Day 1
This is a trip we took with the Marion County Aquaholics, which we are members. It was a 2 day event if you wanted to camp over. The second day was the Ocklawaha and Bear Creek(Jump to Day 2 with GPS readings). We met at the other side of Rodman Dam. Our trip was planned to leave at 9:00 am. |
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We started the paddle on the old Ocklawaha River bed. The Star Lilies lined the banks. Next month they should all be blooming. At the start it was very foggy and cloudy, but later in the morning the sun managed to break through. |
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We followed it around and got back into the main channel for awhile before entering Dead River. (This is what the locals call it. Not to be confused with the Dead River around the Gores' Landing area.) There were plenty of blowdowns. We were going around, under and over quite a few. But thanks to the point men and Taco (Wayne and Carols terrier) we made it through to the take out at the bridge on 19. We saw a few small aligators, turtles, and birds along the way. |
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That evening we camped at Rodman Campground. They have 13 RV spots with electric and water. There is also the primitive section with 26 campsites. The fees are reasonable. The sites are $10.00 plus tax for either the RV spots or primitive sections. If you are 65+ w/FL DL or 100% disabliity the price is $5.00 plus tax. The restroom has a shower and is very clean. There are picnic tables back by the boat ramp. The boat ramp is free if you are camping there. If not there is a $3.00 fee for up to 8 people. A day use pass is $3.00 per vehicle, up to 8 persons. |
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We opted to stay in the primitive section. The areas are well maintained and roomy. There is a potable water facet at the entrance to this section if you need water. And the sunsets are beautiful coming down against the reservoir. |
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Day Two
We put-in at the same spot we took out the day before. We started out about 9:15 am. We were to paddle the Ocklawaha across the St. John's river to Sunset Landings Restaurant,for lunch, then back to the put-in by way of Bear Creek. We avoided the main channel in the begining. You can click here for our trip map with GPS readings. |
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Looking from the Ocklawaha River towards St. Johns' River
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We arrived at Sunset Landing about 11:20 am, had lunch then left about 12:30 pm to return byway of Bear Creek. It was a little windy on the St John's plus choppy.
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Entering Bear Creek
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We made it back to the put-in by 2:30 pm. It was really a fast trip. My GPS trip log said we had gone 9.6 miles. Our paddling time was about 4 hours. We really had some fast movers in the front setting the pace. But I managed to grab a couple of photos of flora and fauna.
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