Trip to Florida Freshwater Spring

Mike, where is that? If you like springs you should head over to Wakulla springs. Just a heads up and I'll have a clear conscience, don't go in the caves. I've heard of too many people dieing because they just wanted to take a peek.

Those aren't crawfish and they don't cook up like them. They are Rusty Crayfish an invasive species.

Invasive Species: Aquatic Species - Rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus)

Mike, where is that? If you like springs you should head over to Wakulla springs. Just a heads up and I'll have a clear conscience, don't go in the caves. I've heard of too many people dieing because they just wanted to take a peek.

Those aren't crawfish and they don't cook up like them. They are Rusty Crayfish an invasive species.

Invasive Species: Aquatic Species - Rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus)

I always appreciate your feedback, GB. I am no expert, although I play one on my videos , but I have a book on the springs that calls those crawdads 'spring crawfish'. It says that they are indigenous to the springs and the spring runs/river systems of North Florida.

I've been to Wakulla, years ago, but the swimming area was roped off, preventing you from the 'real' beauty, creating an almost pool atmosphere. Since I don't scuba dive, the caves there wouldn't be an option.

There is a good population of big gator in that area. I'd like to venture there again one day, maybe even splurge and stay at the lodge. I actually may take my kids east during June to the Ocala area where there are some sensational options regarding springs. Hopefully, anyway.

a favorite when my kids were small.

My children loved to go to Icheetucknee Springs(sp?) near Lake City when they were small. You can tube, canoe, or swim, but it is cold. They have several different runs you can choose and camping nearby, too.

I always appreciate your feedback, GB. I am no expert, although I play one on my videos , but I have a book on the springs that calls those crawdads 'spring crawfish'. It says that they are indigenous to the springs and the spring runs/river systems of North Florida.

I've been to Wakulla, years ago, but the swimming area was roped off, preventing you from the 'real' beauty, creating an almost pool atmosphere. Since I don't scuba dive, the caves there wouldn't be an option.

There is a good population of big gator in that area. I'd like to venture there again one day, maybe even splurge and stay at the lodge. I actually may take my kids east during June to the Ocala area where there are some sensational options regarding springs. Hopefully, anyway.

My children loved to go to Icheetucknee Springs(sp?) near Lake City when they were small. You can tube, canoe, or swim, but it is cold. They have several different runs you can choose and camping nearby, too.

Yes, I've been to Ichetucknee and actually, I saw a manatee there, which is somewhat a rarity. There is a point at which the water has to be for a manatee to enter the river system and it was high enough that year. Seeing the beauty was a definate surprise.

Silver Glen over there is probably my favorite, although Ginnie springs evokes great memories too. Along with springs with great river systems, Rainbow and Silver are also gems. Salt springs has some interesting aspects also.

I always appreciate your feedback, GB. I am no expert, although I play one on my videos , but I have a book on the springs that calls those crawdads 'spring crawfish'. It says that they are indigenous to the springs and the spring runs/river systems of North Florida.

I've been to Wakulla, years ago, but the swimming area was roped off, preventing you from the 'real' beauty, creating an almost pool atmosphere. Since I don't scuba dive, the caves there wouldn't be an option.

There is a good population of big gator in that area. I'd like to venture there again one day, maybe even splurge and stay at the lodge. I actually may take my kids east during June to the Ocala area where there are some sensational options regarding springs. Hopefully, anyway.

I wouldn't call staying at the Lodge splurging. It caps out at about $100.00 per night. The ropes are really there to keep people from swimming out over the springs and interrupting the glass bottom boats.

The Marianna Caverns state park has a swimming area over caves as well and there's no rope stopping you.

I have a book about the Wakulla Springs Volcano. It doesn't exist, but it was published. ;-)

I wouldn't call staying at the Lodge splurging. It caps out at about $100.00 per night. The ropes are really there to keep people from swimming out over the springs and interrupting the glass bottom boats.

The Marianna Caverns state park has a swimming area over caves as well and there's no rope stopping you.

I have a book about the Wakulla Springs Volcano. It doesn't exist, but it was published. ;-)

You're right, and actually I think some rooms can go for as little as like $85 a night. I guess splurging is relative. I just budget extensively. For example, when I spent two days visiting St. Vincent island recently, I slept in my truck for the night rather than finding a room. There's a campground there, but my tents are all abused and have no more weather guard.

Better than the caverns springs, I think, are some near there, near Blue springs. Shangri la it is called. It is actually a small, quaint spring, with a cave that can be reached by a swimmer. There are some nice springs in this area, but they are minor league compared to what exists in the Ocala area.

Yep, the rooms are cheap. The trick then is kids. Not much for them to do if their not into nature, quiet, or early bedtimes. The rooms are very much as they were in the 30's.

Careful about sleeping in your vehicle. The rangers may run you off if they think you are homeless. I'm serious, long story, but I do know this one for a fact.

Yep, the rooms are cheap. The trick then is kids. Not much for them to do if their not into nature, quiet, or early bedtimes. The rooms are very much as they were in the 30's.

Careful about sleeping in your vehicle. The rangers may run you off if they think you are homeless. I'm serious, long story, but I do know this one for a fact.

I was at a public boat ramp where I think there is a law about being able to sleep there. No rangers patrolling that area.

Absolutely FABULOUS, Mike!!

You are my hero! I am a serious springaholic and you have captured the magic for sure.

Thanks for these wonderful videos!

Absolutely FABULOUS, Mike!!

You are my hero! I am a serious springaholic and you have captured the magic for sure.

Thanks for these wonderful videos!

You are sweet and a springaholic to boot? Can't beat that I fell in love with the springs in 1990 I think it was. Actually, as a kid I rode in some glass bottom boat rides and was fascinated, but in '90, as a big boy, I really grew to love the springs by swimming in them and experiencing them naturally.

Years ago when my two brothers and I were trying to figure a trip we could take together, I voted for the springs. They both wanted something out west, Yellowstone or something. I was a realist and knew, at the time, we couldn't pull something like that off. And to me, a vacation where we hit various springs would have been fabulous, no less so than anywhere else in the world. They didn't think too much of the idea.

Well, now one of those brothers, after finally relenting and going with me a few years ago to visit one of the better springs, is a springaholoic, too.

Btw, seeing your name always reminds me. A couple years ago I met a girl out on a Destin beach. She was with two friends out by Whale's Tail. Anyway, we talked a bit and I was impressed, to say the least. She said she didn't care for 'the city' and that she lived in Grayton beach. Ever since I've moved here to Seagrove, she's occupied a little space in my mind. I've actually thought I may have seen her a few times but am not sure.

Anyway, the name 'Grayton Girl' would be perfect for her. She was one hot girl, athletic in the water and a magnet for my eyes and in love with Grayton beach.

Thanks for your sweet words about my videos. It's been nice to share a bit of my journey's with others. I think I'll head out now for another. Who knows what will happen or what I'll see. Yesterday I saw an Osprey grab a fish from the water not 30 feet from me. I was perched up against a bank, concealed in a way, as to not spook the Osprey. I also had an alligator that seemed to be stalking me. It kept coming closer and closer and I wondered if from where I was fishing if I were close to a nest or something, so I moved off.

None of this was on camera, but it happened, in the life of Mike

Fabulous, Mike!!!!

I definitely want to do the Springs and play with the manatees!!!!! Send more videos!

Cheers~~~~