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Highlights: Enjoy the expertise of local guides, and the variety of different wildlife and activities
Kayak at a leisurely pace, enjoy swimming, snorkeling, exploring, and wildlife viewing.
Experience Florida’s wildest and most pristine natural areas.
What's Included:
Lodging at the historic 1872 Denham Inn B&B
All meals
Kayak, kayaking gear
Total van support including airport pick up and drop off
2 Adventures in Florida guides
The Trip:
Each day we will begin with breakfast served in the dinning room at 8am. We then load up and travel to that days paddling location. We will make certain to explore all the nearby springs, swamps, Indian mounds, and Wildlife refuges. We take keeping everyone busy pretty seriously.
Itinerary:
Sunday:
Noon pick up at Orlando International Airport. Folks driving in will be sent a map and direction to the lodge. We will then make our way 4 hours north to our lodge stopping on the way for lunch (not covered in the trip price).
Once we settle in and introductions have been made we will tour the park and spring.
Monday:
After a wonderful breakfast our group will head to the Wacissa River. At the springhead instruction will be given on the fundamentals of kayaking. Soon after we will float down one of the states most pristine waterways. Expect a stop for a swim in Big Blue Springs. The more adventurous can snorkel through the swamp.
Wacissa River
The Wacissa River is a clear, spring fed river that originates in Jefferson County and flows 20 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. The 12 known springs are located in the upper 1.5 miles of the river. The river winds through swamps and marshes. A little ways past Goose Pasture is the Slave Canal. This canal was dug more than 170 years ago to transport cotton to the Gulf. In most people’s opinion, this is Florida’s premier wild river.
Tuesday:
Wakulla River
The source of the Wakulla River is Wakulla Springs. Because of the karst topography, the eastern part of Wakulla is filled with freshwater springs, and circular groundwater fed ponds and sinkholes. Early inhabitants dubbed the springs, "strange and mysterious waters," an accurate name because in some locations spring waters appears somewhat magically from the ground, runs downstream for several yards, and disappears mysteriously below the surface once again. Of the many beautiful clear water springs in the region, the most famous is Wakulla Springs.
Wakulla Springs is one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. The Spring flows up and out from an underground river at a rate of over 400,000 gallons per minute. Even at its deepest point of 185 feet, objects are sometimes visible near the bottom. As the spring water flows over land it forms the equally clear Wakulla River.
Wednesday:
Sopchoppy River
The Sopchoppy River originates in the wetlands of the Apalachicola National Forest west of Crawfordville in Wakulla County and runs 47 miles to the Ochlockonee River. 60% of the blackwater river runs in the National Forest and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. It winds through dense forest, passes high sandy bluffs and limestone outcrops, and flows around white sandbars. The Florida National Scenic Trail follows the river for five miles between Oak Park Bridge and Bradwell Bay Wilderness Area.
On past trips people always comment about how remote and wild this river feels. In addition they say it seems as if they were the first to ever paddle the river. Our group can expect to encounter the famous tupelo in full blooming splendor. The contrast of a huge white blooming canopy with flat blackwater is incredible.
Thursday:
Aucilla River
The Aucilla River is approximately 69 miles long. This blackwater river originates in Brooks County, Georgia. It forms a natural boundary between Jefferson, Madison, and Taylor Counties. The upper stretch of the Aucilla River does not have a defined channel, but south of the half way point, the channel becomes well-defined.
We will be paddling the middle-section which is considered the most scenic and offers the most exciting shoals and small rapids, not something common in swamps and slough fed rivers. Most of our paddling today will be on slow moving blackwater that weaves its way through ancient stands of cypress, sweet bays, magnolia, and long leaf pine. At eye level on the river banks brown eyed susans, astor, tick seed, and wild azalea are in full bloom. Expect to see otter, beaver, alligators, and if we are lucky a Florida black bear.
Friday:
St. Marks River
The St. Marks River originates in the hardwood and cypress river swamps of the Red Hills area and flows 35 miles to the Apalachee Bay. The St. Marks River disappears underground at the historic site of Natural Bridge in Leon County and resurfaces a short distance south of the St. Marks Spring in Wakulla County. The St. Marks River joins the Wakulla River north of the bay at the San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park.
After our time on the river we will make our way to St. Marks NWR. This is the home of abundant wildlife especially birds. Last year our group spotted two bobcats, four whoping cranes, red cockaded woodpeckers, and numerous species of snakes. Wildflower lovers won’t be disappointed because the deeper sloughs and ditches are filled with blooming irises, swamp lilies, arrow head, and coreopsis. The days highlight will most likely be the gulf sunset viewed from the lighthouse.
Saturday:
By now most everyone will be in the routine of waking up, grabbing a cup of coffee and taking a walk around town or the nearby wildlife sancuary, Being our last day together take a little bit longer to let it all soak in, it’s been a long activity packed week. Our last breakfast together will be at the café in the lodge. It’s a four hour drive back to the Orlando Airport so we should all be ready to leave the lodge by 9 am. The leader suggests booking all flights after 5pm.
Additional Paddles and Locations we will visit if time allows:
Lake Miccosukee- Beautiful swamp/lake that is teaming with wildflowers and birds. A perfect paddle at sunrise, sunset, or moon rise.
Letchworth-Love Archaeological Mounds
North-Florida Wildlife Center
Getting There:
Participants are encouraged to fly into Orlando International Airport. Folks wanting to drive will be sent driving directions upon acceptance on the trip.
Accommodations and Food:
The 1872 Denham Inn was originally built by John Denham in 1872. A beautiful example of Italianate architecture, the building has been restored to it's original elegance and is listed on the National Historic Register.
The inn is located in the historic district four blocks from the center of the antebellum town of Monticello, Florida, with its friendly shops and home grown restaurants. You can also take a self guided walking or driving tour of Monticello or enjoy a weekend performance at the Monticello Opera House. If you'd prefer to hang around the inn, you can simply sit back on our spacious front porch or veranda and listen to the fountain and variety of birds.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 1872 Denham Inn For a quiet and relaxing stay, rooms have no televisions. Rooms are double occupancy and have either a king bed or two queens.
Meals are made fresh on-site and served in the dinning room. Participants can expect shrimp and grits, crawfish étouffée, and fresh Cuban roast pork. People with dietary restrictions should call the trip leader to discuss their options.
Lunches will be picnic style every day on the water.
https://www.johndenhamhouse.com/
Trip Difficulty:
This trip is appropriate for all levels of paddlers. There will be time for instruction each day for those who request it. Even though we will be on the water most of the day only 4-5 hours will be spent paddling. While on the rivers there will be time for breaks, swims, wildlife viewing. hikes, and general fooling around. For those who need a rest day or part of a day, there is a host of activities available at the Inn.
To reserve Call 407 924-3375
or send a $450. deposit check to:
Adventures in Florida
875 Pioneer Way
Geneva, FL 32732
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1872 Denham Inn, 555 W Palmer Mill Rd,Monticello,FL,United States
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