RalphinOrmond
Registered
Since I live in Central Florida, a lo-o-ong motorcycle ride from the great snorkeling in the Keys, I was glad to experience something that would make it worth while for those lucky bustards from the south part to make the trek up to our neck of the swamp. Itchetucknee Springs and stream is enclosed by a State park. The facilities are all entirely first rate and the personnel are friendly and "real." This is a great park by every measure. One can park his m/c, car, SUV or Greyhound at the South Entrance and a van ride is provided, at no extra charge (there is a $5 entrance fee), to the North Entrance. From there one can make a 3 hour or more snorkel down this pristine stream through untouched nature. There are lots of birds and fishes and turtles. The water, for the first half, is clear, as in perfectly clear. Then it gets just a little dusted up for some natural reason. At the end is a tram ride about mile north to the South parking lot. The water is moving at a pleasant clip so it feels like one is super snorkeler. The water is always 72 degrees. I don't carry much fat on me and on both occasions that I've made the trip, I felt like 3 or 3-1/2 hours was enough for me. I never shivered but the body is being cooled down. This isn't a trip for children or anyone who doesn't feel a certain amount of self-confidence in his or her stamina. But the key to the whole thing is to get there at or before 8:00 AM. Never on a weekend day. If there are tube-people setting off at the same time, they are left behind and out of site in about 15 seconds. Most recently I went on Thursday, 8/28. Schools were open, so no kiddies were present. It is only possible to do this trip between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The North Entrance is closed, I think, all winter.
If you make it down to the opening of the spring at around 25 feet, the water flowing out nearly shoots you back up. Very powerful. 
