Kayaking on the Wakulla River

Kayaking on the Wakulla River

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All I can say is that kayaking on a steamy Saturday for two-hours plus on the Wakulla River, about 20 miles south of Tallahassee, was a serious memory maker. Here, I’m in the rear kayak showing off my paddle skills! As I got my bearings on the river, I entered the chillin' zone.  Guided by the fab husband and wife team of Rick Zelznak and Georgia Ackerman of the Wilderness Way (www.thewildernessway.net), we paddled surrounded by gorgeous cypress trees. This river trip was abundant with wildlife. We crossed paths with close to 12 manatees (including mamas and calves) as they swam by or fed on patches of eel grass, plus we saw a gator, osprey nests on high tree tops, turtles of every shape and size sunning on the banks, river ducks, amazing flora and fauna and more. Breathtaking!

The Wakulla River is my newfound Florida treasure. I’m checking my calendar to paddle a more remote river, once again alongside the Wilderness Way’s knowledgeable guides. Relaxed post-kayak, nibbling on sweet strawberries provided by Zelznak and Ackerman, I was one happy camper. A delicious lunch at the state park’s Wakulla Springs Lodge (the fried chicken salad is really good as are the fried green tomatoes) followed by a boat tour of Wakulla Springs (www.floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings/) with wildlife galore and fun facts (the original Tarzan movies were filmed in the Wakulla Springs) turned into an especially fitting end to a day I’ll never forget.

Tags: kayak | Tallahassee | Wakulla River | Wakulla Springs Boat Tour | Wilderness Way