Sweet Dipp'n in the Springs
 

Sweet Dipp'n in the Springs
07/28/2014

One of the nice things that have evolved out of our love for boating is the people we meet. A friend of my husband’s introducing him to a boating friend who introduced us to his friend and that lead to us becoming friends as families. Their son and our son are friends and as couples we enjoy each other’s company. That being said , we were over at our boating friend’s house for a little Poker run planning and a plan was hatched to head to the springs for a some sweet dipp’n in the spring. This time of summer is so hot and swimming in the springs is a perfect day of boating.

Silver Glen Springs was our destination it’s a popular place where boaters anchor down for a day of fun and relaxation. Some folks come and spend the weekend on their boats. If you haven’t been to Silver Glen it’s off the corner of Lake George in Ocala. We traveled up the St. John’s River and made the trek up to the springs. We put in at a ramp in Astor from there it was ten miles up the river to Silver Glen. The river will put out into Lake George (be sure to enter through the cattle gates or you may find yourself beached on the sand bar) you head straight due North and then bear to the left, West, and you’ll see the opening to the spring. The water becomes crystal clear and cool the kids love putting on their masks and diving under. We love boating at this spring and go all the way through November on warm days.

If you decide to check out Silver Glen keep in mind it’s you and nature. It’s beautiful but there are no restrooms or restaurants, although a boat did come by selling ice cream, hotdogs, water and such but that’s the first time we’d encountered the snack boat. Pack your cooler and bring your lunch. Be sure to make your emergency restroom plans (bucket) if you take along the kids. There are restaurants along the river but they are at least ten miles plus back down the river away from the springs. Having a strong anchor is recommend if not the boat tends to drift away lots of folks tie up to each other. One biggie to keep in mind if storms brew up it’s sometimes best to ride them out in the spring. Lake George is big and deep and rough to cross during a storm (as we learned firsthand) people have lost their lives during storms on Lake George. If you’re not very familiar with this area we would also suggest leaving well before dark.

The next time you’re ready for an adventure in boating think about heading up for some sweet summer dipp’n in the springs.