Ichetucknee Springs State Park
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One outing from O’Leno State Park was to Ichetucknee Springs State Park – about 12 miles west. Ichetucknee Springs is one of the large, fresh water springs in Florida. Not as large or as famous as Silver Springs, it is a great getaway in the heat of summer. As the Florida State Park web-site describes it:
The crystalline Ichetucknee River flows six miles through shaded hammocks and wetlands before it joins the Santa Fe River. In 1972, the head spring of the river was declared a National Natural Landmark by the U. S. Department of the Interior. From the end of May until early September, tubing down the river is the premier activity in the area. In addition to tubing, visitors can enjoy picnicking, snorkeling, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. October through March scuba diving is available in the Blue Hole only (you must be cave certified). White-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, wood ducks and great blue herons can be seen from the river. Picnic areas, equipped with tables and grills, are available throughout the park.
There are two spring outlets in the park – one surfaces at what is called the Blue Bottle because the cave exit is shaped like a bottle. The other, larger spring (shown above) has a small beach. I don’t know what the water temperature was but it felt quite cold to touch. I sure didn’t want to go in the water and I sure as heck didn’t want to go down in the caves under water. People do it and love it; but people also get themselves killed down there!
If you’re interested in more information on the cave system and the folks that dive, check out http://www.alex-warren.com/OldBellamy1999-2002/Article-DOB/Article-DivingOldBellamy-CB.asp
I’ve never seen a detailed map of central and north Florida showing the various caves – mostly fresh water – but I know it’s extensive. I’m not even sure anyone knows the extent of the systems. Since they’re all limestone formations, I just hope that none collapse anytime I’m in the vicinity!
After visiting the springs, we drove on west to the Suwanee River in Branford, FL and had lunch. There were a lot of cars in the lot at the restaurant (no, I can’t remember the name) so we pulled in. Turned out it was a lunch buffet (I usually avoid buffets), but since it was the only place in town and we were hungry, we tried it. Good thing. All Southern style cooking and delicious. We didn’t go hungry!
After lunch we headed back via Lake City, FL and down I-75. A nice day’s outing. Margaret wants to go back someday and kayak down the Ichetucknee Springs river. We’ll see.
The crystalline Ichetucknee River flows six miles through shaded hammocks and wetlands before it joins the Santa Fe River. In 1972, the head spring of the river was declared a National Natural Landmark by the U. S. Department of the Interior. From the end of May until early September, tubing down the river is the premier activity in the area. In addition to tubing, visitors can enjoy picnicking, snorkeling, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. October through March scuba diving is available in the Blue Hole only (you must be cave certified). White-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, wood ducks and great blue herons can be seen from the river. Picnic areas, equipped with tables and grills, are available throughout the park.
There are two spring outlets in the park – one surfaces at what is called the Blue Bottle because the cave exit is shaped like a bottle. The other, larger spring (shown above) has a small beach. I don’t know what the water temperature was but it felt quite cold to touch. I sure didn’t want to go in the water and I sure as heck didn’t want to go down in the caves under water. People do it and love it; but people also get themselves killed down there!
If you’re interested in more information on the cave system and the folks that dive, check out http://www.alex-warren.com/OldBellamy1999-2002/Article-DOB/Article-DivingOldBellamy-CB.asp
I’ve never seen a detailed map of central and north Florida showing the various caves – mostly fresh water – but I know it’s extensive. I’m not even sure anyone knows the extent of the systems. Since they’re all limestone formations, I just hope that none collapse anytime I’m in the vicinity!
After visiting the springs, we drove on west to the Suwanee River in Branford, FL and had lunch. There were a lot of cars in the lot at the restaurant (no, I can’t remember the name) so we pulled in. Turned out it was a lunch buffet (I usually avoid buffets), but since it was the only place in town and we were hungry, we tried it. Good thing. All Southern style cooking and delicious. We didn’t go hungry!
After lunch we headed back via Lake City, FL and down I-75. A nice day’s outing. Margaret wants to go back someday and kayak down the Ichetucknee Springs river. We’ll see.
I have to comment on one photo. While walking through the woods we passed a tree with a protruding trunk - the local elephant plant? But then I get a lot of fun in seeing "things" in trees, roots, and bark - things that "aren't there"!
Until next week,
Wayne
Until next week,
Wayne
posted by Wayne and Margaret @ 2:41 PM
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