Tricolored Heron along the banks of the Waccassa River
I paddled the Waccasassa River this past Easter Sunday. I was ready to relax and immerse myself in nature and was delighted to find that the Waccasassa River far exceeded my expectations! Due to the unusually rainy winter the river is robust, running high and lined with wildflowers. Golden Aster seemingly glow amongst the cypress knees and rivergrasses along the shady riverbanks. Large purple iris blooms add dashes of color amongst the bogs while Red Buckeye flowers are sprinkled amongst the tree tops. The vibrant green leaves contrast the yellow flowers of the Golden Club and red blooms of wild pine overhang the river. An occasional Giant Cypress tree hundreds of years old tell stories of how the Hammock once looked and how it was spared during the logging days of the early 1900′s. Always awe inspiring to come close to one of these gentle giants.
Abandoned Boat House Along the Waccasassa River
Purple Flag Iris
As part of the protected Gulf and Devils Hammock Wildlife Management areas, the river has its share of wildlife. Slider and Red bellied turtles were sunning themselves on fallen trees, while the ancient gar fish can be seen hiding just below the waters surface. I was fortunate to see a pair of Tri-colored Heron resting in a Red Buckeye along the shore. As I paddled upstream, I watched as an Anhinga fished for food while a little blue heron stayed safely perched high in the tree tops above us. The muddy boggs of the riverbank are full of fiddler crabs scrambling as you approach. And, par for course on the Florida Rivers, I spotted a small alligator sunning himself along the shoreline.
Although the river is tanic in nature it is primarily fed by Levy County’s Blue Spring near Bronson. This is a swimming/picnic recreational park that is run by the Levy County.
View more photos of the Waccasassa River on flickr.
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