Salt Springs Recreation Campground
Ocala National Forest, Florida
The Ocala National Forest (Lake George in the upper right is 5 miles wide and 18 miles long).
Marc- Our explorations today were by truck, by foot and by canoe. We visited three of the numerous "Springs" in the Ocala National Forest: Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs and Silver Glen Springs. Juniper Springs was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. They did excellent work in creating a mill pond (for swimming and as a source of power for a mill). The Mill has recently been restored and its wheel is turning. They also created several trails and two large campgrounds.
Mill pond created at Juniper Spring and Mill.
Fully functional mill.
Canoe launching area Just below the Mill.
More Springs at Juniper Springs.
Water appears to "boil" up through the sandy bottom.
CCC trail bridge awaiting restoration.
The Mill Pond Spring was full of minnows and they like to nip at feet.
Our second Spring was Alexander Springs where we rented a canoe and traveled on the Run (river created by the Spring). It is a winding waterway set along old-growth forest. We saw various birds including egrets, anhingas, a black vulture and several herons. There were turtles taking in the sunshine on logs along the way, and even an alligator. We saw bass as well as some small black fish.
Sue leading the way down Alexander Run.
Lilly pad flower.
We also heard a few birds while hiking.
Our third Spring was the Silver Glen Springs recreation area. We went here for the Lake George hiking trail. The Spring here is near Lake George and many people come by boat to swim.
All sorts of boats are here.
The houseboat in the background sells barbecue.
Tropical beach near the end of the Lake George Trail.
1 comment:
The white heron may be an immature little blue heron.
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