River is Coming Down

2009-05-12T04:32:00.000-07:00

The Suwannee River is finally below the banks again and open for boating, canoeing and Kayaking. Most of the Springs along the river are still closed for swimming due to black out, but should be re-opening soon. There is a nice current and canoe trips are runing about 1/2 hour ahead of schedule right now. If you are planning on camping at Manatee or staying in the cabins at Fanning Springs, you might want to call ahead and check on the swimming areas.

Suwannee River Comes Alive

2009-04-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

She knows that men cant resist her and are drawn to her beauty. She sees them sitting in their chairs as she gently passes by with an occasional wave now and then luring them in even further. There is a mystery about her that takes your mind back to being a child again. Some men hate her , but most men , young and old love her and she welcomes them all to come and see her in her magnificent glory.
She has the draw of our childhood dreams. Cowboys and Indians, Calvary solders and Pioneers. From Steamboats to Paddle Boats , Pirates and Bootleggers. She has seen them all. One can only imagine the dark secrets she holds inside and the treasures she still keeps hidden.
She will occasionally give up one of her treasures with an arrowhead or a civil war button , but she holds on tight to most of her secrets forever locking them away, giving men just enough to keep them close and coming back for more.
She can remain as calm as a Saint, or as horrific as any nightmare a man could imagine. Men have came to her for years seeking their youth and building a relationship with her. She has given life, but she has also taken it in return.
The Great Suwannee River in Central Florida, is one of the last untamed rivers in the Country. She winds around over 260 miles to the Gulf of Mexico traveling thru miles and miles of the “Real Florida”.
Traveling down the Historical River from Hart Springs to Fanning Springs, the History and Wildlife we pass brings this magnificent river to life and takes us back in time.
Our starting point at Hart Springs takes our minds back to the Indian Villages where we can picture a young warrior standing beside the crystal clear Springs with a spear in his hand waiting for that elusive mullet to swim by that will provide dinner for his family. We turn and see the stumps behind us where we can feel the presence of an old Indian Chief sitting and talking with young children who are gathered around him focused on every word. To the right we see an couple Indian squaws in a circle grinding flour for tonight’s feast. Peaceful, Tranquil and Calm. They see us , but say nothing.
As we leave Hart Springs and head down stream to our destination 10 miles away, we decide not to turn on our engine, but float and listen. It was amazing to me how loud silence can be. The gentle sound of the water hitting the side of the boat, the Egret flying around us , the Turtles jumping off the logs into the water as we float along, all have a very unique sound of their own. Sounds like I have never heard before. It was Nature in its purest form.
On our trip after leaving Hart Springs, our first stopping point was a little Spring along side the river called Copper Springs. Right at the mouth of the Spring we were treated to a sighting of 5 Manatees playing in the shallow water. Two of them were adults, 2 were young adults and 1 was a calf. The older Adults carried scars on their backs from run-ins with power boats. Manatees are said to have no natural enemies, but I don’t agree. Man and his motorboat seem to be more of a natural enemy and danger than anything for these gentle giants. Watching the Manatee play, we look at the bank and can picture a small group of teepees with young children running and playing. We can hear sounds off in the distance of young warriors and we can see and smell the fire burning in the center of the village getting ready to cook tonight’s meal. We can feel the presence of a young Squaw on the bank washing clothes and looking over her shoulder every now and then to keep an eye on the little ones. As we start to pull away we can feel her waving goodbye to us.
After watching the Manatee play for awhile we pulled up anchor and drifted a few hundred yards to where the old railroad crosses the great river. Just below the railroad bridge is where the old paddleboat the “City of Hawkinsville” is laying. We tied up to a tree on the bank and sat there looking in awe. We could picture on old locomotive blowing its horn with smoke pouring out from the old steam engine and the engineer waving as they pass by us. Beneath us we can feel the presence of the great ship and the crew. We were lucky enough that the water was low , and we could see some of the deck planks and wood pegs for the floor of this 141’ paddle boat that was the last paddle boat to serve the Suwannee River. The “ City of Hawkinsville” served the river from 1900 until May 19th, 1922 when Capt. Currie abandoned her on the bank. Looking around, we can see a couple you boys with cane poles sitting on a branch overhanging the river laughing. I could see back 70 years picturing the same boys barefoot in overhauls with a slingshot hanging out of their pockets.
After leaving the “City of Hawkinsville” we float on down toward Fanning Springs. Along the way we are treated to sightings of a few Deer, Wild Hogs, Turkeys , Turtles, Egrets and Alligators. We listened to Wood Peckers working away and see children playing along the bank. We see an old gentleman sitting on an old wood crate with his cane pole. He just smiles, nods his head and waves as we float by. Nothing was said. Nothing had to be, because his nod and smile said it all.
As we come around the last corner of our trip, we could see the high bank where Fort Fanning once sat overlooking the great river. We could picture the giant walls of the old Fort with a guard walking back and forth along the top. He is watching up and down the river. I can picture him leaning his musket against the wall while he pulls his cap down over his eyes to block the reflection of the sun as it is setting and reflecting off the water. To the left, I can see the stables and a soldier putting a saddle on his horse to join the unit that is waiting for him to leave for a nightly scouting expedition. To the right we can see a little log cabin with a candle burning in the window as the sun is setting around us. A little girl stands on the porch waving at us as her Mom smiles as they slowly fade away. Night time is coming to the Suwannee River once again adding another day of life and History to its record.
Pulling up to the boat dock, an old grey haired Gentleman chewing on a cigar stub said “ Throw me your line there fellas “. We tossed him our line and was tying up the boat when he asked us “ Where y’all been today ? “. We looked at each other, smiled and said, “ Back to our childhoods “

Suwannee River Tours New Blog

2009-04-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new blog site. We are looking forward to sharing our experiences of the Great Suwannee River. If you are into boating, canoeing , kayaking or camping, then this will be the place for you.

Please feel free to post any of your experiences from your trip on the river for otherr guest to enjoy.

Right now the river is in a flood stage and closed, so its a perfect time to get your equipment ready for this summer. Putting in an hour now will save you a tow and 3 hours sitting on the river.

Visit our site at www.suwanneerivertours.com and we hope you vist often. Have a great day !

Capt. Chris