Wendell Crawford Creek has a wide entrance of about 100 feet or so with clear water. I head back downriver towards Crawford Creek. I turn back a few moments later and head towards Dog Island, which is unremarkable, except for a fishing dock and restrooms. I spot a lonely trio of palm trees missing their palms their appearence is that of a big saguaro cactus I might see in Arizona. I get an isolated and spooky vibe from this place as the grass towers over me and the creek narrows considerably. I turn into a narrow and twisting waterway with a dark and muddy bottom many swirls appear ahead of my kayak signaling the presence of much underwater life. I see a fourth creek entrance that I believe to be Ryle Creek, and decide to explore it. Up ahead, I spy a couple of large, dark masses that rise slowly up and down into the water. the water clears considerably at this spot, signifying a true, spring fed source. I pass two creeks that join the river from the East, and pass the third one which is Crawford Creek. Marsh grass lines the banks and the low tide exposes mud banks. Besides a few clusters of palm trees, the dense oak and hardwood forest has disappeared. The Chaz, at this point, enters the wildlife refuge area the water turns murky and you can see for miles, as this area turns into a salt marsh/prairie area. One big one at the bend of the river has the American and Confederate flag flying proudly overhead as if to state that politcal correctness and anti-Americanism, "don"t fly around here". There are a few that look OK, with solar panels mounted on the roofs,possibly accomidating off the gridders. There are several half sunken boats and dilapitated houses, some of which have slid into the river. The shoreline differs here as well it is lined with countless palm trees and turns into a salt marsh area. Potter Creek enters ahead from the North. After Salt Creek, you pass the island and the river really opens up to about 200-300 feet wide. The main spring is very small and looks like a milky blue pot of boiling water in the otherwise brown/clear water. I have been up Salt Creek before and I have seen at least two springs here. I go to the right and pass the two entrances to Salt Creek on the right side. Baird Creek is reached right before a big wooded island the splits the Chaz into two different chanels. The Chaz is about 60- 80 feet wide but has beautiful wooded banks here up until you come to the confluence of Baird Creek, which enters the river from the South. I push off the sandy bank over crystal clear blue/green colored waters and follow another kayaker who is headed to Potter Creek. I have never been as far as Crawford Creek, but I have read that it is a fantastic trip and I won't be disappointed if I can make it to the springs. My plan is to head directly down river with the outgoing tide, find Crawford Creek and travel its length and back, and return with the incoming tide and hit all the other small creeks and springs that I know about. This will be the longest trip of the year so far.
#WHERE IS THE PADDLE IN I SPY SPOOKY MANSION FULL#
It is a cool, sunny morning full of promise and adventure. I arrive at the campground/ boat ramp at about 9 am, and see a few others in the parking lot ready to kayak as well.
You can catch both saltwater and freshwater fish here, as the Chaz originates from a spring and empties about 6 miles later into the Gulf of Mexico.Coming here is a trip back into a better time. People that live around this rural area know about it and love it as a fishing paradise. It is kind of a secret, in that I find it rarely mentioned by kayaking or canoeing guidebooks and isn't as well-known as other rivers in the area like Crystal, Homosassa, and Weeki Wachee Rivers. I have been here before and it is truly a trip back in time and a very wild place. Its name means "Pumpkin hanging place", named after perhaps an extinct species of pumpkin seen by the Indians back in the day. The Chassahowitzka or Chaz River is about an hour and change drive North of St. Chassahowitzka-palooza! : The Chaz to Dog Island, Crawford Creek and Beetejay Springs, Potter Creek and Ruth Spring Run, Baird Creek and the Crack, and the Solution Holes!!!!ĭo you like freshwater and saltwater paddles? Do you like paddling through lush tropical forests and prairie like marshes? Do you love paddling crystal clear springs and dark mysterious waters? Do you like to see gators, dolphins, and manatees? Do you want to see them all in one day? Then eat your breakfast and go paddle the Chassahowitzka River area for an unforgettable day of adventure.
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