Emerald World - I
13
Categories: Photo-Journal •July 28, 2008
Whoever did Kayak on a river will attest to serenity of that experience! Ours was no exception. Although the beginning was extremely frustrating. The Ramp at Witlacoochee River Park was a mess. Cans, bottles, wrappers strewn all over - no Trash Bins anywhere - it was a horrible sight. Having made our pledge to "Pick it up" - Tim and me took a big black plastic sack and took ten minutes to clean up the place as good as we could, filling the sack to the top. That out of the way - there is nothing negative left to report.
We came in early - morning mist still hanging in the meadows, the air was fresh and cool (what Floridian temperature measurements is concerned..;) ) Once entering the river, you stepped into an entirely different world. Generally still quite dark, the light you saw created an environment that took you in an ongoing state of awe. Brilliant, emerald greens of all shades against the dark water, which was perfectly still.
Not in any hurry we just let the kayak float, with only little paddling.
It was very quiet, the silence only interrupted by bird calls, the occasional lift-off of a bird that felt disturbed by our presence and always something to see. May it be the bizzare roots of trees, the awe inspiring colors - or the occasional Alligator flaoting in the river.
To be continued….
2:13 pm on July 28th, 2008
That’s scary! But I have to admit it sounds peaceful - silence is hard to find.
[Reply]
Klaus
Reply:
July 28th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Not scary at all. Regardless what predator we are talking about - 99% precent of all attacks on humans are the result of being stupid (on the side of the “victim”).
Alligators are smart - they don’t take on humans as prey, they will only go after you if you’re going after them. We were 3 ft away from a 10 footer - and all he did was dive away to the bottom, to re-appear 5 mins later, after we passed.
[Reply]
6:40 pm on July 28th, 2008
OH blah , was looking forward to your Part Two with kayak being hit by an alligator!! HAHA … love the atmosphere
Visit BirdAnonys last blog post..Going Under on http://birdanonymous.blogspot.com
[Reply]
7:55 pm on July 28th, 2008
Hmm..you had me thinking that this was going to be a peaceful kayak ride and then you showed the scary alligator! I would’ve tipped the kayak by now and running for my life! (With that said - nice photos!)
Visit Shelleys last blog post..Following mom on http://www.birdinginmichigan.blogspot.com
[Reply]
8:07 pm on July 28th, 2008
Aw, man! I was just settling into the kayak starting to get lost in the calm and quiet except for the birds…. and then you stopped! LOL! I’m in awe just looking at the pics. Can only imagine how much better it was in person. My hat’s off to you for taking the time to clean up the mess. It only takes a few to ruin it for everyone… and then someone wonderful like you comes along to fix it.
My fav so far is the 2nd pic because of the colors and the color of the kayak just sets it all off.
Visit 2sweetnsaxys last blog post..Some Summer Flowers on http://eyesmindheart.blogspot.com
[Reply]
10:53 pm on July 28th, 2008
Thank you so much for the good deed! I’m anxiously awaiting more pictures.
Must say that alligator would have scared me more than a little.
Visit annbb/TSannies last blog post..Silvermine… on http://thetombstonechronicler.blogspot.com
[Reply]
5:39 am on July 29th, 2008
Nag nag nag nag nag. That said, I am glad that we weren’t witness to an alligator attack. Dang nabbit! You took all the fun out of river kayaking for me. (pout)
ps. I will wave to you from the plane as I come in for a landing.
Visit Pats last blog post..I always wanted to do one of these… on http://Iwanttocomebackasmycat.blogspot.com
[Reply]
5:49 am on July 29th, 2008
Seems like a wonderful place to paddle, there’s nothing like being out on the water first thing in the morning. I can say I’ve never seen an alligator while in my kayak.
Visit John T.s last blog post..Evening Primrose… on http://mainenaturephotos.blogspot.com
[Reply]
7:04 am on July 29th, 2008
Klaus: What a great looking swamp, I am expecting so much to appear.
[Reply]
7:30 am on July 29th, 2008
You captured the stillness and serenity very well in that first shot in particular. Nice that you care enough to clean up other’s messes.
[Reply]
8:31 am on July 29th, 2008
that looks like a beautiful place to shot….great photos
Visit RICHARDs last blog post..Down by the river III… on http://hfd60.blogspot.com
[Reply]
2:07 pm on July 29th, 2008
No…sorry…this is where I wilt. You could not pay me any amount of money to get in a kayak where there are alligators. In fact the whole place looks scary! I’m a big sissy (though I don’t mind snakes…go figure)!
Visit Bird Girls last blog post..‘Birdgirl Blogger Bloopers’ starring…. on http://www.mybirdtales.blogspot.com
[Reply]
7:54 pm on July 29th, 2008
I bet it would be so cool to actually be floating in the water with the alligator gently swimming by!
Visit Lisa’s Chaoss last blog post..Giving away $100 (guess once each day) on http://lisaschaos.com
[Reply]