Santa Fe River (Central FL) Aug 19 - 21 Trip Report

**Gumbo** · 08-22-2011, 20:58

Originally Posted by MAD777

Nice additional pictures! Doesn't even look like August

You know, now that I think about it, some might have been from the May trip. I should download from my camera more often. Let me go clean that up!

Thanks for pointing that out!

**richtorfla** · 08-22-2011, 21:14

I just created a photobucket thingy for this trip. Here is the link. Hope you all enjoy the pics! http://photobucket.com/richtorfla

**richtorfla** · 08-22-2011, 21:24

Originally Posted by edhess

Sounds like y'all had just too much fun on the Santa Fe. The hanging sites looked terrific !! Glad to hear the skeeters stayed away. My wife and I paddled on the Chassawitzka recently. You cannot beat having springs to jump into and paddle on this time of year. It is the only way to go. My real question is who carried the Dutch oven to cook in? Any Woodsman's Breakfast this time? Looking forward to getting together after the first cold/cool front in a month or so. We'll keep in touch.

I was thinking about bringing a DO but the wife was complaining( I mean concerned) about how much gear we were already taking. Didn't really need one cause Gumbo's taco soup was the bomb! Maybe next time. We did sort of run out of room in the sit ins with the gear we have. Yes Ed, you cannot beat jumping into the springs! They are truly one of Florida's treasures!

**richtorfla** · 08-22-2011, 21:29

Originally Posted by Gumbo

Looking forward to seeing your pics Richtorfla. I wish my camera battery had held out longer!

Suzie is a gem! I hope we have the chance to hang again sometime soon!

I think your hospitality made that a good bet I can get her to go out again. She really enjoyed herself and most importantly, she got to paddle without gettin ate up by skeeters or noseeums!

**Timberrr** · 08-22-2011, 21:38

Some great pics Rick and Susie! Good job getting a shot of everyone camping there.
This spot (S-3) really is beautiful, huh?
Thanks!!

**JaxHiker** · 08-22-2011, 21:45

There'd better be another trip!

Is that a Harbor Freight trailer? Been thinking about building one out.

**richtorfla** · 08-22-2011, 21:55

Originally Posted by JaxHiker

There'd better be another trip!

Is that a Harbor Freight trailer? Been thinking about building one out.

That indeed is a Harbor freight trailer I modified. Good eye. I had to extend the tounge out 3 feet and I welded the four posts on the sides so I can slide out the crossbars and covert it back to a regular hauler. This trip was the first time we used it. I was quite pleased how well it towed behind me. Wife was happy we didn't have to load on top of the truck anymore!

**richtorfla** · 08-22-2011, 22:00

Originally Posted by Timberrr

Some great pics Rick and Susie! Good job getting a shot of everyone camping there.
This spot (S-3) really is beautiful, huh?
Thanks!!

Thanks! It is a beautiful (secret?) spot eh! Got a couple of good pics on your project. Really proud they came out good.

**Duffy** · 08-22-2011, 23:33

Originally Posted by zukiguy

Since I had to bail on this trip I'm hoping to put something together for the weekend of the 9th (weekend after Labor Day). Gumbo's description of the campsite sounded way too cool. This will be more paddling and less base camping. Probably from US-27 to US-129 over three days, about 23 miles. Anyone interested??

I was hoping to see you at this one, sorry you missed it! I don't know if I can get away on the 9th, but I'll check into it. Maybe I can make part of it, at least.

**L.D. Cakes** · 08-23-2011, 07:56

Originally Posted by richtorfla

I just created a photobucket thingy for this trip. Here is the link. Hope you all enjoy the pics! http://photobucket.com/richtorfla

I really enjoyed looking at all those pics! I wish I had been there and I'm sorry I missed meeting your wife as well. That is a really sweet trailer you have there. We've almost finished mine and not only will it be easier to haul boats, I plan to store my boats on it.... all 5 of them.

I've considered looking into the lighter aluminum dutch ovens made for paddle/camping but having the room is still an issue. Tell me more about that taco soup!