When it's over 100 degrees in the shade, the only way to enjoy time outdoors is by the water and while the beach is always an option, Ellison and I wanted something a little more active. Since we hadn't been canoeing in what seems like forever, a trip down the Rainbow River, with its crystal-clear water and 72 degree springs, sounded like a great way to beat the heat.
You can go down the river from various points, like Rainbow Springs State Park, K.P. Hole Park, the Dunnellon bridge or the Dunnellon public boat ramp along the Withlacoochee River and there are a number of outfitters that do rentals. We rented our canoe from Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak (they also have SUPs). We had used them for a previous trip a few years ago and had a great experience. They are awesome, we love them and can't say enough amazing things about the level of friendly service we received. They drive you upriver from their office to K.P. Hole Park and then you canoe back to their headquarters, which depending on whether you stop to swim, fish or just float around may take anywhere from 2-5 hours. The boats are comfortable and have an adjustable stadium seat rather than the standard aluminum bench, which honestly makes a huge difference when you are sitting for hours, with a pop-up center seat (Ellison was not particularly pleased to be relegated to the center seat).
So, before we even begin to talk about our trip - and before you rush out to canoe thinking that you'll be all up in the natural wonders of Florida, getting away from the crowds and all that - I have just one word for you. Tubers. More tubers floating down the river than you could ever begin to imagine. Tubers as far as the eye can see. Literally. Which is all good. This is a heavily trafficked river with loads of houses along the banks and pontoon boats galore. But we knew that going in - it was a summer Sunday afternoon on a cool, clear river. And as many people as there were, it honestly wasn't too obnoxious. The main issue was trying to navigate through so many boats, canoes, paddleboards, kayaks, tubers, snorkelers...the list goes on. It got a little crazy at times.
So, before we even begin to talk about our trip - and before you rush out to canoe thinking that you'll be all up in the natural wonders of Florida, getting away from the crowds and all that - I have just one word for you. Tubers. More tubers floating down the river than you could ever begin to imagine. Tubers as far as the eye can see. Literally. Which is all good. This is a heavily trafficked river with loads of houses along the banks and pontoon boats galore. But we knew that going in - it was a summer Sunday afternoon on a cool, clear river. And as many people as there were, it honestly wasn't too obnoxious. The main issue was trying to navigate through so many boats, canoes, paddleboards, kayaks, tubers, snorkelers...the list goes on. It got a little crazy at times.
There are a number of great places to stop as you make your way down the river, but if you go midday they're usually pretty crowded. Even so, it is possible to find a little place to tuck away and have a picnic or a swim. Or if you're feeling it, use tall trees as diving boards or fling yourself into the water from any number of strategically placed rope swings. We didn't try them so we can't personally attest to the level of fun or fear involved. What we did do is catch and release a ton of fish. Ellison loved fishing both in the river and from the canoe and she and Trevor caught a load of little bass and bluegill. The larger fish were too smart to take our bait. They didn't grow that big by chasing cheap lures, y'all.
The majority of the river is unshaded and it was a sunscreen reapp like every 15 minutes or your skin will promptly burn off your body kind of hot. Barely a cloud in the sky. Luckily, there were a few spots where we could paddle into the patches of cypress trees and get some relief. It also gave us the opportunity to see more wildlife since we were away from the crowds. Ellison was particularly excited about seeing the turtles since we have two at home. She came home and told them all about their 'wild river relatives'.
It was a great trip and a such a relaxing way to spend a Sunday. Overall it took about 4-5 hours. We put in around 12:30 and got out around 5 pm (if you're using a rental, be sure to call way in advance to reserve a spot. They fill up fast in the summer and the early spots go first. We ended up with an 11 am reservation, which worked out well, but it would have been nice to start around 9 am). I think next time we'll try the Withlachoochee River, which intersects with the Rainbow River, but isn't spring-fed so it isn't as clear. It's a longer run, but there is less traffic and it is a more natural experience.
Yeah, so on a side note...we're quitters. Quitters and proud of it. Ellison and I have decided to quit doing the 52 Hike Challenge. While it is certainly a worthy thing and we love the way it encourages people to get outside and get fit, it just isn't for us. We don't want to keep track of the number of hikes we take, we don't want to have to pass up canoeing because it isn't a 'hike' and we don't want to try and come up with 'hikes' that aren't really what we feel like doing just so we can reach 52 by the end of the year. Ellison and I started this blog as a way to commit to memory the times we spent together doing some of our favorite things and, sometimes, the places we would like to visit or books we like to read. If it encourages or inspires others, then that's awesome. If not, then that's awesome, too. It's ultimately a record of our outdoor lives and while we might take 52 hikes this year, we might not. We still love you 52, but its over. It's not you, it's us.
See you back here soon!
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