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GATORS DOWN UNDER

The season is changing on the Silver River, fall is giving us some beautiful weather.  Day temps are in the 80’s, with the overnights in the 50’s.

On a recent trip down the Silver River, the gators seemed to be scarce. Well, they were just hanging out, down on the bottom, trying to stay warm.  An interesting site to see, them resting just under you as you boat over them.  Oh…by the way….GO GATORS! The monkeys didn’t seem to care about the change in temps, we spotted several different troops jumping from tree to tree.  A Bald Eagle flying over us was an added bonus for the day.

Remember to time your trips to leave a little earlier.  The shortening daylight can catch you by suprise.

Take the time to visit the Silver River State Park while you are in the Ocala/Marion County area.  Please check with them for fees and operating hours, in paticular for the Museum.  A great place to share with your children, with a walking trail down to the River. My mother and I had a deer run past us as we walked the path to the Silver River on our last visit there.  So many have told us that they had no knowledge  about it, that we want to share this special place with our readers.  Just another of the many opportunities in Marion County to enjoy nature.

If you get the chance to visit the Silver or Ocklawaha Rivers, come back to our site and post a comment with us.   We will be glad to share with our readers your experiences along the Rivers.

 Don’t Forget to Look At Our Silver River Pictures

Cindy Bozman of Slick Charter’s Silver River Tours
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TROOPS OF MONKEYS

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.

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BABY GATORS

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! 

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WEEKDAYS ARE BEST FOR ECO TOUR

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!

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SPRING ON THE SILVER RIVER

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.