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Published: February 8th 2019
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blog 02-07-19
Wekiwa Springs to Flagler Beach
Got my toes in the sand, cold drink in my hand, Life is Good !
But I'm jumping ahead. Back at Wekiwa Springs Wednesday dawned with brilliant sunshine and temps promising to reach 80. We walked early in as much shade as I could find then after a brief rest I headed for the springs again this time to paddle down the Spring Run. I rented a kayak and was brave enough to bring my camera with me hoping to get some beautiful pictures.
They told me that the current would cause me to spend twice the time coming back as going down so with that in mind I headed out into the pool area then down the "run". The first thing that struck me was the clarity of the water. It was well over 6 ft deep but it looked only 1 ft. The plants on the bottom were bright green and flowing in the current looking almost like short kelp. I saw several fish some of them over a foot long but most were just minnow size. There were water birds all around, turtles sunning themselves on logs
and 2 alligators. I just floated down, steering occasionally and was struck by the peace and quiet of the "jungle" punctuated by the singing of songbirds. Just heavenly.
Then other boaters came along talking away, some with a radio playing music and the narrow channel got crowded. I hate sharing the world with other people. It was well worth the experience and I am glad that people like to experience nature.
Here is some information about the spring that I found interesting. This area was known as Clay Springs until 1906, when the name was changed to Wekiwa Springs. Forty-two million gallons of crystal clear water flow each day from Wekiwa Springs into Wekiwa Springs Run. The run joins with Rock Springs Run to form the beautiful upper Wekiva River. Creeks, later called Seminoles, are the most recent Native Americans to have lived here. Wekiwa means 'spring of water' and Wekiva means 'flowing water' in the Creek language. Recreational activities have always been a part of the area which had several structures near the Spring. The largest and most prominent structure was the bathhouse, where swimmers would change into their swimsuits. In an attempt to draw northerners to
the area and promote tourism, the springs were touted as medicinal waters that would cure an assortment of ailments. I sure felt better after my swim.
Back at camp Watson and I walked a little then a fellow camper came over for a glass of wine and some conversation. She was very interesting and gave me some advice about Big Bend and we compaired notes on camping and places we couldn't miss. It was a delightful evening.
Thursday morning I got up slowly and after our walk I began packing up camp for out trip to the coast. It's one of my favorite places to stay in FL, Flagler Beach. I have a site on the beach side and as I'm writing this the sound of the surf is starting to put me to sleep. More tomorrow.
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