A reader board said that the semi tropical scenery of Ocala National Forest is not found in any other national forest in the continental US.
We did 3 quick overnights as we were working our way north in Florida towards the panhandle – Alexander, Juniper, and Salt Springs.
Alexander Springs
Doug was impressed by the mixture of palm trees mixed in with long leaf pines. For a closer look he took the bike out for a 30 mile loop trail called the Paisley Forest Trail. He had to turn back at about 10 miles due to a controlled burn and on his ride back he rode into a deep patch of sand, fell and broke a rib. He’d broken 2 on his left side in Sedona in 2021 so he knew that it just takes a long time to heal. This new break was on his right side.
Juniper Springs
This area was constructed by the CCC in the 1930s. One of the things they did was enclose an area for swimming.
The 13 million gallons of water from Juniper and Fern Hammock Spring that feeds the “pool” is “enough to fill 750 swimming pools every day.” The spring stay at a constant 72° water temperature, which is probably lovely in the summer but even this guy’s snorkel seemed to react to the cold water in February (LOL!).
There’s a short nature walk that allow for a closer look at the bubbling springs.
Salt Springs
Similarly, Salt Springs has a large enclosed swimming area that is also used for swimming and snorkeling.
Walking along an unenclosed area we saw a manatee but also an alligator.
Loved the bubbling springs in both areas but swimming near an alligator habitat is not for me and a lot of the walking paths were near water which made me nervous to walk Bailey. Swimming in the salt springs is popular with local Floridians, so I guess they get used to the scaly creepers.
