Kayaking in a First Magnitude Spring is a must-do! A First Magnitude Spring discharges an incredible 64.6+ million gallons of water per day, and there’s one less than an hour from where I live. Alexander Springs State Park is located in Altoona, FL in the Ocala National Forest, and is a glorious place to recreate.
We set up camp for a few nights of adventure, with our trusty ‘yaks in tow. The kayak launch is conveniently close to the camping loops, but don’t let that fool you—getting from the unloading area to the spring is a bit of a haul. Luckily, they’ve got some nifty kayak carts on hand to lighten the load, but you’ll still need to stretch those legs for a solid 5-minute stroll to reach the water’s edge. Think of it as a pre-paddle warm-up, and trust me, the spring is worth every step.
I rolled out in my Tesla Model Y for this close-ish adventure, and let me tell you, she was working overtime. Fully loaded with a camper right at the edge of her towing capacity and two kayaks riding high on the roof, she looked like a beast ready for anything. And she delivered—handling the load like a champ. Of course, all that weight and drag took a serious toll on the range. A full charge only gave me about 60 miles before needing a top-up—less than half of her usual endurance. But hey, sacrifices must be made for the thrill of the ride, right? The Quest Kayak Carrier from Dick’s Sporting Goods was an absolute game-changer. It came through in spades, making loading and securing the kayaks a breeze. Whether it’s the solid build, the secure fit, or just the fact that it saved me from a potential rooftop wrestling match, this carrier proved its worth and then some. Consider it money well spent if you’re hauling your ‘yaks rooftop-style.
The water adventure delivered in every possible way. The river came alive with an incredible array of flora and fauna, like something out of a nature documentary. We were graced by playful river otters, elegant anhinga drying their wings, turtles basking on logs, and even a few gators lurking in their usual stealthy style. But the real showstopper? A deer casually swimming across the river, reminding us that the wild always has a few surprises up its sleeve. Moments like these are why we paddle. Definitely will return here soon, but today we’re headed to the brackish water of the Mosquito Lagoon!
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