A Trip to Paradise: Paddle 4 Spring-Fed Rivers in Beautiful Ocala Florida Area | |||||||
| The Basics: | |||||||
| Event Type: |  | Water | | ||||
| Event Location: | |
Ocala FL
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| Date(s) & Time: | | Wed, Jun 3 2015 2:00 pm >> Sun, Jun 7 2015 2:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 8:30 am *log in for location*) | | ||||
| Registration Opens: | | Sun, Jan 11 2015 8:00 pm | | ||||
| Registration Cut Off: | | Fri, May 1 2015 6:15 pm | | ||||
| Event Duration: | | 5 Days | | ||||
| Difficulty Rating: | | D3: Moderate | | ||||
| Distance: | | 36 Miles | | ||||
| Pace: | | Moderate | | ||||
| Trip Leader(s): | | Jerry K Bobby Marie  Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information. | | ||||
| Member Cost: | | $85.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below) | |||||
| Participant Info: | |||||||
| Who's Invited: | | Members Only, 21 And Older Only | | ||||
| Maximum Group Size: | | 10 | |||||
| Minimum Group Size: | | 6 | |||||
| Number Registered So Far: | | 24 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area) | |||||
| Are Dogs Permitted: | | No | |||||
| Itinerary: | |||||||
Imagine a 4 Night stay at Juniper Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest in Central Florida and paddling 4 Crystal Clear Spring-Fed Rivers, hiking, and other activities in Florida’s Beautiful Ocala Area. Now imagine sharing this with a great group of fun-loving people. Now that you’re chomping at the bit, we’re here to tell you this can be your reality! 4 Spring-Fed River Runs to Paddle: Juniper Creek, Silver Springs River, Ocklawaha River, and Withlacoochee or Rainbow River. 4 Nights camping and dining at Juniper Springs State Park. 3 Group evening Meals and 3 Paddling Lunches for on the river. Evening meals for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will be provided. Lunches on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (PB&J sandwiches, fruit and trail mix) will be provided. All participants are encouraged to bring snacks to share and anything they may want outside of the provided menu.
Camping: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: At Juniper Springs Recreation Area (http://www.juniper-springs.com/) . Juniper Springs has a nice campground with restrooms and showers. Hiking, swimming in the springs pool, a concession stand, and canoe rentals are all available. On Wednesday, we will be setting up camp in 5 separate camp sites. The campground allows 2 tents per site, with a maximum of 2 vehicles and 5 persons each site. Paddles: Thursday: We will begin with an early paddle down Juniper Creek, which begins at the springs in the campground. 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 possibly a gator or two, as well as many birds can be seen. Canoe rentals are available at the concession stand. The canoes hold 2-4 people. Pricing can be found here: (http://www.juniper-springs.com/) Friday: Drive a short distance away to Ray Wayside Park where those who have their own boats will launch on the Silver River (the same river Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac sing about). There is no shuttle on this run. We will launch from Ray Wayside Park ($4 parking fee per vehicle). We will paddle approximately 5 miles upstream to the spring’s headwater through a subtropical environment where we will undoubtedly see many different species of birds and monkeys! Once we reach the springs we’ll paddle the area, meet up with any renters, then paddle downstream back to the launch. There are 3 troops of Reese Monkeys that live along the edge of this river and are often out playing along the banks! Persons wishing to rent boats, that day, can do so at the Head Springs or Silver Springs State Park and paddle one-way to the Wayside Park. (http://www.floridastateparks.org/silversprings/activities.cfm#16)
Saturday: We will set up a shuttle, launch at Ray Wayside Park and take out at Gores Landing ($5 per vehicle fees). We will paddle the Ocklawaha River downstream for approximately 4 hrs. going 12 miles. The Ocklawaha is an extension of the Silver River which we paddled the day before, and boasts the same flora and fauna, with generally more turtles and more of a chance of a gator sighting on this section as well as 1 troop of monkeys. There are no kayak rentals on this section of the river. Those without personal boats can enjoy the campground, take a local area hike or go shopping, mountain biking, swimming, or run Juniper Creek again.
