Well, I finally decided to go paddle today. The target body of water was Josephine Creek. I’d driven over it several times but couldn’t find much information on it. After talking to some locals, I drove to Henderson’s Fish Camp and paddled across Lake Istokpoga to the mouth of the creek. On the way there, I snapped the pictures of the little blue heron and the white water lily. The first significant feature in the creek was a fallen pine tree that was almost totally overgrown with wild grasses and vines. I spotted one gator on a shady bank that stayed still long enough for a picture. The other gators in the creek were fairly shy and dove before I got into camera range. The paddle was very short due to a deadfall across the creek and what appeared to be wire fencing across the creek just beyond that, no doubt an attempt by the major local landowner to restrict access illegally. The strangest event I’ve had while paddling anywhere occurred on the return trip. I had to yield to 4 cows wading in the creek. I’ve read too many westerns to think they’re absolutely tame creatures so I waited for them to move on. 

Gator on the bank

Gator on the bank

Overgrown pine tree

Little blue heron

White water lily