Travel back with me to another time, back to where you can gaze upon the wilderness as it appeared, little changed, for the last thousand years.
Outdoorsy type or not this is a must see!
Imagine that you are traveling down a gentle waterway in the wake of the Native Americans that lived here before the white man came. Listen to the call of the wild. Do you hear the cry of the great blue heron, or perhaps the raucous squawk of some wandering bittern? Or how about the drumming of that ancestor of the ivory-bill, the pileated woodpecker?
Look over there, an otter, or perhaps our state's dragon, the alligator.
Be prepared, for you might see the occasional gray fox, bobcat or deer and if you are lucky and observe, you might see that old man of the forest, the black bear as he silently vanishes and you quietly propel your canoe downstream with the current.
You might wet a line and try your hand, or hook, at catching some of the massive bass that calls these waters home. If you do, please practice catch and release so someone else may share your thrill.
In places, you float over pure white sand in a foot of water as the foliage cascades down to the water's edge. These sandy spots are perfect for lounging and are ready-made for young and old alike.
By now I am sure you are wondering "what am I talking about?" Nothing other than that spot of Edenic beauty, Rock Springs Run, the upper portion of the wild and scenic Wekiva River.
Bob Loomis, the owner of Kings Landing, has created an enjoyable experience for all - young and old alike that must be seen to be fully appreciated, for words alone can't describe what he is doing for Central Florida.
Shake Bob's hand and commend him for a job well done.
To reach King’s Landing travel north on Rock Springs Road out of Apopka until you come to Kelly Park Road. Turn right onto Kelly Park Road, and then turn left onto Baptist Camp Road. Go past Rock Springs Park, about 3/4 of a mile to the end of the road and you are there.
The canoe hostlers will prepare your canoe and launch you on your way to adventure. Go downstream and follow the signs to the takeout just below the old "bridge to nowhere" and Loomis adventures will pick you up in their shuttle van and return you to your car.
Oh yes, be sure to bring a camera, sunscreen, and a lunch and be prepared for an adventure that will restore years to your life.
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Those pristine areas are getting harder to find everyday as man's unquenchable fire to build strip malls and apartments encroach on Mother Nature! I can see myself there with Daniel Boone waiting for the guy to come and collect our canoes so we don't have to paddle against the current and take us back to our cars! I'm sorry, we are explorers, to our SUV's! But all else aside my friend, I truly enjoy your description of flora and fauna, it is almost as satisfying as being there in person! God Bless you nightly this new year my friend!
Sunday, January 2, 2022 Report this
Charles
Richard y friend, years ago as I spoke to the public school system, oe of y displays was a simple wooden box with bars on its open side. there was a sign over the box that said, n bold letters, "The worlds most dangerous animal!" In the back of the box was a mirror. The kids got the point. There will come a day of reckoning won't there? Chaz
Wednesday, January 5, 2022 Report this