Florida Springs Are Cool

by Adele Woodyard

Actually when it’s in the 90s outside, they’re darn cold. That 72 degrees feels more like 32 when you first step in water so clear it’s like looking through a glass. Do you go in bit by bit? Or take a quick, body-shocking plunge? Whichever your approach, there’s nothing better to beat the dog days of late summer. Of the 700+ springs in the state, those best suited for recreation, snorkel, scuba and cave diving are in 17 state parks or private, like the Ginnie Springs resort and campground near High Springs. The majority are located in north and central Florida. Here are some of the few, for a day or a weekend. Click for all fun things to do at these and others: http://www.floridastateparks.org http://www.floridasprings.org http://ginniespringsoutdoors.com

Tubing:
From Memorial Day to Labor Day the visitor’s favorite pastime at Ichetucknee Springs State Park is floating down the crystaline river in a huge inner tube. In fact it’s so popular the river can look like a waterborne traffic jam, so go early. Only have a kid’s round rubber ring? Tube, snorkel and diving equipment can be rented from vendors outside the park. No campground. $6 per vehicle, up to 8 people; $5 tubing. Fort White. 386-497-2511.

Rainbow Springs State Park was a privately owned attraction during the 1930s through the 70s. Today the Rainbow River is a great swim, snorkel, paddle spot and like the Ichetucknee, perfect for tubing. NOTE: Tubers are not permitted at headsprings. Tube entrance 1.4 miles south of campground on SW 180th Ave., about 2 miles south of S.R.40. Tuber entrance open April-Sept 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 per vehicle up to 8 people; plus $10 including tube and tram service; $8 with own tube. 352-465-8555.

Swim/Snorkel:
The spring run at Troy Spring State Park has an interesting sight for snorkelers—remains of a Civil War-era steamboat. The Madison was scuttled there in 1863 to prevent capture. Open water scuba diving is also permitted in the 70 foot deep, first magnitude spring. $3 per vehicle up to 8 people. No campground. Branford. 386-935-4835.

Wakulla Springs State Park has one of the world’s deepest freshwater springs. As such it’s caves and caverns have not been fully explored. During the 1940s it was a site for some of the Tarzan movies and later, such Hollywood offerings as the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Lodge, no camping.. $6 per vehicle up to 8 people. Wakulla Springs. 850-224-5950

Scuba/Cave Diving:
Divers must be certified and have a partner to tackle the caves at Peacock Springs State Park. Along with two major springs, a spring run and six sinkholes, it has one of the longest underwater cave systems in the continental United States. About 28,000 feet has been surveyed by cave divers. No campgrounds. $4 per vehicle, up to 8 people; Luraville. 386-776-3194.

Ginnie Springs Resort and Campground has 7 freshwater springs, 4 of them diveable, on 200 acres along the Santa Fe River. There P.A.D.I certified dive-center for open water, cavern and cave diving rules that Scuba must register and sign waiver during store hours . Fully certified cave divers pay $22 per person, all other divers $30 per person; General admission $12 adult, $3 ages 7-14, plus tax. High Springs. 386-454-7188. . .

Be sure and check for Bargains on http://www.vacationfunflorida.com

Scallops Anyone?

Honeymoon cottage

by Adele Woodyard

Each year the scatter of small, sleepy towns along the Gulf coast from the Ecofina River to Homosassa Springs wake up on July 1st. From then until September 10, locals and a stream of visitors come to scoop up scallops from the shallow, sandy, sea grass beds. Rows of tiny bright blue eyes glitter, as two to three inch fan shaped shells are stuffed into pails and string bags. This year Governor Charlie Crist opened the season 12 days early, in case BP’s disastrous oil spill eventually reaches these shores.

One vacation spot that welcomes the switch is the Steinhatchee Landing Resort. Located in the SW end of heavily forested Taylor County, the resort has a Deep South, 1800s ambiance. Its 25 acres between Kings Creek and the Steinhatchee River hold 50 Victorian, Georgian and Florida Cracker-style cottages, shaded by moss-laden oaks. All are privately owned,
and 39 are in the rental pool. Fully-furnished, the one to four bedrooms can take up to 12 guests, and 19 are pet friendly. During scallop season, there are boats available to take you out to the flats to collect your dinner. When you reach your limit, or your fill of the action, whichever comes first, there’s plenty to do back at the resort. Two swimming pools, one in an indoor spa with a three-person sauna, a fitness center, and tennis court, are on site. There’s a pontoon boat to explore the river, rental canoes and kayaks, and fishing is a popular sport.

The resort has grown a lot since my visit when it first opened in the mid-90s. Along with about three times the number of cottages, owner Dean Fowler has added a wedding chapel and honeymoon cottage. My
stay was in a one-bedroom, two story they called the “Spice” house. It had over-and-under porches and the living quarters were on the second floor. When I checked with the office, the on-site restaurant is gone, but there are several in nearby towns and a complementary breakfast is available at the resort’s Welcome Center. 800-584-1709; 352-498-3513. http://www.steinhatcheelanding.com

Perry, the nearest town of any size, is on US 19/98 N. For a glimpse of Old Florida, stop at the Forest Capital Museum. Timber was an important part of North Florida economy and exhibits feature the long leaf pines and the 5,000 products manufactured from them. The adjacent 1864 Cracker homestead displays antique furnishings and the vintage farm equipment used in pioneer life.

As the names imply. Fanning Springs, Manatee Springs, and Peacock Springs are three other state parks that feature crystal clear waters to snorkel and scuba dive. Peacock Springs has one of the longest underwater cave systems in the continental United States, and scuba divers must have proof of certification to explore these caverns. Manatee Springs has a campground for tents and RVs, and five cabins are available at Fanning Springs. For more information, click on http://:www.floridastateparks.org