Guest Blog by Paige Taylor

The upcoming winter season around Jacksonville is perfect for paddling. While the summer months are conducive to visits to the beach and playing golf, the fall weather allow locals to take part in activities such as kayaking and canoeing. The north end of the St. Johns River around Jacksonville is home to some great sights and waterscapes, is home to some great protected tributaries, and is perfect for kayaking.

Paddling at sunrise offers a wonderful window into Nature’s workings.

During the fall, bird migration takes place throughout the Jacksonville area as the weather cools off. It is rumored that nearly 60,000 birds a month are nestling in parts of the St. Johns River. The water is the best place to watch some of the heavy bird activity taking place in the Northeast Florida area- the woods can still be full of bugs.

White ibis and a spoonbill dabble in St. Johns River marshes.

Also, the lower basin is often a prime spot for fish to migrate in to spawn. Some of the common species that swim in from the ocean include redfish, flounder, mullet, blue crabs and shad. Keep your eyes open for manatees, one of Florida’s endangered species.

Whether you eat them or just want to watch, blue crabs are fascinating creatures.

Florida’s longest river, the St. Johns provides a mixture of different scenery along the away. This northern flowing river was once the main tourist destination in the state when nature was the main reason for traveling.

Paddlers need to use common sense. There are airboat and other motorboats along the way. Fortunately they usually steer clear of paddling traffic.

The lower St. Johns River is home to some of the oldest cities and towns in the state of Florida, cities that have histories that are deeply rooted and tied to the river. Some of the sightseeing along this portion of the river is a great departure from your everyday sight of apartment complexes and tract homes.

The weather begins to cool down in the fall and winter. This shouldn’t prevent you from staying off the water. Instead, it makes it more enjoyable. Kayaking and canoeing the St. Johns allow the opportunity to explore some of the state of Florida’s most beautiful habitats. Because the fall causes some great transformations of habitat and sights along the river, there is no better time for a relaxing paddle trip along the St. Johns.

Paige Taylor is a creative writer from the University of Texas El Paso. As an aspiring writer she specializes in writing about travel destinations and tourism.

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2011. All rights are reserved.