a calm before the storm, the calm after a storm is perfect.
This was a great experience. It had the right mixture of emotions. There was the relaxing paddle of the trip mixed with the excitement of trying to find coverage from the storm. While it was a great experience, we did learn a lesson.... always check the weather before a paddle!

An Overview of Nippersink Creek

You can't talk about paddling in Northern Illinois without talking about Nippersink Creek. This is 18 miles of beauty. The creek starts in the East at the North end of Wonder Lake. There is a dam at the lake, so the earliest you can get into the creek is at Keystone Landing. This is also the east end of Glacial Park.



The current is strong at Keystone Landing and paddling upstream to wonder lake is difficult. This is a common drop for the "tours" and locals that are out for a 'float down the creek'. From Keystone Landing to the bike trail overpass (about 5 miles) is all open prairie grass. The creek is pretty windy in this section and there is not much of a bank.

Once you pass under the bike overpass and rt 31, the creek changes.

It goes from calm prairie to tighter, woodsie scenery. There are a few sections from rt 31 to Pioneer Landing that have a strong current and tight turns. Pay attention and pick your route as you enter the turn. There are some surprises here and there that may catch you off guard. I paddle a 16 foot canoe and I have tapped many fallen tree limbs due to not being able to get out of a turn quick enough in this area.

Once you get past Pioneer Landing, there are some rapids that happen pretty quick. Pioneer landing is usually where many people pull out. The tours and locals get off the creek at this point. I went west of the landing, under the bridge and started to hear the rapids before I could see them. I usually put in at Pioneer and head upstream.

Hear is the closest that I made it to the rapids after Pioneer Landing.

Now, I have not yet made the trip from Pioneer Landing to Lyle C. Thomas Park. I have heard that there are barbed wire fences in this section. They are marked, but watch for them.

I have launched from Lyle C. and headed upstream about 3 miles. The current is strong in this area and mostly because the creek is very shallow in this section. There were a few parts that I was able to get out and walk upstream. This section is has some pretty cool scenery. The banks are very tall and wooded making you feel pretty tiny. There are some very cool fallen trees in these parts too.

It is about 4 miles from Lyle to the Canoe Base. The canoe base was revamped in 2010 and is very nice. The creek calms down and becomes pretty populated with homes between the canoe base and Pistakee lake. There is a lot to look at in this section too. It is no longer challenging, but the view is still great!

The Nippersink or "The Nip" as the locals call it, is a great place to get the canoe or kayak wet. If you live in the area and have not paddled on the Nip, you have no excuse! If you are not in the area, pick a day after the rainy season and make the trip out. It will be well worth it!

My Gear

It's all about the gear. If you don't have what you need, then the trip is a bust. Here is a video of the gear that I take with me each time I go out.

Northern Illinois Paddlers: Nauti Dog @ Mineola Bay

Meeting up with friends is great....especially when you can meet up with them in the middle of the Bay! This was shot out on Mineola Bay. I was out for a paddle and got word that some friends were out on their houseboat for a little sunset cruise. I also got word that one of them had taken their little 8ft speed boat out the the gathering. It was funny to see a speedboat tied to a canoe that was twice it's size!

It was a great time meeting up with a boat load of people out on the lake. I hung with them and watched the sunset but, in the back of my head was the thought, "I am about 5 miles from my put in....and it is going to be dark".

I was prepared though. This was the night of my first night paddle. I had a battery operated bow and stern light to keep me legal and visible. Once I left the party, I headed straight to shore and hugged it all the way back. It was very calm out this evening, which made it that much more relaxing.

Here is a shot of the Mineola Hotel at night on my way back to the launch..