Day 2: Weeki Wachee Springs to Bayport Park

    Weeki Wachee

Weeki Wachee Springs is a first magnitude spring discharging 64 million gallons of crystal clear water a day. Along the journey down the river we will probably encounter many types of wildlife including; manatee,gators,raccoons,otters and numerous waterfowl. The first four miles of this trip retains its wild, pristine undeveloped character, which is quite beautiful with the last three miles having succumbed to human development.

This historic and world-renowned tourist attraction features Weeki Wachee Spring, one of Florida's thirty-three first magnitude springs. The spring, plus a second-magnitude spring in the park and several smaller springs outside the park, combine to form the seven mile long crystal clear Weeki Wachee River.

The spring's average discharge is 112 million gallons a day. The sandy bottomed spring pool is large, at 165' by 210' but the vent is a small 20' by 3' opening through exposed limestone rock at a depth of 185'. The force of the discharge is too strong for safe entry except during drought conditions. Divers report that the cave has a room-like tunnel that is 55'wide,28'high and 220'long. They have been able to map and explore over 6,700' of deep passages and report one pit to be just over 400'deep, the deepest recorded in the United States.

http://floridastateparks.org/weekiwachee

 From Orlando

From Orlando take Rt 50 west to US 19. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is at the corner of Rt 50 and US 19. The entrance to PADDLING ADVENTURES is located at the rear of the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park parking lot off US 19.

Kayak rentals available at park; call: 352-597-8484 for prices.

We will putin at outfitters next to attraction and paddle downstream approx 9-10 miles to takeout at Bayport Park Park.

$6.50 fee to launch from outfitters.

Bring lunch,plenty to drink,googles and water cannon.

Weeki Wachee address:  6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill 34607

Bayport Park address:    4140 Cortez Blvd, Spring Hill   34607

 Hernando County's Bayport Park 4140 Cortez Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34607  
OPEN 24/7
Newly renovated and expanded Bayport Park sits on the Gulf of Mexico at the end of State Road 50 west. Includes picnic tables, pavilions, barbecue grills, fishing pier and two boat ramps. Formerly just 1.5 acres the park now boasts 7 acres with a new Boardwalk with panoramic views, an overhauled boat ramp and additional parking for cars and boat trailers. 

We will run our own buddy-shuttle, be prepared to carry 2 boats on your vehicle.

*Vehicles left at W.W.Park must park out front, in attraction parking lot; outfitter locks gate at 3pm.

 PLEASE RSVP IF ONLY ATTENDING/ RSVP-NOT ATTENDING isn't necessary

 As there are never any meetup dues/fees or money charged by organizers/hosts on trips with Peter b and/or John B, there is no assumption of risk or liability by said hosts. Attendance at any event with said hosts, or any function is your agreement that it is at your own risk, and that you have been duly informed; any guests or others with you; that it is at their own risk. We will assume no responsibility for any untoward occurences.
As with all of our paddles, we are not guides and we are not instructors. We are a group of kayaking enthusiasts out for a good time. We help each other, learn from each and enjoy the privilege of being. By participating in any of our paddles you assume all risks and responsibilities for your personal health and safety and for your equipment. It is important for everyone that each participant be prepared for the trip. Please use your discretion and best judgment when joining a trip. Be sure you are up to the paddle; physically, mentally and that your equipment is appropriate for the intended trip. Know and respect your limits. Be safe, act responsibly and you will certainly enjoy another fantastic paddle. 

PADDLE ON!  John B & Gigi B This is a "Gigi approved trip" with lots of time for  frolicking in the water.