Liquid refreshment

[Times photo: Jamie Francis] Drifting the Ichetucknee River is one of the most popular pastimes in Florida. This short, spring-fed river is located 35 miles northwest of Gainesville.

Florida's natural springs offer a place of refuge from the long, hot days of summer.

By TERRY TOMALIN

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 9, 2000

The final hour always seemed the longest. Even cupcakes, party hats and warm orange soda couldn't make time move any more quickly.

But when that final school bell rang, I couldn't wait to tear off my clothes and head to the swimming hole.

Swearing off shirts, shoes and baths until September, we'd hit the river, which was still chilly from the great spring melt. We would sit under the waterfall until our lips turned blue, then lie on a big, flat rock and warm up in the sun. After we baked awhile, we would jump back in and do it all over again.

Summer is a time of long days and hot nights. That is why God gave us swimming holes.

Florida has been blessed with more than its fair share.

Rainbow River and Springs, a pristine system about two hours north of Tampa, has 6 miles of gin-clear water just waiting for swimmers, snorkelers and inner-tube riders looking to cool off.

The headwaters are a semicircular spring with four main boils. Just 14 feet at its deepest, the river features public swimming access at Rainbow River State Park in Dunnellon. The entry fee is $1 per person. Park officials hope to begin renting canoes by next month.

Travel a short distance downstream for some of the best inner-tubing in the state. Bring your own or rent one at K.P. Hole ($3.71 for the tube, $5 deposit and $2 entry fee). At least one member of your party must be 18 years old and possess a valid Florida driver's license.

Tubing has always been one of the river's most popular pastimes. At the height of the summer, as many as 1,000 tubers may hit the river a day. But there is no public shuttle service; you will need to take two cars or arrange for someone to do pick-up and drop-off duties.

The water remains a constant 74 degrees, so it can get a little chilly after a while. Snorkelers and scuba divers who drift with the gentle current may find fossils and stone tools left by the area's first inhabitants. These items are part of the preserve and protected by law.

It also is against the law to carry any food or beverage unless it is in a "non-disposable" container.

The Rainbow River is about two hours north of Tampa Bay. Take I-75 north to Marion County and get off at Exit 67. Take State Road 484 west for about 20 miles into Dunnellon. From Pinellas County, take U.S. 19 north to Red Level, then head east on State Road 488 into Dunnellon. Follow the signs to K.P. Hole.

To learn more, contact Rainbow Springs Campground at (352) 489-5201; Rainbow Springs State Park (352) 489-8503; or K.P. Hole (352) 489-3055.

Another great place to tube, paddle and swim is Ichetucknee Springs State Park, which could be considered one of the state's most popular summer escape. This short, spring-fed river is located 35 miles northwest of Gainesville.

Despite its heavy use, this river remains crystal clear because park operators allow only a limited number of people on the river each day. On a summer weekend, the park can fill up quickly. Go early, and if possible, go on a weekday.

No food or drink is allowed on the river, and there are no camping facilities. For information, call (904) 497-2511. The gates open at 8 a.m. The cost is $3.25 per person.

The Ocala area also has its share of swimming holes:

Salt Springs Recreation Area is one of three springs in Ocala National Forest. This recreation area is about 25 miles northeast of Ocala. Day-use activities include picnicking, canoeing, hiking and swimming. For information, call (352) 685-2048. Alexander Springs Recreation Area is about 30 miles southeast of Ocala and offers swimming, canoeing and good scuba diving. For information, call (352) 669-3522. Juniper Springs Recreation Area is one of the oldest and better known recreation areas in the forest. It's about 25 miles east of Ocala and great for swimming and snorkeling. For information, call (352) 625-3147. Admission to all three areas is $3.25 per person.

If you head east, Blue Spring, near Orlando, spews 104-million gallons of pure, fresh water every day.

Swimming is allowed in a designated area separated by buoys from the manatee refuge zone. For more adventurous souls, scuba diving is allowed in the spring.

Blue Spring State Park is roughly a 2 1/2-hour drive from the Tampa Bay area. For more information, call (904) 775-3663.

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Outdoors

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