Staying Warm Near The Cool Siver River
When taking a trip up the Silver River, you never know when you will see something for the first time.
Our guests from Indiana met me at the Ocala Boat Basin around 8:30 a.m., Sunday morning, and we were the first boat down the River.
As usual, when I am trying to site the Rhesus Monkeys, I watch for movement in the trees.
On this paticular occassion, the movement was quite obvious. Monkeys were flying from one side of the River to the other, a distance of 20-30 feet. They were taking off from the taller trees, and landing in the shorter ones on the far bank. This was one of the largest troops of Rhesus Monkeys I have ever seen on the Silver River, 50 or more strong. These natural acrobats really put on a show, with us watching in amazement for over 15 minutes.
My guests were anxious to see some alligators, and the first one we spotted was over 12 feet long. One of the largest gators I have ever seen on the Silver River.
After all the trips I have taken up the Silver River in the last 25 years, it never ceases to amaze me that it is always an adventure.
For more information look at the Silver River Tours section of our web site.
Recently we have been seeing huge numbers of Rhesus Monkeys along the Silver River. Several troops are being sighted on each trip.
Hatchling Cormorants are out and about, as well as lots of Alligators, from 12 inches to 12 feet in length. River Otters and plenty of other wildlife are also being spotted.
Schedule or plan your trip early and have the River to yourselves.
Numerous birds are all along the Silver River this week. The Black Crowned Night Heron has been honoring us with sightings, always a pleasure.
A record number of Rhesus Monkeys are hanging out in the tree tops. Countless freshly hatched baby alligators will keep you busy spotting them on your boat ride. Even the river otters are showing up to be seen, and they tend to be a little shy.
Spring on the Silver River allows us sightings of both common and rare wildlife along the way. If you have a sighting you want to share, just post a comment here with us at Slick Charters River News.
The water level at the boat ramp at Ray Wayside Park is LOW. Please use CAUTION!
Spring…..the birds, the monkeys, the gators and all their friends showing off their stuff for all those who cruise the Silver River. Either by private boat or kayak, a better eco tour cannot be found. For a little over 4 miles, after your departure from the Ray Wayside Park, you will travel through nature without the touch of mans hand. Even as you enter the basin of the Silver Springs Attraction, the only development along the River, you can appreciate the historical value of the attraction.
The Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers have both been bound up in the history of the region. From the days of early Indian settlement, to the time when they were a major means of transporting goods, these waterways have drawn many to them.
When planning your trip along the Silver River, we recommend that you think weekday. The pure pleasure of this River is best enjoyed when you can see the wildlife in abundance, and that is best achieved when the human traffic on the River quiets. If your trip only can be done on the weekend, try a early departure, at least by 9 a.m., or a late afternoon, say around 3.
Water levels are really low right now. Rain dance time!
Ocala/ Marion County is in spring mode, and our many guests are seeing the fabulous Silver River at it’s best. The countless birds along our way are glorying in the beautiful weather. Gators are sunbathing on any log or downed tree that gives them their place in the sun, sharing room with the turtles. The monkeys are also enjoying the temperature change, and are showing up to greet their visitors.
A big THANK YOU to our guests of the past few weeks. We enjoy having the opportunity to share the pleasures of the Silver River with you.
Silver River, Silver River Tour News | Captain Nick | 
October 5, 2009 7:23 pm | 
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