Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Springin' in Florida

Since exploring the Sunshine State 🌞 over the last few years, I have come to love the Springs of Florida! I have mainly adventured to those centrally located but they all have something unique to offer. Here we go!

Juniper Springs - Located in Ocala National Forest will definitely give you all the tropical feels. There is swimming, picnic areas, campgrounds, hiking trails, boardwalks, and kayaking. The water is a refreshing 72 degrees all year long. The boardwalk will take you through the forest where you will witness wildlife, boiling salt springs, and crystal clear water.


Three Sisters Springs at Crystal River - Amazing springs, manatees, birds, and a boardwalk to take it all in. Close by is the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge where you can paddle, snorkel, and swim with the manatees. You can launch a kayak at Kings Bay or Hunter Springs to get to Three Sisters Springs if you are wanting to explore by way of water (note: there is no water access from the springs to the refuge). The manatees love Three Sisters and the refuge! Snorkeling here with these gentle giants is a must-do!


 

Silver Springs State Park - From glass bottom boats to kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards ... there are many ways to explore this state park. We opted for kayaking and made our way through the clear waters of the spring to the entrance of the river and back to the springs. You can skip the river (turning around where it starts) as it can be more of a strenuous paddle to return to the spring area, but well worth the views. We saw a few manatees here plus an alligator sunning himself.


Weeki Wachee Springs - My most favorite paddle yet. The waters of the Weeki Wachee are unreal! From the launch site you will make your way for 3 miles through some of the most beautiful waters I have ever seen in Florida. There are several sand-bars along the way which is great to stop for lunch or for getting out to take a dip in the water. If you are lucky, you may even spot manatee's floating beneath your kayak.


Rainbow Springs State Park - Whether you take a swim, a paddle, or just enjoy the beautiful and serene gardens filled with colorful flowers and waterfalls, Rainbow Springs is a great place to spend the day. The entrance fee is $2 and gives you access to the whole park. Kayaks and canoes can be rented on site. Camping is also allowed just a few minutes drive from the head springs!

Rock Springs/Kelly Park - Kelly Park is the perfect day trip destination! Between the 7 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and swimming (when allowed), I am certain you will love the beauty of this park. It's also known as Bear Country so be on the lookout Nearby Camp Joy offers a place for you to launch your kayak or canoe and gives you access to the Emerald Cut, noted as one of the most beautiful sections of Rock Springs Run. If you launch at Camp Joy, you can either paddle back or arrange for a pick up at Wekiva Island.

The Chaz - A river with many surprises! One of the prettiest springs known as the Seven Sisters Spring is within minutes of you launching into the river and yes you can stop and swim here! Don't skip it! As you paddle on, you will come to Baird Creek, a tributary of the Chaz. Paddle as far as you can, park the kayak, and begin to wade in the ankle deep water towards the secret swimming hole known as The Crack. Don't be surprised to spot many different birds, otters, turtles, and maybe even a manatee here! The river, after about 2.5 miles, will turn into the Wildlife Refuge and this will continue for miles, but this is where we turned around.


 

Silver Glen Springs - The turquoise blue waters of Silver Glen are located in Ocala National Forest. A busy place in the summers as houseboats line the spring run and people enjoy swimming in the warm, clear waters. There are two trails around the park; Spring Boils Trail and Lake George Trail. Canoes are available for rent or bring your own to launch for no fee. The main Spring Boil pumps 72 million gallons of water per day down to Lake George and is a first magnitude spring. The second spring known as the Natural Well attracts many fish to it's depths. This is a short but fun paddle! We saw manatees, many fish, and even crabs!


Kings Landing - Paddling here was so fun!  Once you get out of the canal, go right! That'll lead you to the area known as the Emerald Cut and it is gorgeous! The water is shallow, crystal clear, and the palms are beautiful! Once you head back toward the canal, keep going toward the river!  This is where we saw many turtles, three alligators and tons of fish!  

Now, it's time to get out there and explore the Springs!

Shona

Follow Me ↠ #kcgypsea

Monday, January 25, 2021

Summers in Florida

Catching up on Summer 2020 because it's been a crazy year!  But, this trip to Florida meant exploring new parks and beautiful beaches; kayaking clear water, watching manatees, eating good food, and finding the best coffee houses.  I always value my time there as I have grown to love the Sunshine State! It has definitely become another home for me and I am always eager to return.  

The trip started out with lunch at Lilly's on the Lake, a fun place with good food and lake views.  I am always up for fish tacos!  The next day my Mom and I explored Deland, the cutest dang town!  We started with coffee at Trilogy Coffee, where the barista used her skills to make a Pirate on top of my latte! We walked around downtown before heading the Kelly Park to take in the beautiful, crystal clear springs. 



Rock Springs/Kelly Park was breathtaking!  Because swimming in the Springs was not allowed due to Covid, we had the entire park to ourselves.  We explored the springs, took in the Florida sounds, and hiked the paved trails around the park.  It was worth the trade off of not swimming to be able to experience this without all of the normal crowds.  Tomorrow, Kayaking! 



Let's talk about kayaking at Lake Chaz.  The Chassahowitzka River is about 5 miles long and is completely spring fed; and it is gorgeous! It is home to hundreds of species of birds and the infamous West Indian Manatee.  The very first spring on our list was Seven Sisters Spring, and it's must see.  Of course, swimming is allowed at this magical place.  Up next was Baird Creek, a tributary that ends with a spring known as The Crack.  Tip* you must walk the last section to reach the Crack, but it's easy to do ... be sure to watch for gators :) Worth it in my opinion!  We ended the day with lunch at Crumps, a fun waterfront Tiki bar! 



I couldn't go to Florida without taking a dip in the ocean! Today we checked out two incredible white sand, crystal-clear water beaches; Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island (only accessible by private boat or ferry).  We spent some time on Honeymoon Island collecting seashells before heading to the ever secluded Caladesi Island where we took in the sun and incredible views.  Our day ended with lunch at Pearlys Beach Eats in Dunedin!

More info here: Honeymoon Island State Park



Last but not least, we visited the Second Largest Oak Tree in the state of Florida; it's estimated to be between 300-500 years old and was first discovered in 1811. It is located at Lake Griffith State Park! 



Until next time Florida! 🌴


Shona