Come one, come all to Ocklawahaboy's Riverfront Rally.
Based on the fun we had last year and some things that went right and some things that went wrong, we're going to gather at the river once again and do things slightly differently. We will meet at Gore's Landing, which requires a $5.00/vehicle entry fee. We will start about 8:00 with some eats prepared by yours truly and meeting and greeting other cachers. That will go on until 9 or 9:30 or whenever you are ready to leave. After the event is over, you may choose to go paddling on the river, and hopefully you will. Since we will likely have some new folks along plus some that did the trip last year, I decided to do the meet and greet event at the boat ramp. Those that want to head downstream to Eureka from here may do so. Others, may opt to leave a vehichle here and take their boats up to Ray Wayside park on Hwy 40 and lauch there and enjoy a different section of river. You may also find other interesting things to do in the area with or without a boat.
Ocklawaha is a Native American word said to mean crooked water or muddy water. The river has been a hub of human civilization and transportation for as long as humans have been in Florida. Given it's much-used past, it is amazing how beautiful and pristine this river still is. From the 1860's to the 1920's steamboats ruled the water. They carried everything from cotton to mail and brought many a dignitary from Palatka to Silver Springs. By the early 1920's the combinations of railroads and deisel engines had put the steamers out of business. The modern highway system soon completely eliminated the need for river transportation and now the glass bottomed boats at Silver Springs and a few private sightseeing charters are all that remains of a once booming commercial boating industry. Most of the images you will see on this page and the individual cache pages are scans from my collection of Ocklawaha and Silver Springs memorabilia.
The river has a gentle current and there are numerous places to get out and enjoy lunch or whatever you might need to do.
The trip from Gores Landing to Eureka is approx. a 3.5 hour downstream paddle + whatever time you decide to spend hunting caches, fishing, birding or whatever else you may decide to do. The trip from Hwy 40 to Gores Landing takes somewhat longer, possibly 4 - 4.5 hours of paddling. Although this is a stand-alone event, the goal is to be finished in plenty of time for you to be back for the FFF Chili Cook-off, if you wish to attend. You can launch motorized craft on this river but I would not recommend anything larger than about 18'. The river is riddled with deadfall and navigation is very difficult in places.
We will organize to carpool and haul canoes/kayaks as best we can. I will announce an afternoon schedule that I will run one or two shuttle trips from each ramp to pick folks up if you haven't organized a ride via the buddy system. If you do not own a riverboat, ask Google or Email me and I bet you can find some local outfitters to patronize if you wish.
This is an almost all weather event. High wind and lightning are the only two weather conditions that will make the river too dangerous to enjoy. If that becomes a reality, I will archive the event at least 12 hours before start time.
The river will still be there either way and you are free to use your best judgement and go out if you wish. As always, you are responsible for your own caching safety so err on the side of caution. This river contains poisonous snakes, stinging insects, poisonous plants and lots of water to drown in so you have been warned.
More specifics, river updates and cache details will follow as they are worked out.
Let Col. Hart punch your ticket and join us for Ocklawahaboy's Riverboat Rally!
This is last year's coin. A new one is in the works.