Dirt Roads ~ High Heels: natural springs

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Manatees + Florida Springs

After arriving in Florida at midnight, renting a car and driving 45 minutes to get to my Mom's place and barely being able to sleep that night, I was up early and ready for my solo day of adventuring. I left mid-morning and headed to a place in Florida called Crystal River. I was there for three things; the nature, the wildlife, and the hiking. After arriving at this off-the-beaten-path wildlife refuge, known for it's manatees and gorgeous springs, I took off wandering through the wet-lands and making my way to the boardwalks that wind around the beautiful blue-green colored water. It was a warmer day today so the manatees were mostly in the canal, and it's mating season, so they were busy anyway. But there was one lone manatee located in the center of it all and I like to think he was there for me. After spending a couple of hours wandering around and talking to the local volunteers, I hiked my way around the refuge and back to the car. I was off to my next destination, known as Hunter Springs.

I spent a hour perched under a lone palm tree, taking in the warm sun that was shining down. Hunter Springs is a cozy smaller beach and although it's man-made, it's a nice place to enjoy a picnic, cool off in the springs of Kings Bay, or launch a kayak or paddle-board. After my hour of paid parking timed out, I was on my way back to the Plantation. I took the long way, driving though the Citrus Wildlife Management Area aka Withlacoochee Forest. The winding roads decorated by large trees covered in moss, and through the smaller Central Florida towns, offered some cool sites to see.

My Mom and I decided to grab a quick bite to eat before heading off to play a nightly round of Pickleball. My only stipulations were eating outside and by the water; Boondocks on Little Lake Harris offered both. We enjoyed peach mimosa's and I had to try the California Blood Orange IPA made by 21st Amendment Brewery. This cute little joint was the perfect spot to enjoy a late lunch with lake views just steps away; the fish and corn fritters weren't bad either. It was a perfect day in Florida.

Tuesdays in Florida :)
Shona

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Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Juniper Springs and the National Forest

You shouldn't be surprised that I would make sure and visit any National Forest if I am near one. In Florida, this is the Ocala National Forest. Owning the title of the Southernmost forest, Ocala is 673 square miles of protected sand pine scrub, includes three first-magnitude springs, over 600 hundred lakes and ponds, hiking trails, camping, and recreation areas. The springs allow visitors to swim, snorkel, and scuba year round.

For this adventure, I chose to visit Juniper Springs Recreation Area which is one of the oldest springs located on the East Coast. As I made my way into the park, I stopped at the pay station to discuss hiking and swimming. It's a $5 fee to enter but well worth the price. The lady seemed surprised I was spending the day alone, when will people not be surprised by solo travelers? I gave her a big smile, hopped back in the car and made my way to start exploring!

It was late morning but already getting pretty warm, so I decided to take a dip in the springs. Ice cold water, but crystal clear, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful Florida nature I have ever seen. I quickly made friends with a girl named Becca. She was about 14 years old and was there for swimming lessons. Ok Kansas, Florida gets a point for that! We briefly discussed where we were from and then she said, "Do you want me to take your picture?" A girl after my own heart.

After cooling off, I decided to venture on to the Juniper Springs Nature Trail, an easy hike along the well-known boardwalk that would take me through the dense canopy of palms and oaks, ending at Fern Hammock Springs. I made a quick stop at the Juniper Millhouse for a bit of history, learning this was built in the early 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Along the way were hundreds of bubbling springs, both small and large, gushing out of crevices of the earth and known as Sandy Boils. It was an oasis in the middle of the desert like Big Scrub.

At Fern Hammock Springs and located under the footbridge that crosses here, is the largest sand-filled boil. The bottom of the pool is filled with sand and aquatic grasses and the water has the most gorgeous blue-green color. This pool is kept in a more natural state surrounded by pine, palm, and hardwoods. Swimming is not allowed here to protect the sand boils and natural character. I did notice several turtles basking in the sun and a few fish swimming around. Alligators are often seen in the springs and in the surrounding areas. Basically in Florida, if there is water, there are gators. I will tell about my experience with a few of them in my next blog post, so be sure to follow along!

Before I left the park, I stopped one last time to take a dip in Juniper Springs. Even though it was the coldest water I have ever felt, for some reason, it didn't bother me. The beauty of the Springs was almost unreal. As I drove away from the recreation area, I decided to leave the Forest heading out the opposite direction I came in. I was on a mission to find a Ranger Station for more information. I stopped at the Lake George Ranger Station and loaded up on maps and different areas of the forest to explore. Camping here has now been added to my list! Until next time Ocala, thank you for an amazing day!