distance kayaked: 9 miles
total confirmed miles to date: 892

The river was down about 18' from my previous trip (12' deep instead of 30'). Under normal conditions, the river here is narrow, deep, generally unobstructed, and has high banks on either side. This is a technically challenging section of river; the river is relatively fast, virtually every turn sweeps, and there are plenty of barely-submerged cypress knees to get hung up on. I considered this my first training run for the Texas Water Safari.

On the map, you may notice a change in terrain color near the river about 2/3 of the way to the north bridge. At this point, the river gradually enters a region of karst topography known as Bradwell Bay. The river banks lower to about 3-4' high so the whole area floods any time it rains. Looking over the banks, you can see lots of small springs and pools that don't appear connected to anything; these all feed the river from underground. Because the river at this point doesn't have a single source, it dwindles to almost nothing as you continue north within the karst area. Where I stopped, the river wasn't even wide enough for me to turn around.

I can technically say that I have "completed" the Sopchoppy River since two of my three criteria for completeness have been met:
1) channel not visible by satellite
2) requires bypassing the river channel (i.e. flood)
As such, I have completed the entire Ochlockonee River system and can now focus my efforts on the Aucilla river in the east and the New River in the west.
(Of course, if it rains I may return to this portion of river to try pushing a bit further, but I'm still considering it complete.)


If you look carefully, you can see two Forestry Service volunteers collecting water samples.
(compare to flood image)


scenic and easy starting out




High banks mean that even when the river floods, you may not be able to leave the channel. (see: last trip)


The transition into the Bay was so subtle...
Just as I was thinking "How much further is it to the Bay?" I looked around and realized I was already there.


dense trees, low banks, and wild eddy currents


I didn't feel like cutting my way through this mess and left.


During a portage, I took some pictures of nearby springs.


a large pool near the river


during my return: some images from the top of one of the high, steep river banks







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