13.5 miles of fun!
START THE NEW YEAR ON THE OKLAWAHA WITH A GREAT PADDLE
WORKOUT!!
As part of the massive work programs of the 1930's; the Ocklawaha River was chosen for a huge barge canal,(The Cross Florida Barge Canal) connecting the east and west coasts of Florida.
Thankfully due to lack of funding and EPA warnings over the years, the massive project was cancelled. Unfortunately some parts of the beautiful Ocklawaha River are forever altered.
Thankfully due to lack of funding and EPA warnings over the years, the massive project was cancelled. Unfortunately some parts of the beautiful Ocklawaha River are forever altered.
We are left with some locks and dams along withcanals. We will be paddling through some of this altering of the Outstanding Ocklawaha. Meet at Moss Bluff Lock and Dam SOUTH; where we will launch from the park area and paddle to lock/dam. We'll enter the lock and while sitting in our kayaks the water level will drop to normal river level, the lock will open and we will begin our 13.5 mile downstream paddle to Ray Wayside and takeout. On the first 6.5 miles, we will paddle on a man made canal that is cleared on the left but has a nice scenic forest on the right. There is a picnic area along the way on this part, where we can stop to eat lunch and relax. Admittingly this section is not the most scenic of the trip; but the next 8 miles makes up for it with awe inspiring towering Cypress trees bordering both banks. The final part of our journey leads us where the Silver and Ock meet, where the water begins to become clear and we can see some springs and aquatic plant life swaying underneath our kayaks.We then enter the short canal that leads to Ray Wayside and takeout.
$5.00 fee to park at Ray Wayside, Or pay $5.00 fee at Moss Bluff, pay only at place where you will park vehicle.
From SR40 driving from the EAST, turn left at CR314A, approx 7miles, right at CR464C, entrance to Moss Bluff SOUTH is over bridge. Moss Bluff NORTH is before bridge, do not go there, that puts you after the lock, SOUTH is where we put in to enter the lock.
**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A 13.5 MILE DOWNSTREAM PADDLE** NOT ADVISED FOR ANYONE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THIS DISTANCE. This is a great fall/winter paddle, a good workout.
Bring your lunch and plenty to drink, dress accordingly.
PFD/WHISTLE IS THE LAW AND IS ALWAYS ENCOURAGED TO BE WORN.
PLEASE ONLY RSVP IF ATTENDING/RSVP NOT ATTENDING IS NOT NECESSARY
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