03/21/2009 - Dead Lakes, FL

Launch: Dead Lakes Boat Ramp, near Wewahitchka, FL
Distance: Approx 13 miles
Route: Loop around the Dead Lakes and back.
Pace: Leisurely.
Average Speed: Slow.

I know this is getting away from the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta theme, but paddling is paddling and area kayakers may want an idea for an out of town trip. I highly recommended Dead Lakes during high water. Thanks to my Sis and Bro-In-Law for telling me about this place. You can paddle all day in a twist of mazes that you decide to take. Some lead to dead ends, others keep going on and on. Can't really get lost because you can see the woods line on both sides, but it is easy to feel lost. Dead Lakes had plenty of paddling room amid single trees, islands of trees, and grasses like alligator weed. You never know what is around the next corner. Plenty of birds here that are friendly to paddlers.

1) Photomerge.

2) Photo merge images - you'll likely need to scroll to see the entire image.

3) Dead Lakes isn't very far from Pensacola, FL. It came as no surprise to see cormorants flying in formation like the Blue Angels.

4) The water levels were several feet above normal. Leaves were underwater. Nice clear water too!

5) Dead Lakes is about 6 miles miles long and half to three quarters of a mile wide with a west arm that you launch from.

6) When the waters are high, you can paddle any where you want making your own path around small islands of trees and grasses.

7) Green herons were also plentiful along with Blue herons.

8) I don't know why, but any time I kayak in Florida, the birds seem tame. Many of the birds just ignored the kayak and went about their business. Limpkins were abundant and noisy.

9) Only saw two alligators today but when they get this big, one is enough.

10) I have never seen so many turtles in my life and the ones in this lake have superb eye sight. I could hear them dropping into the water before I even rounded the corner.

11) Not sure what these insects looked like when they were alive, but it looks like they were having a good time before the left.

12) Lots of Osprey Eagles in Dead Lakes.

13) About the only thing in bloom were small shrubs.

14) The view from the boardwalk near the Dead Lakes boat ramp.