Cypress Spring
Despite only being an hour away from Holmes Creek, it has been some time since I last paddled on it. I was spending the weekend at the annual Florida Kayak (fka FPCKC) Campout at Marianna Caverns and looking forward to an eventful weekend of paddling, only just having participated in the 2018 Florida Paddler’s Rendevouz in Ocala just the week before. This minor detail will be important later in the story.
Burnt Sock Landing
The weather decided to be perfect for the weekend events. Temperatures were mild and there hadn’t been any rain for a couple of weeks so river levels were optimum. Furthermore, once we got to our put-in at Burnt Sock Landing on Holmes Creek, everyone remarked that the water was the clearest they had ever seen. Whenever I had paddled it previously, the water had been murky. Today it was mostly clear and in some spots it was a chalky blue. For once I could see the bottom and the occasional limestone formation beneath the surface as the kayak glided quietly downstream.
Kayakers on Holmes Creek
The relaxing view as I glided along made me temporarily forget about the searing pain in both of my shoulders. As I mentioned earlier, this was the 2nd long weekend in a row of kayaking, of which I had gone paddling on almost each day of the events. 7-10 miles doesn’t seem like much for a single paddling trip, but for me they started to add up without enough rest in between. By the end of the trip I could scarcely lift my arms, and by the time I got back and went to see a doctor I had developed bursitis and had to take a break from kayaking for a few months. Luckily my rest break was over the winter months, so I should be back at it within the month.
Drifting over Cypress Spring vent
We turned into the much anticipated Cypress Spring run and I kicked my paddling into high gear. There weren’t many people in the spring yet and I wanted to get to the spring-head to get some good shots. Cypress Spring is one of my favorite Florida springs and is a breath-taking sight to behold. We floated around admiring the crystal clear water pouring out of the spring vent and would take turns drifting over the opening only to be gently pushed aside by the force of the current. A pair of free-divers were present and taking advantage of the morning and exploring the spring, so I made a point to get a shot of them too.
Free divers in Cypress Spring
Finally after a light lunch we headed back down the spring run and returned to our leisurely paddle down Holmes Creek. Cypress knees and a few colorful fall flowers dotted the banks of the creek and at least one member of our group spotted a Red-shouldered hawk soaring past the treetops. I managed to spot a Softshell turtle basking on a log at about the same time he spotted me and my camera but he took a swan-dive into the creek before I could photograph him. I’ll have to be faster next time.
Cypress Spring Run
The take-out slipped into view and everyone took turns helping our friends pull their kayaks out of the water. One of the great things about this paddling group is all of the helping hands. Despite my screaming shoulders, I pitched right in rather than take it easy like I should have. My evening was spent nursing them with heat packs and Naproxen.
You can find a partial list of put-ins/take-outs on my previous Holmes Creek article.
