In search of Manatees in Florida’s Spring Fed Rivers!!

This will be a very full weekend paddling at least three spring-fed rivers in Florida’s Beautiful Ocala Area and nearby. We hope to encounter some manatees along the way, but without a doubt will see lots of wildlife and gorgeous scenery.

3-4 Spring-Fed River Runs to Paddle: Juniper Creek, Silver Springs, and either the Rainbow River, or possibly the Santa Fe.  3 Nights accomodation in an Air BNB rental near Ocala. Meals will be coordinated closer to the event.

This is a BYOB event, so you must have, or borrow, a boat to participate. No dogs allowed, since we are renting a house. The house may have some kayaks available for use. Otherwise, we will be taking our boats with us to each paddle.

The House:

Payment is due within 7 days of sign up or you will be moved to the waitlist due to paying for the rental in advance.

We're renting an Air BNB house. This is a gorgeous location and the house has beds for everyone. It also has full kitchen facilities and a nice outdoor space, so we can cook group meals or people can bring their own food if they have special dietary requirements.

There is plenty of sleeping space, please be prepared to be flexible if you join us. We will do our best to accomodate couples/friends in in shared beds but cannot make guarantees. You may also have to share space with members of the opposite sex, though not beds.

Paddles:

Saturday: We will begin with a paddle down Juniper Creek. We will be getting up early to head over there, especially since all boats must launch prior to 11:30 am.  A shuttle will be set, then we launch from the park. 

This is an approximately 3.5 to 4 hour, 7 mile paddle downstream. It is a lush, subtropical environment that is among the most beautiful that I have ever paddled. Clear water, sandy bottoms, lush foliage. Occasionally deer and usually a gator or two, as well as many birds can be seen. 

Sunday: We will be heading southwest, to Dunellon, FL to paddle the Rainbow River, which is gorgeous and crystal clear. This is a six mile paddle downriver to where it meets the Withlacoochee River. A designated Outstanding Florida Waterway, the entire river was named as a Registered National Landmark in 1972.

Monday: We will go paddling on the Silver Spring river. This is a crystal clear, deep blue river with a mild current, making it ideal for exploring. It's also where we've seen the most manatees, and other wildlife, in past years. We will start at the springs and paddle downriver to the take out, about five miles total. We will then head back to Atlanta. If anyone is too tired, or needs to get back to Atlanta earlier, they can skip this paddle.

Other Activities:

In addition to the paddles, we will be exploring some local springs near our house, and probably go swimming in at least one or two of them, such as Alexander Springs or Salt Springs. On Sunday, we may visit Homosassa Springs after our paddle on the Rainbow River. They have an underwater glass viewing area, plus lots of local Florida wildlife to see. 

Note:

We will  paddle rain or shine. Paddling may be postponed in the event of lightning. If a paddle is cancelled one day due to weather, we'll make it up before or after a paddle on another day or find alternate activities in place of the paddle. We reserve the right to switch rivers/days due to water levels, as needed, but will always be sure to paddle on a spring-fed river (there are many: Silver Springs, Santa Fe, Itchetucknee, Withlacoohee, etc.). The only river that may need to be switched out due to water level would be Juniper Spring, as it is very shallow.

We encourage attendees to carpool if possible, given probably limited parking at the rental house. Please feel free to reach out to one another and keep us posted on your plans.

We encourage attendees to carpool if possible, given probably limited parking at the rental house. Please feel free to reach out to one another and keep us posted on your plans, Aaron will be leaving at 10am on the Friday and can take up to 3 people. It is approximately a 6 1/2 drive to Ocala.

The Trip Leader(s) for this event has (have) elected either to personally collect the funds that event participants are required to pay, or to require participants to pay funds directly to a third party. No funds will be paid to the Atlanta Outdoor Club for this event. Therefore, by registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: (1) the monies paid by registrants will not be monitored, managed, or otherwise accounted for by the Atlanta Outdoor Club; (2) that the Atlanta Outdoor Club bears no financial responsibility for this event; and (3) you waive any and all claims against the Atlanta Outdoor Club, and hold the Atlanta Outdoor Club harmless for the loss of any monies you paid for this event.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any paying registrant may request directly from the Trip Leader, prior to the event, a breakdown of funds collected, estimated expenses, and deposits made in anticipation of the event. Following the event, the Trip Leader must complete his or her financial accounting for the event, with supporting documentation, within 30 days of the completion of the event, and a paid registrant may request a breakdown of funds collected, money spent and supporting documentation after that time. If you are unable to obtain requested documentation, please contact the Director of Paid Events.

3 nights accomodation in a rental house. Breakfast and Lunch food, purchased from local grocery store. Payment info will sent to indviduals after signup. $10 donation to the AOC. 

Payment is due within 7 days of sign up or you will be moved to the waitlist.

If you cancel after the payment cutoff date of November 5th there will be NO REFUNDS unless someone replaces you and pays in full, then you will receive a full refund less a $10 administrative fee.