Wed, Jun 3 2015 - A Trip to Paradise: Paddle 4 Spring-Fed Rivers in Beautiful Ocala Florida Area (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Bobby Marie, Jerry K Participants: Jerry K, Bobby Marie, CMT, Heidi W., Thomas W., Jason Norsworthy, Camille J, Phyllis Melton, Jamie C, Dirk, Jon C, Peggy, Allston, Karen Hill, Mary Madden, Debbie H, Sharon H, Lee Ann, Marty, Lynn, Jane Z, Shawn Z, CB Genrich, Jason N

From Wednesday until Sunday the weather held in mostly sunny except for about 30 minutes on the Silver River on Friday afternoon.

On Thursday, we experienced the beautiful tight stream of the Juniper Springs and Juniper Creek over to the Silver River. On Friday, some of the group had a 5 mile upstream paddle to the head springs of Silver Springs. Another Group went to the head springs and had a wondrous time on the King Trail and back to the head to meet up with the upstreamers. The crystal clear waters and the monkeys were the highlights of the visit. We all then went 5 miles down to Ray Wayside Park for the take-out.

On Saturday, we regained the river at Ray Wayside and went 9 miles or so on the Oklawaha River to a nice secluded takeout at Gore's Landing Park.

The group stayed at Juniper Springs Recreation area and had a dinner cooked by the co-leaders and short hikes around and a swim in the Spring Pool after the paddling on the river.  

The Bears, the Bears, they were on everyone's mind as the camp staff would not let us forget! We saw Big Daddy the 12 foot patriarch of the gators in the area, lots of wildlife, pesky raccoons and birds galore.

About 6 hours from Atlanta with a few stops, the Ocala area has much to offer. If you plan a camp in the area, be clear as to the bear protection requirements of the camp you choose.

What a great group, some new, some "experienced". It is a good place to go on the boats. Like paddling in a movie or a magazine article. It's that good!

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