Ponce De Leon Springs, Florida

[Friz]

rsz 38_lake_dexter.jpg (161.83 KiB) Viewed 166144 times

4 springs pool.jpg (185.34 KiB) Viewed 166142 times

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A couple of Fridays back we did a cruise from Astor to De Leon Springs, about 15 miles. Except for the 1st 4 miles on the St Johns River the rest of the trip is pristine wilderness. No place to break down. Anyhow, left the Astor boat ramp and headed south (upstream) on the St Johns. Made Lake Dexter and headed east across the north end of the lake. A channel/river connects it with Lake Woodruff. Both of these lakes are shallow with muck bottoms. Poor for swimming, great for bass'in. After crossing Lake Woodruff we entered a long channel/river which eventually brought us to De Leon Springs. Beautiful jewel in the jungle. Not that isolated though as US 17 and civilization are just east of the springs. We chose a Friday because the springs are usually packed on week ends. We chose wisely. Also learned that when school lets out the springs are crowed 7 days a week until mid-August when the kids go back to school. Just lucky we picked the Friday before school let out. The springs are in a walled pool about 200 foot diameter circle. At one side is a waterfall which is the spring discharge into the run. Very pretty. Besides the crystal clear water there is a unique restaurant - Old Spanish Sugar Mill. The current mill was built in 1904 and maybe 30 years ago was converted to a restaurant. Their speciality are pancakes which you cook yourself on a griddle in the middle of your table. There are other things to eat but alas no alcohol. In fact, this a state park sans booze. Albeit a small thing to give up for such an idyllic spot. No problem, the Black Water Inn in Astor was only 15 miles away to which we repaired for libations.

Fair winds and following seas, Friz

[sunedog]

Cool. Great pics and thanks for sharing.

[steveiam]

Cool. Great pics and thanks for sharing.

+1

Nice-

[COTTS4x4]

We ran 3 boats up from Hwy 44 one Sunday in February and ended up waiting 3 hours for pancakes!!

[joe20toon]

Nice pics... Looked like a great time! I'm nearby on the Harris Chain. Hope to trailer the boat someday to the St. Johns. I've stayed a week at a cottage/camp in Astor right on the river. Beautiful area...!