January-February 2014: Deep Hole, Myakka River State Park

NOTE:  To date we have made four trips to Deep Hole this season.  That's four trips in six weeks.  Guess we are due for another journey...

It seems "the hike to do" at Myakka River State Park is the hike to Deep Hole.  Guess this has always been the case but recent articles in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and quoted on the Internet simply enhanced the draw.  

Bill on that chilly January 2014 morning

Why not make this one of our first hikes at the park.  Early one chilly January morning we obtained a permit from the Ranger Station and headed out.  Now it is a long walk, 5 miles round trip, and mostly in the sun which is perfect for a cool day in early January.  

Typical scrub terrain
on the trip to Deep Hole

The terrain felt like home looking across a sea of palmetto, grasses, and scrub.  We ambled over the sandy and grass covered road gazing at turkey vultures and black vultures soaring overhead in the clear blue sky.  Sometimes we were treated with a small song bird or Red Shouldered Hawk sitting in the Spanish moss draped oaks or a cabbage palm.  After walking two plus miles we found ourselves at the Lower Lake and Deep Hole, which were joined by a trickle of water.  

Lower Lake Myakka
and Deep Hole

Being a cool day the alligators were scarce; however, a few were on duty to give us a feeling of the potential on a hot day. So we returned but this time walking a side trail which presented opportunities for additional scenic lake views.  I should note there are multiple blueberry-like shrubs which usually produce editable berries with little flavor.  Looking closely you can find a few early January flower

Having hiked to the Lower Lake and Deep Hole from the west side, it was time to venture down Cabin Creek Lane on the east side of the river and lake.  Ranger Teresa Good had mentioned the beauty of this trail and she was correct, it is one of the prettiest trails in the park.

Cabin Lane

Strange how simply walking the west side of the lake can be so different from the east.  There are more trees and hammocks on the west side along with different scrub. 

Cabin Creek Scrub 

From this side of the lake it is difficult to walk on the lake shore due to the stretch of grass and bog; however, the views are fantastic.  And, we were treated to a huge flock of white pelican on the lake.  Our best guess was 500 or so.

Cabin Creek Trail view

Our third trip to Deep Hole and the Lower Lake occurred as part of a park orientation trip.  Volunteer Jim Watson spends the better part of a day taking new volunteers to remote areas of the park.  During the trip he shares information gained from 18 years with the park which includes history, ecology, and observations.  His tours are educational, relaxing, and fun.

Jim Watson's Trip on Ranch House Road

Being winter the water levels in the river are lower so a canoe trip down the Myakka River was not reasonable.  Then in early February after several days of rain the water levels rose, it was time to canoe down the river to the Lower Lake and Deep Hole.  

Time for another trip to the area, our fourth but perhaps not last for this season.  However, not wanting to drop my phone/camera into the water the included photos were taken at other times.

Our trusty canoe ready for action!

Now, it  was a warm day and the numerous alligators on the banks of this narrow passage along the river had my adrenalin flowing.  Consider the feeling when a huge gator slides off the bank and disappears under the canoe.  In truth, the gator simply wanted to be invisible and out of our way but still it was unsettling.  

Accurate photo compliments of
http://www.ticketsarasota.com

We arrived safely back home after a lovely paddle with new friends through clear waters on a sunny clear day.  The highlight, other than friendship, was the opportunity to see an eagle land in the water and then ascend with a fish in it's talons.  It was magic.  It was a magic trip.