Sunday, March 5, 2023

Florida Caverns State Park, Merritts Mill Pond


    On the Chipola River in Florida Caverns State Park at 9:39 AM.  8:39 Central.  After another fine breakfast at the Stone B&B





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The iconic arch


Baltzell Springs



















There are two spring fed pools.  Prior to Hurricane Michael in 2018, I kayaked and snorkeled between the 2.  Depending on water levels.

These days, I take the overland route





























Down the spring run to the Chipola River



Spring on the Chipola River



I turned around not to far from the in River Spring. 









Landed at 11:23. 10:23 Central
Took a walk on the Bluff Trail

Crawl through a tunnel






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The limestone just bursts through the ground at Florida Caverns State Park

Butterfly











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Visitor Center.  Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's
Back in the kayak at 1:07, 12:07 Central
Paddled across Merritts Mill Pond from the Hunter Fish Camp ramp to Gator Hole Spring


























Jackson Blue Springs.  Closed in the fall, winter, and spring. 


I think one should use stealth when entering a closed park.  Not speeding through the No Wake Zone, music blasting.  Carrying your boom box to the spring at full volume, jumping in, never turning it off.
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The only good thing about noisy dude was, if any County authorities showed up, their attention would be directed to him.




















Back in the kayak




Tourist in floating bathtubs at Shangri La Springs



Into the water.



































House on the Rock, Southern version.











Out of the kayak at Hole in the Wall Spring















Landed at 4:18

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