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DAY TRIP Submerge Yourself DAY TRIP submerge yourself magine water of such astonishing treasure: crystalline springs fed by clarity that fish seem to hover in underground aquifers. Springs so mid air, suspended motionless pure that the water is now bottled for against a backdrop of blue skies and drinking purposes. But what makes shade trees. Then visualize a cavern these springs so unique is not only the 50 feet underwater, where sunbeams clarity of the water but the fact that they dance over the cave floor and visitors team with life. The springs play host float motionless in liquid space; a world to bream, gar, bluegills, catfish, eels, where gravity ceases to hold sway and the and bass. And for snorkelers, SCUBA temperature never varies by as much as a divers and kayakers, the abundance of single degree year round. Now, imagine life in the springs offers the opportunity yourself immersed in the fluid embrace to swim and dive in a world of of this marvelous world. Sounds like the unparalleled beauty. It’s a chance to product of an escapist fantasy, you say? experience one of Florida’s greatest Could be. But while the effects may be natural wonders. surreal, these places do exist outside the Florida has the greatest concentration imagination. And they’re only hours away of freshwater springs in the world. In in nearby Florida. fact, there are 33 “first-magnitude” Renowned as a dive mecca, Florida is springs alone (discharging at least 100 famous for its endless beaches and clear cubic feet of water per second). And waters. When most people think of there are hundreds of lesser springs SCUBA diving or snorkeling in Florida, that provide endless possibilities for they think in terms of saltwater. They exploration or recreation. Two of its story and photos by George Perina picture the Florida Keys, with its alluring best-known springs include Vortex and tropical waters and coral reefs. But there’s Ginnie Springs. >> another alternative that’s equally as inviting, and much closer to home — the fabled freshwater springs of Northern Florida. When explorer Ponce De Leon‘ first landed in Florida in 1513, it is said that he was searching for the fountain of youth. Though he never found the object of his quest, he did find another Florida DAY TRIP submerge yourself In spite of its fearsome name, Vortex the spring to train in underwater evidence Spring is a perfectly safe, enjoyable family collection. destination spot for Gulf Coast residents. Further to the south, in the city of High Located 200 miles away, the 360-acre park Springs, another famous aquatic delight like setting promises visitors a day of restful beckons water enthusiasts. And like Vortex, relaxation and limitless fun. With its calm, Ginnie Springs promises a wide range of clear waters, families can spend the day sporting activities. Visitors can spend a lounging in inner tubes or swimming with fun-filled day canoeing down its waterways the inhabitants of the spring. A unique or swimming in the crystal-clear pools attraction of Vortex is the abundance of and basins. There’s something for every exotic Japanese carp and koi, introduced member of the family to experience, whether into its waters years ago. Today the carp it’s camping, hiking or just floating in an and koi –– as well as 11 other species of fish inner tube under the sun. Unlike Vortex, –– hover at the surface, hoping to score a however, visitors actually have a choice of free handout from swimmers and snorkelers. seven different springs in which to indulge But for SCUBA divers the greatest attraction themselves. All of the springs are so close of Vortex is not what’s near the surface, but together that often divers — still wearing rather what awaits below. SCUBA gear — will exit one spring, walk 20 The real thrill begins 50 feet beneath the or 30 yards down a path, and then step into surface in a depression called the Vortex another spring. basin. The 200-foot basin marks the entrance Ginnie Springs is a cave diver’s dream, and to a cavern that leads into a meandering SCUBA enthusiasts come from around the tunnel system that extends for almost a third globe to use it as a preparation center for of a mile beneath the park. This dive is not upcoming dives. Because of its crystalline for inexperienced divers. After penetrating waters and abundance of caves, grottos and the opening to a depth of 80 feet, divers will vertical walls, Ginnie Springs has become encounter a “talk box” — an inverted bell an ideal training area for divers planning LEFT: A SCHOOL of bream check out a mischievous group of swimmers anchored by metal struts — that allows two to visit the most challenging cave dives at Ginnie Springs. BOTTOM LEFT: TWO DIVERS prepare to enter the main divers to surface momentarily and talk to throughout the world. opening to The Ballroom Cavern. BOTTOM RIGHT: A DIVER prepares to enter one other underwater. The effect is comical While each of the seven springs offer one of the opening to The Ballroom Cavern. since at that depth the compressed air of the diving, the two most popular dive areas talk box makes the divers sound like Donald are the Devil’s Hole (SCUBA divers swim Vortex Spring: Ginnie Springs: Florida Springs Facts: Duck. through the ear and emerge from the eye 1517 Vortex Spring Lane, 7300 NE Ginnie Springs Road, Cave diving is arguable the most following an underwater passageway) and Ponce De Leon, Florida 32455 High Springs, Florida 32643 • There are over 700 known dangerous aspect of SCUBA, and only the The Ballroom. The latter is by far the most 1-850-836-4979 386-454-7188 freshwater springs in Florida most experienced certified cave divers are popular spot at Ginnie Springs. The prospect 1-800-342-0640 email: [email protected] • Florida has the highest allowed to penetrate into the tunnel system. of swimming through a narrowing opening email: [email protected] www.ginniespringsoutdoors.com concentration of freshwater Fortunately, Vortex Spring is a certification and then suddenly emerging into a giant www.vortexspring.com springs in the world center, allowing open water SCUBA divers underwater ballroom is an irresistible lure to Facts: the possibility of training for cave diving most divers. • The Creature from the Black Facts: • water temperature: 72 degrees under safe conditions. The dive shop has Though Ponce De Leon‘ never discovered Lagoon, Sea Hunt and • 28 million gallons per day flow out of year round even created an artificial cave in an open the elixir of life in Florida, he did Tarzan were filmed in Florida the spring water area of the spring to allow novice unwittingly find the perfect tonic for fun. • seven different springs springs • 13 species of fish, including exotic carp divers the chance to experience the thrill of And like any effective tonic, it’s good for • activities: river rafting, hiking, camping, • Jacques Cousteau claimed and koi cave exploration first hand. In fact, Vortex what ails you. So the next time you hold swimming, snorkeling, diving Ginnie Springs had “visibility • water temperature: 68 degrees year round offers all levels of SCUBA certification up a glass of refreshing crystal water to • full service dive shop and certification forever” • activities: camping, hiking, canoeing, courses. Gulf Coast dive students who’ve satisfy your thirst on a boring summer day, • on-premises store with food, equipment • Manatees will often spend swimming, snorkeling, diving completed their pool sessions in a local consider quenching your thirst for fun by rentals and camping supplies winter months in springs • full service dive shop and certification SCUBA shop often travel to Vortex Spring to plunging into its source; because in Florida, because of their constant • on-premises store with food, equipment earn their open-water certification. Even the it can be truly said that the glass never runs temperature rentals and camping supplies Jackson County Sheriff’s Department uses dry. Bottoms up! 124 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2008 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net August 2008 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 125.
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