Places to camp/stay around cypress

[wjefferis]

Yep, that's right...I just invited myself in to Walter's canoe!

Glen, you are always welcome in my canoe brotha .

 

[GLENFWB]

You are so sweet....does that mean I don't have to paddle??:

Glen, you are always welcome in my canoe brotha .

 

[mrmccoy]

Thanks for the directions! We are planning on Friday in the am sometime.

 

[wjefferis]

Thanks for the directions! We are planning on Friday in the am sometime.

Sounds good. Does 9:00am sound good? or would you rather start out earlier? I can get out there really as early as you guys want to start out. If you guys want we could also check out Bekton spring (just down from the culpepper boat launch) as a quick second dive after Cypress.

Here is some more info on Cypress from TampaDiving.com :: American Cave & Cavern Systems (awesome website)

This system has a cavern and some cave system. Although the cave system is sidemount/no-mount from it is not known how far it goes. Depths in basin to ~30' and the cavern area can reach ~70'.

The following information was taken from Florida Geological Survey Bulletin 66.

Cypress Spring is surrounded by private property approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) northeast of Vernon. From the intersection of SR 79 and SR 277 in Vernon turn east then northeast on SR 277. Drive 2.2 miles (3.5 km) to Culpepper Lane. Turn northwest (left) on Culpepper Lane and go 0.3 miles (0.5 km) to Big Pine Lane. Turn northwest (left) and go 0.2 miles (0.3 km) to the boat landing. The spring can be accessed by boat. From the Big Pine Lane boat ramp, Cypress Spring run enters Holmes Creek from the northwest approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) upstream.

Description – The Cypress Spring pool is roughly circular, measuring 114 ft (34.7 m) north to south and 132 ft (40.2 m) east to west. The main vent is near the center of the pool with a depth of 26 ft (7.9 m). At least one other vent is present just 30 ft (9.1 m) downstream. The spring occupies a conical depression, and limestone is exposed over much of the bottom with areas of sand. The water is clear and has a light blue color and a large boil is directly over the vent. There are a few small patches of native aquatic grasses and small amounts of algae. The spring run flows south approximately 1,400 ft (426.7 m) into Holmes Creek. The run is swift-flowing and shallow, averaging approximately 2 ft (0.6 m) deep, and it often is wider than the spring pool. A semicircular berm was constructed around the northern half of Cypress Springs in order to divert the flow of Piney Woods Spring Run downstream of Cypress Springs’ pool for aesthetic purposes. Before the berm existed, Piney Woods Spring Run entered the northwest side of the spring pool. Now, it enters approximately 30 ft (9.1) below on the west side through a culvert. There are wooden entry platforms for divers and swimmers on the northwest side of the pool. The nearest high ground is 450 ft (137.2 m) to the west and it rises steeply to approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) above the lowlands. A privately- owned swimming and diving recreation area including a residence are to the west. Cypress Springs is located within the lowland floodplain of Holmes Creek. The surroundings are heavily forested with cypress and tupelo. Cave divers report that the cave system reaches depths of at least 65 ft (19.8 m).

 

[mrmccoy]

I will have to see how early coop can get the boat but 9am sounds good.

Tampadiving is an awesome website!

 

[atrawick]

I hope my questions aren't to bothersome. Do you tie the boat up and dive out the boat? I would like to make this trip one day.

 

[Dive-aholic]

The exit for Cypress (Vernon) is the next exit after the one for Vortex.

No, it's not. It's the exit before Vortex...

I hope my questions aren't to bothersome. Do you tie the boat up and dive out the boat? I would like to make this trip one day.

Yes, tie the boat along the opposite side of the old land access. It's shallow enough there to step out of the boat and gear up.

 

[wjefferis]

You can just beach your canoe or boat on the shore. I gear up some on land and just walk in and finish gearing up. The run of the spring is shallow and makes donning and doffing your gear easy.

 

[atrawick]

Yes, tie the boat along the opposite side of the old land access. It's shallow enough there to step out of the boat and gear up.

Sorry about all the questions. I just don't want to get there and do something i'm not suppose too. I haven't been there since they closed it down.

Are they normally alot of people around?

 

[wjefferis]

Sorry about all the questions. I just don't want to get there and do something i'm not suppose too. I haven't been there since they closed it down.

Are they normally alot of people around?

During the summertime there are plenty of people hanging around on the weekends,but not so much during the week. Now that school is starting if you go during the week days you will most likely be there by yourself.