Kyle,
Thanks for the leads, I should have from about 8:30 on on Friday and all day Saturday and about 6:00 until 2:00 on Sunday and 20 to 30 miles a day is fine so I can probably take them all in.
Scott

: Scott,

: As far as locations, I recommend paddling the Econ River which is
: just northeast of Orlando. It's my favorite local river. I was
: there Saturday and the water was at a good level. This river
: runs through a state forest and for the first nine miles the
: only sign of humans is a wooden bridge at the midway point. The
: next twelve miles to the take out is equally wild with only one
: power line to distract you. I have seen many bald eagles and
: blue heron on the Econ. I have also paddled past raccoons, deer,
: a skunk, coyotes and many alligators. I usually do an out-n-back
: so I like to start at Snow Hill Rd (which is listed a point 2)
: on the map and paddle upstream so I don't have to work as hard
: on the return trip. I always base my trip on the length of time
: I can be out and the Econ can be all day if you have the time.
: If you have several hours (and are a reasonably strong paddler)
: then I recommend starting at point 2 and going downstream where
: there is a nice little restaurant at point 3. They have a pretty
: good burger but don't leave without having some of their gator
: tail bites. Yum! For me the only good gator is one on the plate!
: The only drawback is the return is upstream paddling with a full
: stomach. I'm usually lazy and looking for a nap. :-)

: I don't know of any kayak rentals at the Econ but I'll ask around.
: I know there are some kayak tours in the area but I don't think
: they go far and their kayaks are too stable for beginners (read
: slow).

: The Wekiva river, just north of Orlando, is another great paddle
: area but for me there are too many people. There are several
: canoe rental sites on that river and they may also have some
: kayaks but I'm not sure. Look up Kings Landing, Wekiva Marina
: and Wekiva Falls as some of the rental operations. This is a
: beautiful river and if you go far enough north you get away from
: the kids in canoes. I have seen a few manatees in the Wekiva and
: if you can find your way into Black Water Creek you will be in
: the roughest swamp setting you can imagine. I have never seen
: another boat in there in the past ten years of paddling but I
: have seen plenty of wildlife.

:
: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/designated_paddle/Econlock_guide.pdf

: Kyle T