Arbuckle Creek

Arbuckle Creek was a very enjoyable trip we did a few weeks ago.  True Florida weather this time of the year is quite unpredictable.  Despite the looming clouds, we decided to head out.  The put-in was down a dirt road with residential homes/farms.  One of the residents stopped and asked us if we were lost..I ask my husband to drive slow so I can scope out birds and butterflies to photograph.  We told her we were headed to the Creek and we were also looking at some goats near the road on a farm..they were silly looking with long beards.  The lady told us that they were the fainting kind and would fall over if they heard a loud noise.

There was lots of bird activity at the put-in which was at the end of the dirt road; somebody's house was right on the bank.  Across the street was a barb wire fence swamp enclosure.  I saw a Swallow Tailed  Kite and lots of small birds flying through the grasses.  Was able to get a shot of this White Eyed Vireo.  Also saw a White Peacock (butterfly not bird!).

It did end up raining quite a bit.  There was a nice canopy from the Cypress trees, so we would just pull over and find a little shelter from the rain.  The trees were filled with many sizes and varieties of Tillandsia, or air plants, quite beautiful. 

One side of Arbuckle Creek is part of the Avon Park Bombing Range.  Signs are posted all along the banks, in case you forget.  We paddled to Lake Istokpoga?  I believe it was..underneath a bridge to a landing with a floating dock, large grassy bank and picnic tables.  There was a guard station and we had read on the Internet this was a good place to stop for lunch.  We walked up to the guard station to check and he told us we shouldn't be there..but if we just wanted to eat lunch, we could use one of the tables but go nowhere else!  He said..'This is a bombing range you know?'  (Yes, we did know it was a bombing range before we made this trip.)

 No Florida paddling trip would be complete without seeing at least one gator.  This one was a baby.  There was actually a group of them sitting here, but all were scared off by my inching closer for photos except this one who remained for a couple shots.

This location was remote and beautiful.  With about a half mile left to get back to the put-in, a torrential downpour started.  Unlike the previous sessions that would blow past after a few minutes, the sky was quite black all over and lightning was starting up..which I am quite afraid of while on the water.  We marathon paddled for the last half mile and drenched by the time we got back..kayaks filled with water.  Always bring a change of clothes with you!  Our dry clothes and towels were waiting for us inside the truck.