Family Adventures: Canoeing on Lettuce Lake

Lettuce Lake, located north of Tampa, Florida, is a picturesque waterway formed by a bend of the Hillsborough River, surrounded by lush wetlands. It was on a sunny morning, Sunday, May 14th, 2023, the day before a technical conference in Tampa, that my colleague Ian and I embarked on a memorable canoeing adventure.

As we arrived, the gentle breeze added a touch of serenity to the already beautiful day. After a slight struggle to release a canoe from its rack, we finally managed to bring it to the riverbank. Eager to capture the moment, we posed for a few photos before carefully launching the canoe into the shallow water of the gently sloping riverbed. Ian took his place at the front of the canoe, while I settled in at the back. With a gentle back and forth motion from me, the canoe gracefully floated onto the lake, and we began our paddle, heading upstream to the right.

On our journey, we were first greeted by the sight of elegant egrets gracefully wading on the left side of the river, while a few curious limpkins lingered on the right, not far from us. To enjoy a closer encounter with the wildlife, we paddled close to the shoreline, taking in the fascinating diversity of creatures both in and around the water. It wasn't long before we reached the observation tower, where we turned right and ventured into a swampy area. Our first encounters were with a few timid limpkins who stepped away as we approached. Soon after, we marveled at a gathering of egrets and herons standing in the shallows. As we tried to paddle a bit further, the canoe's bottom gently brushed against the riverbed, prompting us to backtrack and return to the main river stream.

Lettuce Lake/Hillsborough River

at launching point

Egret

Limpkin

From the water's surface, we had a much more intimate and unobstructed view of the waterfowl compared to those observing from the tower. Excitement filled the air when we spotted a moving object in the river, which turned out to be an alligator! This was the first of many thrilling encounters with these fearsome creatures. Most of the alligators we encountered were juveniles, relatively small in size, and typically swam away as we approached, seeking refuge. Due to the sunlight reflecting on the water, I could usually only catch a glimpse of their heads, but on one occasion, I was fortunate to witness a full-bodied alligator swimming parallel to the canoe. Ian, positioned at the front, had a clearer view and could observe the alligators directly beneath him.

limpkins

egrets and herons

In our attempt to approach a couple of larger alligators, they initially swam away and then disappeared beneath the water's surface. Continuing our journey, hugging the upstream shoreline, we delighted in the sight of turtles and fish in the water along the way. The larger fish swiftly darted away, leaving behind a cloud of stirred-up mud, while the turtles scurried off in their own unique manner.

An allegator

An image of an alligator - head above water, body submersed

A small alligator near the bow of our canoe

We got real close to this alligator - the object at lower right corner of the photo is the bow of the canoe

our paddling trail - red curve for the upstream paddling and yellow for downstream

As the river narrowed, its flow became swifter, creating a shallow passage. Sensing the need to turn back, we allowed the current to carry the canoe downstream. At this point, we turned right once more, navigating into a tranquil cove. The water here was nearly motionless, providing a serene habitat for numerous egrets and herons. Among them, we spotted the elegant roseate spoonbills, gracefully searching for their meals in the calm waters. It was in this peaceful setting that we allowed our canoe to gently drift, immersing ourselves in the surrounding beauty. The scene was further enhanced by the arrival of a tricolor heron, captivating us with its remarkable fishing prowess.

We also witnessed ospreys diving for fishes a couple times.

As our time on the water drew to a close, we paddled back to the canoe docking area, where we were greeted by the familiar presence of the charming limpkins. Some of them stood gracefully on land, while one remained in the water, skillfully catching its prey. Our attention was quickly captured by the emergence of an alligator from the depths, adding an extra touch of excitement to the scene. Nearby, a family of three—a young couple and their daughter—prepared to embark on their own canoeing adventure. Taking a moment to connect with them, I engaged in a brief conversation, expressing my awe at the beauty of the surroundings and the abundance of wildlife we had encountered. Upon reaching the shore, to my surprise and gratitude, the father kindly helped pull our canoe all the way onto the land, saving me the trouble of removing my running shoes.

Reflecting on the entire experience, I found immense joy and fulfillment in our canoeing expedition. For Ian, who embarked on his first canoeing adventure, the thrill and wonderment were evident in his expressions. Without a doubt, this outing ranks among the very best kayak/canoe experiences I have ever had, leaving an indelible mark on my memory.

In the embrace of nature's wonders, Lettuce Lake had truly revealed its enchanting allure, making our journey an unforgettable one.