Yesterday I had the opportunity to kayak on the Wacissa River with two of my classmates. We started out from Tallahassee around 9 and enjoyed the scenic drive down Apalachee Parkway to Wacissa. We all agreed the countryside was lovely. The double-kayak rental was $30 for three hours from Wacissa Canoe and Kayak rentals, furnished by the very friendly Amy.
The river was stunning. From the launching point at the rental store, we headed down a shallow creek for about 5 minutes before emerging onto the wide and sunny river. We saw coots, egrets, herons, alligators, turtles, and mullet as we made our way down the cool waters of the Wacissa. After kayaking for an hour in search of Blue Spring, we were forced to admit we'd passed it and head back. Luckily, there were plenty of other paddlers enjoying the water and after a few inquiries we struck gold (or blue). Blue Spring was breathtaking. We pulled our kayaks out of the water and swam around with about 10 other visitors. Only one of our party was brave enough to try the rope swing, for which we were rewarded with several cannonballs.
After about half an hour at the spring, we paddled back to return our kayaks. My trip to the river was eye-opening. Not only did I get to enjoy the calming and restorative peace of nature, I got a glimpse of what the Wacissa River means to those who use and enjoy it. It is such an important resource for the people of Jefferson County and is one they really seem to value. We met a lot of people on the river, many from Tallahassee, but there was a spirit of friendliness and respect for nature in all them.
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