Kayaking Ed

Our other adventure in Florida was a kayaking trip on the Santa Fe river. It's definitely more of a workout than tubing!

It was a beautiful (but yes, hot) day. We stopped at one of the springs along the way for a quick dip in the water to cool off. It's an amazing transformation; the river water is kind of brown and not too inviting, but as soon as you get to the springs, it's crystal clear. (In fact, some of the springs along this river are a source for bottled water companies, to the dismay of some local residents.)

We saw some wildlife along the way, mostly turtles and some interesting birds. (Sometimes there are alligators, too, but I was just as happy that we didn't see any of those.) We also encountered the human wildlife -- a local "celebrity" called Naked Ed.

Ed lives in this little hut by a tiny spring (actually seven tiny springs) called Lily Springs. He stays behind his screen here, unless of course you want to get your picture taken with him (loincloth optional). We declined this opportunity.

He has wooden signs up along the little waterway that lead to the springs. They let you know about Ed's personal philosophy. One that sums up the main theme is "I was born with the cheapest and most comfortable swimsuit I've ever had." (Another sign warns that he'll flirt with the ladies, but that he's "harmless.")

Ed even has a beer named after him at one of the restaurants in High Springs (and his picture -- just from the chest up -- adorns the door to the men's room there, too).