By Peter Clayton
The weather for the Oklawaha outing was as predicted – mostly cloudy with temps in the 60s and no rain. Ten of us were in the water at Rodman Dam by 9:35 with the usual accompaniment of fishermen and cormorants.
We took the loop to the west which added about 1.4 miles but were rewarded with seeing a bald eagle in the same area as the last three outings here. There were the usual birds – great egrets, ibis and kingfisher and Theo counted over 20 gators but no manatees.
Our rest stop at Davenport Landing was past halfway of our 7.4 mile paddle and provided story boards regarding an Indian mound located there plus about early European settlements. Our usual stop has been badly eroded while this alternative had a nice wide and sandy pull-out.
We were out of the water US 19 by 1:00 and enjoying a Corky Bell’s lunch on the deck overlooking the St. John by 2:00. Thanks to all participants for making this another special paddle.
