Trip to Florida Freshwater Spring

[mikecat adjuster]

Florida's freshwater springs offer a glimpse into the soul of our planet, and a cool swim while you look in. In this blog video, 'Another Walk with Mike', you get a view of one of Florida's finest springs, tucked away under a canopy of cypress greenery.

Pure Opulence. The water is alive and wildlife swims in its flowing body. See for yourself and enjoy.


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzBtalI79cc&feature=channel_page"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzBtalI79cc&feature=channel_page[/"]YouTube - Florida Freshwater Springs[/ame]

 

[Matt J]

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)

 

[mikecat adjuster]

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.

 

[Lake Eastern]

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.

 

[mikecat adjuster]

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.

 

[Matt J]

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. ;-)

 

[mikecat adjuster]

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.

 

[Matt J]

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.

 

[mikecat adjuster]

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.

 

[Grayton Girl]

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!