Sunday: We will break camp and travel 30 minutes, set up a shuttle and paddle approximately 9 miles, 3.5-4 hrs. on the Withlacoochee River near the Rainbow River. At the end of the paddle we will collect all vehicles and travel back to Atlanta. Kayak rentals are available at this river, and all paddlers can launch and take out at the same area, with those renting starting out at the rental facility and being shuttled to the launch by the outfitter. ** Those who can’t get enough have the option of paddling other nearby waterways or even do the Juniper run after one of the day paddles. It’s that good!
***It is HIGHLY recommended that you beg, borrow, or rent your own canoe or kayak before the trip. Local rentals in Florida are available for most days, but the price adds up and creates a more complicated scenario for all. Please contact trip leaders for assistance in securing a boat if so desired. We will camp and paddle rain or shine. Paddling may be postponed in the event 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. | |||||||
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| How to Get There: | |||||||
| Event Directions: | | Juniper Springs Recreation Area: (380mi each way) 26695 E. Highway 40, Silver Springs, Florida, 34488 (352)-625-3147 I-75 S to exit 358 in Florida, take ramp right and follow signs for Florida SR-326 0.5 mi
Ray Wayside Park: 9560 NE 28th Lane Silver Springs, FL 34488 Gores Landing: 13750 Northeast 98th Street Fort McCoy, FL 32134 KP Hole Park: 9435 SW 190th Avenue Road Dunnellon, FL 34432 | | ||||
| Carpool to Event Distance (round trip): | | 750Mile(s) | |||||
| Carpool Departure Time: | | 8:30 am | |||||
| Carpool Location: | | Log in for location | |||||
| Carpool Directions: | | Log in for directions | |||||
| Carpool Cost: | | Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $300.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances. | |||||
| Notes: | |||||||
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Canoe and or kayak rentals are available at Juniper Creek, Silver River, and the Withlacoochee River. There may be local options for the Ocklawaha that I am not aware of. It is up to the individual to secure their own kayak rentals. There is a possibility that trip leaders can make arrangements for extra kayaks for the trip for 3-4 persons before we go. E-mail trip leaders if you’re interested in the trip and need a boat! Campsites are limited to 2 tents, 2 vehicles, and 5 persons per site. If people are willing to share tents or sleep in hammocks or cars, the trip could be opened to more than 10 participants. One site will be utilized as a “community site” and this will be available to anyone, should they not mind late night and early morning activities. We will not have to pay a fee to launch or park at Juniper as we are camping there, but we will have to pay a launch/entrance fee at other locations each day for the other paddles ($4 or $5). Please bring some cash to share the costs of these fees.
Menu: Wednesday night: Hot dogs roasted over an open fire and various picnic sides. Thursday: BBQ with various sides. Friday: Spaghetti with sauce, salad, and garlic bread. Saturday: Eat out at a local restaurant or leftovers at camp. I reccomend the Blackwater Inn. Daytona Beach is also a short drive away. Lunches: PB&J sandwiches, fruit, and trail mix. Thurs., Fri., Saturday. Beverages are NOT provided. Please bring your own drinks for the weekend.
Please “Think Green” ! Bring reusable plates and utensils Should you require a vegetarian meal or a special diet item, please contact us directly or feel free to bring your own items. Everyone is encouraged to bring food/beverage items to share!
Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC: - Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event. - Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid. - Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant. - No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event. - Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions. * We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events. | |||||||
| Cost & Payment: | |||||||
| Member Cost: | | $85.00/Person | |||||
| Cost Includes: | | 4 nights shared camping sites, Juniper Springs State Park Park entrance and Juniper Springs launch fees 3 evening meals Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights 3 lunches (PBJ, fruit, trail mix), Thursday, Friday and Saturday | |||||
| Payment Cut Off: | | Payment must be received by the AOC on Fri, May 1 2015. | |||||
| Make a Payment: | | Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW. | |||||
Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy. *Note: Partial attendance is fine, full amount must be paid if staying in campground. If you cancel on or before May 18, full payment is refundable less a $5 administrative fee. No refund after May 18 unless someone replaces you and pays in full, then you will receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee.
Event may be cancelled due to severe weather. | |||||||