By Peter Clayton

(Mar 26, 2025) In our 16 years of paddling we’ve only done three lakes: Guana Lake in the Guana-Tolomato Preserve; Lake Norris near Orlando, and; Lake Disston, just south of Bunnell, which we paddled for the third time on Wednesday. The weather was perfect – sunny and warm with a light breeze and we had the lake to ourselves except for two fishermen and their dogs in one boat near the outlet for Little Haw Creek. In the water by 9:30, we paddled along the north shore admiring the dwarf cypress which are stunted by their being completely in the water. An occasional osprey flew overhead and a wood stork or two, then, as we neared Little Haw, the trees became full of wood storks and great egrets and their nests. We didn’t see any hatchlings, but some birds were sitting on the nests indicating eggs being incubated. We estimated seeing hundreds of wood storks, dozens of great egrets and probably a dozen osprey plus a tri-colored heron – we heard, but never saw, a barred owl. We turned back after an hour and pulled out at 11:30 – all marveling at what we’d seen. Our crew of seven included Marty Mariner’s grandson, Issac, who proved his mettle by eating a whole fish sandwich at the Bantam Chef. Photos will follow.

I’m happy to report that Bud Clarke’s knee replacement went well and he’s home anticipating a good run of rehab – next Wednesday we’re planning an Osprey Taco/Old Coast Ales event to celebrate. Thanks to the participants for making this outing another special occasion.

Photos by Craig Mancuso and Peter Clayton