Wekiwa or Wekiva?

We've been to Wekiwa Springs many times since our first visit, and I'll tell you a little about some of the subsequent visits. But before I do that, I want to challenge you all to find the difference between the words Wekiwa and Wekiva and what they mean. (You Floridians should have an advantage! Any takers?)

Now.. back to our trips. :) A co-worker taught me how to kayak (props Kevin!), and one trip was on the Wekiva. It was gorgeous, with swallow tailed kites skimming the water, baby 'gators, immature white little blue herons randomly splashed with their adult blue color, and even a limpkin! Since I loved it so much, I wanted to share it with Ron. (of course!)

Ron and I went in the spring and saw all kinds of turtles and many baby alligators. Have you ever seen them? They are adorable with their little baby grunts. Ron even got to hear that, though we were cautious of watchful mama nearby.

Where the river opens up into still water and wide grasslands, we spotted the elegantly gorgeous swallow-tailed kite soaring overhead. Wekiva must be a big breeding ground for little blues because we saw the juvenilesagain as well. The competitive croaking of the bullfrogs even cracked us up.

On the way back though is where the trip got the most exciting for me. We heard people jibbering excitedly as we pulled up to an area known for otter sightings. But I saw no otters. Then, just as I was about to give up, a sleek brown head popped out of the water and disappeared again. I saw them a few more times before continuing on to the beginning of the river. It was just so cool to see a whole family of otters swimming around our kayaks. I had never seen that before and haven't since. I think Ron's favorite part though was the silly turtle we watched flailing his legs wildly before he plunked gracelessly into the water.

Here are some photos from when we took my parents, sister and her boyfriend and my nephew Cole to Wekiwa. That boy is just a baby after my own heart. He loved seeign the birds, plants, lizards and even insects. And he's only one year old!

Cole pointing out the birds and trees on the Wekiwa forest walk.


I have no idea what this is, but I'm just so darn proud of the photo. Any entomologists out there?