Re: [Paddlewise] Orlando

I have been down the Wiekiva a few times.  Its been, yikes, a good 15 years
since the last trip.  The Spring/River starts in Altamonte Springs which is
on the north side of O town.  At the spring is a state park where you can
rent canoes.  There is also another outfit that used to be outside the park
that rented as well.  There is a marina a few miles downstream from the
park where the rentals pull out.  You can put in at the marina and head to
the St. Johns.  I did this many, many years ago, 20+, with my dad.  Its
about a 20 mile trip and we had to have my mom pick us up at the St. Johns.
I don't know about any outfitters that might pick up.

What is really sad is that the park used to be out in the middle of no
where.  Now its heavily developed getting to the park or marina as well as
around the river.  There used to be old houses/huts ON the river but I
think they have been taken down.

>From O town take I4 to Altamonte and get off at 436.  I think its 436.  Its
the exit for the Altamonte Mall.  I can drive their blind folded but I
can't remember the roads anymore....  But that is the general area.  On
what I think is 436 you make a left from I4 and the road to the park used
to have an Albertsons on the right side.  Turn right and you should see
signs for the park.  The Marina was before the park.

Most of the directions should be valid but like I said its been a few
years....  8-)

Its a very pretty river and the water is COLD.  I can remember swimming at
the springs in August and having to get out of the water since I was
shivering so bad.  Course with the heat and humidity it only took a few
minutes out of the water before you were ready to get back into the spring!
8-)

Hope this helps...
Dan McCarty

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