Christmas on the Water 12.27.14 a gator day

Last night we saw a couple sailboats cruise up the river. We were surprised to see one of them had anchored just down the river from us when we got up this morning.

Looked like there might be another fishing contest today…there were a lot of boats heading up the river ..in a  hurry.

We did see a few people on the island but no one was camping. This used to be a favorite spot for beaching and camping out.After coffee,we worked our way down to Hontoon Island and took Hontoon River. It runs behind the island and takes you to a channel that brings you back to the St Johns River.

This Bald Eagle watched us leave the island.

A group of about 11 jet skis passed us. Looked like they were having a great time…and a beautiful day for it.

Once we got on the Hontoon River we started spotting gators.

This is a beautiful ride. Not a lot of wind and plenty of sunshine…great for gator sunning.

A little cutie…

I thought these turtles made a good picture with that curly log.

Jim really liked this one….it is so relaxed…

This is probably the biggest one we saw….sorry I couldn’t get all of him.

This is the back entrance to Hontoon Island. No longer are we able to beach and go ashore.

We’ve always liked this river because it is so secluded….at least when it isn’t a holiday.

This is our anchorage for the night….we were surprised to see at least 20 or more pontoon boats run this river while we were anchored.

It is a nice warm night…even when the sun went down. We took our wine out on the rear deck and enjoyed the sunset.

It kept getting prettier and prettier…

While we were out there we saw a bat dart past us. We’ve had a bat get aboard this boat last year and 2 get aboard Slow Motion. They are drawn to the flying insects that are flying around our anchor light.

We went to bed and watched them from the side windows. Jim was sure there were at least 3. I was hoping to find a few inside the screen on the rear deck waiting to go home with us…but no luck.

Another great day on the water….and the night was even better. Loved the flying bat show.

Christmas on the Water 12.26.14

Enjoyed a nice sunset with our wine last night. Still a bit cool but  with sweatshirts we managed.

When it gets cold and you are sitting in a spring that is 72 degrees year around…you get fog in the morning.

Did not know there was a fishing contest scheduled so when we woke up there were several boats unloading and idling around.

Pictures in the fog do not come out well but here are a few more.

We had our generator running for charging batteries but shut it down before 7am. Figured that was when they were going to start. Jim heard them count down as they turned them loose…24.

Once all the boats had been turned loose we stowed our gear….hauled the anchor and headed for the lake. Lake George can get pretty rough at times and we wanted to be across it before it kicked up too bad.

Some of the boats stayed on the small lake…

You can see why the Cormorants are sometimes called “snake” birds. Here’s two.

We had the rising sun in our eyes all the way to the lake.

It’s a beautiful ride…the scenery changes as you go….

Lake George is just beyond the little island.

It was a bit windy out there and kicking up a little but the good part was it was at our back and helped push us across.

We saw this pontoon boat in the springs and here they are setting up camp. They had a tent just out of sight in the background.

Not a bad ride across the lake. You have to enter and exit the lake through these gates because it is pretty shallow in places.

Once on the south end of Lake George we took a ride through Blue Creek. This used to be an island where a very big gator hung out. The locals called him “Bubba”. Heard he got too friendly and they removed him.

 

Another view….if I can’t find gators….I take pictures of turtles.

Don’t know how they manage to stay on the log when all feet are in the air…great balance..

After Blue Creek we were back in the St Johns River and went to G3..Lungun Island or Shell Island to the locals and anchored behind it for the night. Another great day on the water.

Merry Christmas!!! 12.25.14

We’ve spent several Christmas and New Year’s here in Silver Springs, but not for a few years. It was nice to be back.

This is what the screened rear deck looked like during the down pour. It only lasted a few minutes but put enough water in the bow to start the bilge pumps. Back here it was sheeting on the screens so most went overboard.

Here is the houseboat and cruiser that joined us.

This one came in after dark and probably didn’t know the area. It anchored in the channel below us.

We hauled up the anchor and headed out to Lake George. If it is not too rough we’ll try to get to Salt Springs at the NW end of the lake.

This Cormorant (L) and the Anhinga (R) are both diving birds with webbed feet. Sometimes called “snake” birds because all you see is the head and neck out of the water.

A look at the run on our way out…

A sailboat anchored at the entrance to Silver Glen..

Once on Lake George …Jim let me have a turn at the wheel.

The trip up the lake was a little lumpy but not too bad.

The entrance to Salt Springs Run….

This is a beautiful ride….about 4 or 5 miles and seems to be a favorite with the water birds.

We were not the only ones enjoying the Salt Springs. There were at least a dozen kayakers and a few pontoon boats and fishing boats. Most were interested in the Manatees that winter here. Last we heard there were 14 but may be more now. There were also several snorkelers in the water.

You can see part of one and a Cormorant swimming by.

This is the little store and boat launch.

Sun reflecting off a Manatee’s back….in the “diamonds” as boaters say.

Jim loaded the little folding cart and gas can in the dingy and I took him ashore. He hiked about 1/2 mile to a gas station, picked up some gas and donuts and hiked back. An hour or so later I picked him up and brought him back to the boat. Probably saved $2.00 a gallon. Wonder how many young folks would do that.

After wine and our books we went to bed….just in time for the night fishermen. They usually have a pontoon boat with a generator and several spot lights. They fish with bows. So we didn’t need any night light.

Supposed to get colder tonight so we closed up and drew the curtains to keep the heat in. Only needed one blanket until about midnight…then I added another light one. Slept great.

What a great way to spend Christmas Day….on the water watching Manatees.