Thanksgiving Paddle on Alexander Springs

We love being active on Thanksgiving. In the past, I’ve done 5K Turkey Trots or Dashes, and sometimes Mike would join me. This year, with the risks of large gatherings, we decided to skip the run and go for a kayak paddle.

We couldn’t have picked a more beautiful spot! Alexander Springs is one of only 27 first-magnitude springs in Florida. It costs $6 per person for day use in this recreational area. There’s dry camping along with picnic tables, a roped-off swimming area, and a section for snorkeling. The swimming is especially delightful because the water is always a balmy 72°F and extraordinarily clear.

We saw so many birds and turtles while we were out. Fellow paddlers told us they’d seen a small gator, but we never spotted it. I caught a glimpse of an otter diving into the water as I was videoing a crane.

We can’t wait to go back during the week when it’s less crowded… and with a DSLR camera instead of just our phones.