Silver Springs FL

After several days in the Jacksonville area, we head inland towards Silver Springs via Hwy 19.

Middle aged motorcyclists

Love that Spanish Moss

In just 2-3 hours of driving, we reach Silver Spring State Park. According to their website this park "combines the charm of a historic Florida attraction with the crystal clear beauty of one of the last uninhabited spring runs in the state." We have reserved a cabin for the night.  At $110/night, these two bedroom cabins are a real deal, but do reserve early as they are very popular especially on weekends.

Entrance to Silver Springs State Park

Our cabin for the night

Wow - that's a big spider!

Glad we have a large screened in porch

and living/dining room.

In the late afternoon, I wander over to the nearby Silver River Museum housed within the State Park. This museum covers ancient fauna and flora, native inhabitants of the area and more modern activities within the park. The goal of the museum is educational and to persevere this unique natural environment. Unfortunately in the absence of protective laws, nearby residential developments are draining the aquifers.

Late afternoon moss

Entrance to Silver River Museum

Mammoths used to live here

and gigantic sharks.

Some of the many movies filmed around Silver Springs

Old dugout canoe

The next morning after breakfast, we meet Captain Tom at a nearby boat ramp for a tour of the Silver River. Friends of Jill's and Mark's have highly recommended Captain Tom's Custom Charters.

The moon is still high in the morning sky

Rangers leave for critter counting

The water is so still it perfectly mirrors the sky and trees

The sheer beauty of the Silver River is breathtaking and each bend brings even more spectacular sights. No wonder this area has been so popular with film makers.

Autumn colors along the Silver River

Tilting tree

Curving palm

As we float along, Captain Tom tells us about the local fauna and flora as well as keeping us entertained with his stories about the area and life in general (see Capt. Tom's list of Facts at the end of this page).

Cypress knees

Capt. Tom gestures as he explains a point

This view is on the cover of a State Park publication

Birds and critters abound along the Silver River.

Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Ibis

Turtles sun themselves on logs

Dragonfly on floating leaf

Bluegills and Gars (not depicted) are seen in the clear water

At one bend in the river we are surprised to see a boat ramp with a "For Sale" sign. Apparently this property is the only piece of private land along this part of the Silver River. Needless to say it's very pricey and very swampy. 

Boat ramp up ahead

For Sale sign ?

Almost to the lagoon

Unfortunately my camera battery gives up the ghost before we reach the crystal clear Silver Spring, where The Creature from the Black Lagoon was filmed. This lagoon used to offer a white sandy swimming beach, but erosion and the boldness of the local gator population has closed the lagoon to swimming. The waters are so clear that 80 ft depths appear to be just a few feet deep.

As promised, here are Capt Tom's Facts:

"Most of The Facts ( as I have found them) are Lessons That I , we , learn over and over .

1.  Is you WILL Wait , You have to wait for the next Breath , second , meal , Day , so get into IT cause when Your Done Waiting ' IT'S' Over . . .  
2. They will NOT Do , IT , The way that I want Them To DO  “IT"
3. No Matter where  You Go  OR Where You Look There IS NEVER A  Shortage  Of  Idiots
4. Irony IS Logic , The silliest Way You can think of is usually the way "IT" will GO
5. All Rules Subject To CHANGE Without Notice  !  
6. There WILL BE Pain
7. ' IT'S ' Always Something  
8. 'The Rule of Bull'  For every Dollar You want to Make OR Possess you will Go Through an equal or Greater Amount Of Bullshit."

My personal favorite is #3.

Thank you Capt Tom

for a truly Magical Mystery Tour of the Silver River