We decided to go back to Double Branch because of their excellent canoe launch. With the addition of our middle seat, we found our canoe is just a little bit too wide for the launch itself. It is still nice to use the dock itself to launch from. The lack of distraction from other power boats makes the launching process much less nerve wracking.
We got a rather late start and the clouds were dark and threatening but we decided to set off anyway. There was a very brief shower right away, but then the weather was sunny with a slight breeze. Perfect paddling weather. We headed north to the underpass of 580 again. This time we went directly to the bridge without stopping to check out any of the mangroves. This allowed us to go much further upstream. Surprisingly we saw a lot of people on this part of the river. There were people fishing along the shore at a mobile home park and a few fisherman on powerboats. Everyone was very courteous and slowed to idle speed when they saw we were in a canoe.
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| This is an alligator gar that he caught. |
We paddled about 4 miles upstream and then just drifted back most of the way. Altogether it was about 3 hours. After using the canoe wash I went to fetch the Blazer. Imagine my surprise when I saw a ticket under the windshield. Make sure the ticket you get at the gate is prominently displayed on the windshield! Once I showed that at the ranger station, my ticket was ripped up by the ranger.
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| My husband and I at the canoe wash at the park. |
An excellent day on the canoe and we have still only explored one half of this run.
Please click for the full set of pictures!
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| Many houses back up to the northern part of this river. |
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| At this point, the sun came fully out to bake us! |
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| Traveling under Memorial Highway, you can see how high the water is. |
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| From far away we thought this was a dead alligator! Nope, just a piece of cement. |
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| These (crab?) traps were everywhere. |
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| This bridge is Hillsborough Ave. |
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| The tiny #3 on the sign marks the trail. |
