AWAY FROM THE CROWDS
Clif not only finally had a Saturday off, but an entire 3 day weekend! Too late I had suggested camping for the weekend. But with much thought, we decided to go kayaking instead. After scouring the internet for ideas, we agreed to kayak the Arbuckle Creek in Avon Park from the mid creek boat ramp northbound to Arbuckle Lake and return. It was boasted that it was a "hidden" kayaking treasure that is tranquil, peaceful, and no crowds. Sounded great to Clif and I. Places that we know and love are packed on holiday weekends, and that is not what we had in mind. This place only had 1 other car in the parking area. Terrific! Only us and nature!!
As Clif was getting the kayaks off the truck, I commented, "I hear a gator." I looked and looked, but it was so well hidden, I never saw it. We got onto the creek and the scenery was just as mentioned on the blog we read.
Cypress knees everywhere.
A wasps nest.
Dragon flies everywhere.
Lots of gator calls as we paddle along, but seeing nothing.
Just after taking this picture, I had to readjust the kayak from floating downstream with the current, only to notice gator eyes staring at me from 1:00 off the bow of the kayak. Talk about being startled! Clif asked why I squeamed, then told me to paddle slowly towards the opposite side of the creek. It worked. The gator slipped under the dark tannin water. Who knows where it was!
I couldn't believe how vibrant green everything was, including the cypress trees. Normally we see these colors in March. It was pretty against the brilliant blue sky.
We were just taking in the beauty while listening to the sounds around us... gator calls, birds chirping, owls hooting, fish splashing. What we read was true. No noise intrusion from the modernized world.
However, as we paddled along, I commented on "rough water ahead" because it was more ripply than what we had seen. I told Clif to look ahead where there was a downed log in the water. He couldn't see it. But, as we kayaked along, I soon realized a gator, about 10 feet or so was swimming upstream. Oh wait! Not just one, but two swimming side by side! The other was about 12 feet. I asked Clif, "Wait a minute, with all these gator calls we've been hearing....isn't it mating season?" Clif knows me, and my proneness to anxiety attacks (as well as being gullible) and tells me, "no, that's in February and March". Well, those 2 decided to mate and splash with their bodies coming out of the water in frolic fun! It startled me, and scared the *@! out of me! I looked at Clif, he looked at me and says, "well?" We scanned the water, no sign of them ANYWHERE. We tuck tight into our kayaks and gingerly paddled forward. I was praying, "please God, keep them deep under the water, and don't let them attack!" Whew, we made it through.
It took us an hour and 50 minutes from where we started to finally make it to Lake Arbuckle. There was supposedly a place to picnic before reaching the lake, but what we saw looked like it was private property, so we continued on in hopes there was another option. We kayaked around to a boat ramp that was near the Avon Park Air Force Bombing Range.
They had a public restroom. A family was securing their boat onto their trailer. I asked them if they knew if we could use the picnic tables. The one fellow said sure, and then the security guard comes over. The gentlemen let him know that he gave permission for us to use the picnic table. Come to find out, it is all government property, and you have to have permission to use their facilities! I thanked them for their service to our country. Clif and I enjoyed a quick lunch, and continued on our way.
Oh, and the family....they asked if we had seen many gators in the creek. We said yes, and shared our experience. They let us know it is the height of gator mating season, and the gators are VERY aggressive, and have been known to "charge" kayaks! My heart started pitter-pattering and I asked what do we do if that happens. According to them, don't panic, stand your ground, move away from them very calmly and they will usually disappear into the water. Well, in reflecting back to when I took that one picture, that is pretty much what I did after my initial scream. But needless to say, my disposition wasn't as happy go lucky on the return...at least initially.
The shining gray spot down river...yep...that's one of the gators swimming in the middle of the creek.
Deep breath, paddle on.
Well, after passing 2 big gators, I began to relax. We had come upon another kayaker heading upstream to the lake. Why be relaxed? It means the gators are under water where I can't see them, and out of sight, out of mind. Not only that, we ran into a group of Boy Scouts. They were not quiet at all. There must have been 8 kayak/canoes. With all that noise, the gators were sure to be hiding!
We only saw one more gator, and that was just as we were coming to our turn to the boat ramp where we put in. Not to worry because it was on the opposite side from where we were. I was glad we got on the river early because when we got back, the parking area was full, and 2 more groups of people had arrived as we were loading to go home.
Splish Splash
Sunday, Amber came over with Levi. Stephen joined us after his shift. Clif had a relaxing day smoking ribs. It was a breezy, humid, hot day. I brought out the water table and plastic pool for Levi to enjoy. Amber and I had wonderful conversations.
Levi had a big day. He enjoyed playing in the water. What kid doesn't? Amber went home around 8, Stephen stayed to watch the NASCAR race with Clif. Levi had fallen asleep around 9. I told Stephen rather than waking him up, just let him spend the night. What a pleasant surprise!
Just Hanging Around
Levi was up by 7:15. He had a very busy morning playing with Grandma and Grandpa. So much so that by 9:30, he was asleep again!
He's content with Grandpa!
With Clif having 3 days off, he decided he would spend time working on our bedroom furniture. It is in the staining phase. He has to give it the finishing sanding before applying the stain. You can see 3 of the pieces in the background already stained.
Stephen had a proposition for me. Amber had suggested yesterday while they were detailing her car, that perhaps I would want mine washed and waxed. I watch Levi in exchange, Stephen will wash and wax my car. Well, that was a no brainer! I got out the pool and brought it to the front so Levi could see all the action going on.
He had loads of fun again today.
When Grandpa's sander gets too loud, this is what Levi does....
He needed to take a little break.
Then went right back to his splashing. He loves kicking his feet!
Once he had enough for the day, I put him in his swing. The ultimate way to get him to sleep. He napped for 3 hours! Now he'll be wide awake for Mommy when he gets home.
We had a wonderful relaxing weekend, but I did stop many times to think of our fallen service men and women who have sacrificed their lives for the liberties we enjoy in our country. Many thanks and prayers go out to those families who have lost loved ones, I know this weekend is especially hard for you as you remember those who are no longer here to celebrate with you. May God's peace be with you.
