Log of the ELISSA II: Murphy Creek to Hontoon Island State Park 5/26-27/13

05/26: Away at 0940 after a leisurely breakfast. When anchoring out in remote beautiful spots, the first priority, after being sure the engine starts, is to find suitable, alligator and snake free, locations to walk the girls. Found 100’ dock at a FL DNR campsite on an island- only accessible by boat. Holding beers in one hand (it was @ 9 AM) and using the other to help tie the lines, we were warmly greeted by the “boat/tent” campers. Bill remained on the dock chatting. Turns out one of them had visited with us the day before at the Palatka Blue Crab Festival. There were 3 tents, 2 families and a portable generator-so much for total wilderness camping! At 1710 we arrived at the Hontoon, Island State Park Marina, another site only accessible by boat. In all, another great day on the water. The upper reaches of the St Johns R. are truly spectacular; every bend in the ever-narrowing channel reveals more of the flora and fauna of FL. Part of today was spent crossing Lake George, 12 miles long @ 8 miles wide and boring. Guess we have become spoiled with the occasional glitz of ICW real estate or nature’s raw beauty. But there was a reward on the other side, miles of a wildlife sanctuary/refuge flanking both sides of the St Johns. Wildlife was everywhere, Barred Owls, all varieties of Herons, Egrets and Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills, BIG turtles and finally log looking alligators instead of alligator looking logs! The river narrows considerably with creeks and small ponds and lakes branching off the river---all seemingly inaccessible due to water hyacinth with beautiful purple flowers choking the entry. If it weren’t for the Gators, it would be wonderful kayaking. We did listen to the Indy 500 as we cruised through this beauty—yeah Tony Kazan!!!

Middle of the river sand bar-party time!

Remote campsite with "Doggy walking dock"

Osprey guarding her chicks

Osprey giving us fair warning

Receiving line saying farewell from Lake George

Finally a log looking Gator

And onther

05/27 Memorial Day Greetings. We began the morning with a bike ride around the Island. There are many archeological sites dating back 10,000 years, incl a large shell mound. It was 3 miles away on the south side of the Island and the bike trails went through thick hardwood hammocks or open fields (prior farm land or cattle grazing) filling in with cabbage palms. Many visitors were enjoying tent sites and rustic cabins. Our trail finally arrived at a foot trail to the shell mound. Once I surveyed the foot trail and realized it was through thick “jungle”, wide enough for one foot to follow the other, I took the shell mound off my agenda. Bill readily agreed and THEN shared that a camper the day before reported seeing a wild boar! We returned to the boat, enjoyed omelets for breakfast and waited for my sister Michele, her husband Chip and Matthew, Gabriel, Jackson, Marya and Sarah to arrive. The park has a pontoon boat ferry that brought them over from the mainland. Once the Fab Five scurried all over the Elissa II and received their safety instructions, we set off for Blue Springs State Park, towing a sea kayak rented for the day. Blue springs is 3.5 miles upstream. We anchored in a nearby Ox-bow, dingying and kayaking over to a beach at the Park. A short walk brought us to the crystal clear blue water of the Springs. In the winter there is a Manatee Refuge Zone. The water is a constant 72 degrees, far preferable for Manatees than the cooler winter water temps on the river. One cannot swim with the Manatees here but there is an extensive observation area. We swam/floated the ¼ mile run down from the springs-lovely and for us summer Michiganders, 72 degrees was delightful. On the dinghy return, one gator was seen swimming nearby, ignoring us as much as we focused on him. OK, now is a good time to ask a question – WHY in heaven’s name would anyone swim in this River? Near the Park, many adults AND children AND dogs were having a grand ole time swimming off small beaches. I wouldn’t even consider putting one of our inflatable kayaks in the water. Once back on board, the Fab Five took turns playing in the sea kayak-tied to the boat. Bill grilled burgers, I cooked up hot dogs and we had a great meal. We returned our Island marina, the Hollisters to their car, via ferry, and St Augustine. Such a lovely day!

Hontoon Island Ferry