Rich and Yvonne, snowbirds, year 2

Yes, the snowbirds have migrated to central Florida for the winter of 2015-16.   We traveled from home to Vic and Barb's in Marietta. Spent New Year's with them, then went to southern Georgia, spending 2 nights in Reed Bingham S.P.  It was peaceful and picturesque but still cool. We had sunny days and cool nights. We walked around a little but didn't launch the kayak. The wind has us wearing our heavier jackets and I wanted to wait for warmer weather in Florida.

Rest area somewhere in Georgia

Reed Bingham SP, Adel, GA

Reed Bingham SP, Adel, GA

 We went from Reed Bingham to Hillsborough River S.P. in Thonotosassa, FL.  We were there for 8 nights, finally launching the kayak. I went solo, Yvonne was afraid for her back.  I fished and got a couple of love taps, had about a 14” largemouth follow me to the boat.  Mostly, I was just concerned in learning to launch, handle and recover the kayak.  It was easier to get it down from the 4Runner than to put it back. I have to have the front on my shoulders and I can't find anywhere to get handholds. I'm sure I'll get it.

Hillsborough River

First outing with the Kayak

 

We happen to be in Lake Griffin S.P. at the moment, Fruitland Park, FL, next to Leesburg.  We took the kayak out Thursday, paddled 1 mile out ‘Dead River’ marsh to Lake Griffin.  I saw nothing, I mean nothing, on the fish finder. The depth was a steady eight feet all the way, dropping to about 14 under the bridge then back to 9 on the other side. It’s a large lake, 9,400 acres. After paddling a mile I wasn’t in the mood to explore.  Next year I’ll have the trolling motor mounted on it and maybe we can find a close launch ramp, start from there. There’s supposed to be bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. I fished around an acre of lily pads and got no hits nor saw anything on the scope. Spoke to several other anglers in bass boats, no one was catching anything. 

Yesterday was 75 after a night’s low to 50.  Coldest so far has been 43 but they are predicting 39 for Sunday night.  We had some strong storms yesterday but mostly just heavy rain here.  We’re on a downhill slope here so I had to use a board to shovel a pile of sand, leaves and moss off the “yard” mat out front.  So far, mostly cooler weather, 50s and 60s, a few days in the mid-70s. They say we’re about 5-10 degrees below normal.  When the sun is out (also rare recently) it’s very pleasant with a hoodie.

There is a centuries old Live Oak here, Yvonne is standing at the base.  So far, no gators but we’re not complaining. Every turn looks primordial and you expect a gator or something Jurassic to pop out.

Live Oak at Lake Griffin S.P., Fruitland, Park, Florida