Bryant's Wharf Public Dock
“We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of
discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The
world is all gates, all opportunities.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
We only had a little rain
last night, but the wind never laid down, and we bounced and rocked all night
long. After breakfast we were both ready to get off the big boat and go for a
ride in the dinghy. The four-mile run up the Salt Springs Creek was a little
different than the other creeks we've explored. This creek is wide, has
higher banks and is lined in marsh grass and has fewer trees close to the
water...definitely different but still pretty. Since it was early and the
middle of the week, we had the springs to ourselves…or should I say to myself,
since I was the only one that went swimming. The springs and the park are beautiful
and I'm sure it's packed here on a warm summer day. The water was refreshing
and I had fun looking into the spring vents and watching the fish.
Salt Springs, along with
Juniper Springs and Silver Glen Springs are recreation areas in the Ocala
National Forest. The waters of Salt Springs rise from vertical cracks from deep
within the earth and stay at a constant 74 degrees. The spring gets its name
from the presence of potassium, magnesium and sodium salts in the water. The
Salt Springs has several spring vents in a large shallow spring pool, which
forms the headwater of the 4-mile long Salt Springs Run (Creek). It has been said
that Salt Springs is the legendary "Fountain of Youth". Scientists
have discovered that certain minerals and trace elements that are available
only in unrefined groundwater can slow aging, and the abundance and variety of
helpful minerals in the waters at Salt Springs can be found nowhere else in the
United States. Maybe I'll be looking younger now that I've swum in the "Fountain
of Youth"!
There are predictions of
thunderstorms and increasing rain chances for the next few days, so after
enjoying the park we decided it was time to move the boat out of Lake George.
It was a short trip to the city dock in Welaka with little excitement, except
for our eagle spotting. This is the first time we've ever seen an eagle on a
channel marker...we were eye to eye with this amazing bird. He finally flew off
as the main part of the boat passed the marker. It was a once in a lifetime
encounter...glad I had my camera ready. We may stay in Welaka a few days again
while this weather system passes. There are a few places we'd like to explore
around here...hopefully we can do that tomorrow before the rain arrives.
Views of the Salt Springs Creek
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