Canoeing Rock Springs Run to Wekiva Island on the Wekiva River

Описание: Here's a short video of our recent Life Survival trip from King's landing in Apopka to Wekiva Island on the Wekiva River. I recently guided a Life Survival Adventure group down the Rock Springs Run in Apopka, Florida where I grew up. We launched our canoes from King’s Landing off Rock Springs Rd and paddled approximately 8.5 miles to Wekiva Island. This short documentary covers some of the highlights of this adventure.

Often times the water level is so low that I have to get out of the canoe and pull the vessel across the freshwater sand bars. On one such occasion, we decided to break for lunch at Otter Camp in Wekiva State Park. Here we relaxed in the shallows and discussed some of the edible plants in the area. We also dug mussels and hard clams from the riverbed. Food sources are plentiful if you know where to look.

After our break, we ventured a bit further and stopped again to observe a large school of 50 or more garfish. Garfish are edible, but very boney. Some folks claim the fish are tasty when smoked over a fire, but I’ve yet to be convinced of this. However, if you break open the back and pull out the muscle running the length of the fish, it is delicious when cubed, breaded, and deep-fried.

Along the river, we see tons of birds. Some are tiny, darting here and there from tree to bush. Others are a bit bigger, plucking minnows and shrimp from the grasses and lilies. Then there are the largest birds of the river. Are egrets and herons one and the same? You tell me.

Check out the Eel Grass! It’s that rooted, submersed plant with ribbon-like leaves that are waving with the water flow. It’s common in springs and runs here and it provides an excellent habitat for aquatic organisms including damselflies, snails and small fish. Sometimes confused with Strap-leaf Sag, Eel Grass leaves are broader and blunter without the little raised veins.

You know, Florida’s a great place to learn about nature, the environment, and even primitive survival. Most of the plants you see here in the background are either edible, medicinal or provide some resource necessary for survival. Connecting people with nature is our passion. It’s my way of saving the planet. You know, it’s tough to have respect for something you don’t have a relationship with. So, my company, Life Survival does just that. It connects people with nature. From toddlers to troubled teens, eco-tours to survival adventures, family camp-outs and lectures... there’s not much we won’t do to get folks outside. We even offer extreme survival adventures with nothing but a knife.

King’s Landing Outpost in Apopka, Florida has done a phenomenal job of maintaining the beauty of the river; it’s banks, and the waterway. King’s does routine clean ups of the river and provides an excellent outpost service; renting canoes and kayaks, and even provides a return shuttle service from Wekiva Island on the adjoining Wekiva River.

Wekiva Island, where folks from all over come to play, swim, and relax in the Florida sun and clear, clean waters of the river. Wekiva island provides foods, drinks, and is also an outfitter. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and even reserve a cabana for parties, events, or other functions. Just down stream is Shell Island, an ancient native midden great for lunch breaks on the way to the St. Johns River. The island was built up in the middle of the river by ancient generations of dumping snail shells, broken pottery, and animal bones.

These are my Florida friends. They’re some of the craziest, nicest, and happiest people in the state. They know how to have a good time and maintain a positive culture of respect for the environment and the river. Give us a call at Life Survival to book your next outdoor adventure. We’ll build you out an adventure, tailor made for your interests and skill level.