Naked Ed has lived on the Santa Fe River for 24 years. He is the caretaker of the piece of property that surrounds Lily Springs, and he doesn’t wear clothes. I was warned of him at the Santa Fe Outfitters where I rented my kayak, but I already knew about him from my guidebooks and the restaurant in town. The restaurant, The Great Outdoors, sells Naked Ed beer. He has become quite famous in these parts!
I did get a chance to meet Naked Ed. I had stopped in the shade on a bank near the springs, and Ed walked toward me on the opposite bank, just a few yards away. He did, in fact, have a towel wrapped away his waist. He explained that he always does this when he approaches someone. He told me I was welcome to go further into this cove to see the springs, but he warned me that he would be naked.
It turned out that Naked Ed is very nice and quite harmless. We chatted for about half an hour. He loves visitors, and he loves to talk. I had to watch the time as I was told that to make my pick up, I would need to leave Naked Ed no later than 2:30. I felt a bit like Cinderella! What a twist to the story.
If you happen to be floating down the Santa Fe River and have the time, be sure to stop by to see Naked Ed.
Footprints and Ripples 
So was he blessed?
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I don’t know about blessed, but he was quite charming.
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Only you!! How fun 🙂
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I saw the headline and thought, “Wow, this’ll be good!”
I thought it was going to be about Naked Ed(ucation)…
Bait-and-Switch!
But a very interesting story, and very well told–I would think NE would have to be extremely charming to be sans clothes…he probably charms the pants off quite a few people…
okay, I’ve milked all the jokes out of this one.
Were there any warning signs? Like “Warning: Naked Ed Ahead!”
Well, not quite ALL the jokes. Wait, one more!
No photos? Not even NE with an artfully-place kayak oar, or kudzu vine?
Seriously, it reminds me of an “On the Road with Charles Kuralt” segment. Good post Susan!
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What a funny experience! Do you ever read David Sedaris? He has some funny stories about going to a nudist colony 🙂
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It really was (a funny experience). No, I never have read David Sedaris. I will have to check him out!
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That sounds like a great experience. How far up the river did you have to travel from Santa Fe Outfitters to find Ed?
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It was some time ago, but it seems that I was told to make certain I left Ed in time for the pickup, so I think it was about 30 minutes from the end of my paddle–so probably close to three hours. I may be off on that.
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We visited Naked Ed last week . He is real, he is naked and we spent approx 30 mins talking to an intellectual guy who has just detached himself from society. OK might be a tourist thing but a nice guy and we liked him!!!!
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He was, without a doubt, likeable. He does give a warning before he walks up to you in his nakedness!
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If you come through North Florida again, be sure to stop in to Adventure Outpost in downtown High Springs. I’m a nature writer and full-time river guide, leading 2 – 3 tours per week on over 60 north Florida waterways (this is our 20th year in business) and I’ll be glad to point you toward some of our lesser-known gems. You can also join me on one of my guided tours if you enjoy learning about plants, animals, history, archaeology, etc. while paddling. It would be with my compliments (free) since you are a fellow writer/river lover) BTW – Naked Ed is no longer at Lily Spring. He is ill and living in assisted living. We always tell our customers they should stop in and visit Lily Spring as they pass–still a nice little spot, but not the same without my old buddy, Ed.
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Lars, I just realized I never responded to you! So sorry. I love North Florida and am bound to make it that way again. I’d love to get some suggestions for paddling! So sad to hear about Naked Ed. I know he is part of the river culture. 🙂
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His house recently burned down if you’d like to reach back out to him
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