St Jude's Kayak Trip Report---2014

[gregg dudley]

I just got done spending an enjoyable three days with Bob Corbitt and Sam Lindamood.  Despite weather conditions that consisted of rain and wind and unseasonably cool temperatures we managed to have a good time.  That's what happens when you put tradgangers together in the outdoors.  I was excited when Bob won the auction last year and I was eager to meet him personally.  My experience with St Jude's trips has been good in the past and this would prove no different.  Bob and Sam showed up on Wednesday evening, April 30 and I liked them both right away.

Here we are getting the kayaks loaded to head out.  I don't pack light when I play host.  We aren't scrimping on food or comfort.

     

Here is Bob launching on the Silver River:

     

Since the state took over the Silver Springs attraction you can launch right at the head springs.  Bob and Sam are checking out the main spring.  This is the source of the Silver River and 550,000,000 gallons of water come out of the ground here every day.  You can see the old Glass Bottom Boat landing in the background of some of these pictures.

     

     

     

     

[gregg dudley]

We got into wildlife right away.  There were gators and birds everywhere.

 

 

 

 

 

[gregg dudley]

 

 

 

[gregg dudley]

My view:

 

 

 

 

 

[gregg dudley]

My favorite bird, the Little Green Heron with a dragonfly appetizer:

 

 

 

[gregg dudley]

Crossing under the bridge on HWY 40 moving onto the Ocklawaha River:

 

Home sweet river home:

 

 

[gregg dudley]

Thursday night it started raining and it is still raining now (Saturday morning).  The kayaking was a little more of an endurance contest and wildlife was limited, though we did see four deer, a kingfisher, several ospreys and assorted other birds.

 

First Fish, Big Fish, Most Fish...goes to me:

 

 

 

 

With the rain and wind increasing I happened to know a good place to get dry and warm.  Anybody who has ever been down this way knows that a meal at my parents house is not to be missed.  So the whole crew went over to my folks to meet my family and Mom cooked an epic steak dinner that hit all the right spots.

Bob and Sam are on their way home this morning, but I expect that they will chime in with some pics and stories later on.

[Robertfishes]

Good job Gregg!  I live 10 minutes from the river and its still raining as of 4:38pm Saturday..

[RIng]

Wow !!!  Very nice . Looks like a good time .

[huntnmuleys]

that looks like a killer time.

[ron w]

Beautiful photos.......thanks for showing us!

[katman]

Looks like a great time. Thanks

[rbcorbitt]

Arrived back home in VA at a little after 10 PM after 12 hours on the road.  Home sweet home!  

Thanks to Gregg and the entire Dudley family for the hospitality and great memories!

Off to bed in my own bed for the first time in  9 days and to snuggle up with my lovely bride.  Good night all!

[tarponnut]

Great photos Gregg!!! I had a feeling you might outdo our cell phone pics:)

[gregg dudley]

Thanks for the interest, guys.  

Jim, Bob and Sam had a big time at your place.  I enjoyed hearing all the stories.

[tippit]

Greg,
I surely miss Not being there this year!  This is an amazingly good time trip.  I know ya'll had a great time regardless of weather..tippit

[awbowman]

Great photos and looks like a great time.

[britt]

Thank you for sharing.

[Greg Szalewski]

Looks like a great trip to me.

[IndianaBowman]

Gregg, you always wow us with your spectacular photos!

Looked like a great trip...wet or not!