Last weekend we finally made it to one of the places we have been wishing to paddle for some time - the Silver River. We were afraid that it might be too chilly, but it turned out to be a beautiful weather day. We launched the canoe from Rays Wayside Park off Highway 40 in Ocala. This is a county-owned park, and the $5.00 entrance fee per car is well worth it. The launch facilities for motor boats and canoes/kayaks are in good shape, there is ample parking, and they have restroom facilities and picnic areas.
We had visited Silver Springs a few years ago and did the glass bottom boat tours, etc. - we had both visited as children as well. Paddling the river is a whole different perspective. From Rays Wayside, it is a 10 mile round trip paddle to the Springs and back, with a fairly steady 3 mile per hour current. While you can hear road noise, etc. for much of the trip, this river is still one of the most beautiful that we have experienced. Most of the trip is through state park land. You are not allowed to land your boat anywhere along the river except for one spot at the state park canoe launch, and there is no fishing allowed along the river. Motor boats are required to maintain idle speed for the entire length of the river, which is good for the paddlers.
The water is crystal clear not only at the Springs, but for the whole river. We were amazed that right after launching we could stop and watch fish and turtles swimming. I was also surprised that the river is relatively deep compared to other rivers we have paddled in Central Florida. Within a couple miles of the launch, we spotted the Rhesus monkeys. There were about 15-20 of them, and were actually on both sides of the river at the same spot. We actually came a lot closer to them than we intended, and had to back up a bit to be on the safe side. They were great fun to watch. It's amazing that the small group of monkeys that were originally places on a island at the Springs in the 1930's has multiplied and been allowed to grow wild in the park - this alone makes this river and park unique in Florida. We continued paddling to the Springs, passing a multitude of turtles, alligators, and many species of birds along the way. After turning around at the head of the Springs, we pulled over in a small cove and had a picnic lunch (in the canoe - you are not allowed to land your boat). While eating we enjoyed watching several types of fish swim under the canoe, including some fairly large Gar.
The paddle back to the launch site seemed almost like a reward for the work it took to reach the Springs. We took our time and basically drifted back, stopping briefly at the state park launch site. We were on the water a total of 5 1/2 hours, and it was definitely worth the trip!
Here are a few pictures taken along the river:
Rhesus monkey - almost too close!
Now that just can't be comfortable!
Some of the many turtles and birds seen along the way.
Anhinga drying wings behind a cypress.
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