The Manatees are usually in the river during the colder months as the spring water is warmer than the ocean at that time of year. You were extremely luck to see one during the warmer months. This was a great video!
Haven't been to Silver Springs since Florida State Parks took it over... I've heard mixed things since. Wakulla Springs State Park (near Tallahassee) is the same way...no swimming allowed in the actual spring fissures, as they do the boat tours too. Kind of disappointing to see such restrictions over time.
The silver river is browning because in a few more yards you would have merged into the Ocklawaha river. It is essentially the opposite of the silver river. It reminds me of the Louisiana bayou with it's cypress knees and tannic water. You should try it next time for a completely different experience.
Shoulder range of motion is very little when kayaking so I would think it would be fine. Probably would even strengthen your shoulder. The nice thing about kayaking down river like this is if you get tired you can pretty much float. Or you can paddle faster to make the run faster.
Perception Triumph 13. For some reason Perception stopped distributing these in the United States. I like them because they are fairly fast for a sit on top. But I find myself paddling my touring kayak most often because of how fast it is. A good quality brand that's not crazy expensive is wilderness systems. They make some longer and faster sit on top kayaks.
Old video but to those just watching alexander and juniper springs both have swimming. They are both close by. Alexander is better for swimming, but juniper has a better trail
I'm a Floridian who understands why you can't swim in the springs anymore. Tourists and the hordes of people that have come here in the last few years have no respect for our Rivers. Mooring and anchoring destroying trees, swimming and disturbing the bottom of the river where Grass Grows, the list goes on. Weeki Wachee has been almost destroyed because of the hordes of people that want to have their fun because they believe it's their right. Like I said there is no respect for nature when fun is on the agenda
