Crystal River
Banana Island, King Bay, Crystal River, FL
A Morning Visit with the West Indian Manatees at Kings Bay, Crystal River, FL
A Morning Visit with the West Indian Manatees at Kings Bay, Crystal River, FL
Rainbow River
Cormorant & Turtle
Rainbow River, Dunnellon, FL
From the headspring, inside Rainbow Springs State Park, the crystal clear, Rainbow River gently winds about 6 miles south, merging with the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon Florida.
On the afternoon of December 24, 2008, we put in at KP Hole County Park and paddled upstream about two miles to the headspring. We then enjoyed the drift dive back through the incredible, air clear, water filled with flowing eelgrass, as well as, dozens of species of fish and turtles.
Rainbow River, Dunnellon, FL
From the headspring, inside Rainbow Springs State Park, the crystal clear, Rainbow River gently winds about 6 miles south, merging with the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon Florida.
On the afternoon of December 24, 2008, we put in at KP Hole County Park and paddled upstream about two miles to the headspring. We then enjoyed the drift dive back through the incredible, air clear, water filled with flowing eelgrass, as well as, dozens of species of fish and turtles.
Rainbow River
Rainbow River, Dunnellon, FL
From the headspring, inside Rainbow Springs State Park, the crystal clear, Rainbow River gently winds about 6 miles south, merging with the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon Florida.
On the afternoon of December 24, 2008, we put in at KP Hole County Park and paddled upstream about two miles to the headspring. We then enjoyed the drift dive back through the incredible, air clear, water filled with flowing eelgrass, as well as, dozens of species of fish and turtles.
From the headspring, inside Rainbow Springs State Park, the crystal clear, Rainbow River gently winds about 6 miles south, merging with the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon Florida.
On the afternoon of December 24, 2008, we put in at KP Hole County Park and paddled upstream about two miles to the headspring. We then enjoyed the drift dive back through the incredible, air clear, water filled with flowing eelgrass, as well as, dozens of species of fish and turtles.
Manatee Spring
Manatee Spring State Park
Chiefland, FL
We spent the day diving and hiking in Manatee Springs State Park on the Suwannee River.
Chiefland, FL
We spent the day diving and hiking in Manatee Springs State Park on the Suwannee River.
Key Largo, FL
On December 29, 2008, we tied into the mooring at the port-aft corner of the ship and made our first two dives on this enormus vessel sunk in May 2002, covering between the stern and amidships.
On this date, she was sitting upright and level on the sand bottom; the current was minimal, and the visibility was about 60 feet (18.3 meters).
Depth at the props was 135 feet (41.1 meters).
USS Spiegel Grove (LSD32)
Length: 510 feet (155.5 meters)
Beam: 84 feet (25.6 meters)
Draft: 19 feet (5.8 meters)
Displacement: approx. 11,300 tons full load
Speed: 22 knots
Aircraft: helo platform only
Crew: Ship: 18 officers, 330 enlisted
Marine Detachment: approx. 330 Marines
Armament: two dual 3-inch/50-caliber Mk-33 gun mounts
Built at Pascagoula, Miss.
Launched November 10, 1955
Decommisioned October 2, 1989
Scuttled May 17, 2002, off of Key Largo, FL as an artificial reef.
On this date, she was sitting upright and level on the sand bottom; the current was minimal, and the visibility was about 60 feet (18.3 meters).
Depth at the props was 135 feet (41.1 meters).
USS Spiegel Grove (LSD32)
Length: 510 feet (155.5 meters)
Beam: 84 feet (25.6 meters)
Draft: 19 feet (5.8 meters)
Displacement: approx. 11,300 tons full load
Speed: 22 knots
Aircraft: helo platform only
Crew: Ship: 18 officers, 330 enlisted
Marine Detachment: approx. 330 Marines
Armament: two dual 3-inch/50-caliber Mk-33 gun mounts
Built at Pascagoula, Miss.
Launched November 10, 1955
Decommisioned October 2, 1989
Scuttled May 17, 2002, off of Key Largo, FL as an artificial reef.
Silver River
Ocala National Forest - Ocala, FL
The beautiful Silver River flows through the Ocala National forest, from Silver Springs it winds about 4 miles terminating into the Ocklawaha River.
Christmas Day 2008 we put in at the Silver River State Park. After and exhausting 3/4 mile portage of the canoe and dive gear, from the parking lot to the river, we spent the afternoon exploring upstream to the headwaters at Silver Springs then back again. The amazing beauty found both along the banks and beneath the surface made both of the portages worth while. Sleep came swiftly this night.
The beautiful Silver River flows through the Ocala National forest, from Silver Springs it winds about 4 miles terminating into the Ocklawaha River.
Christmas Day 2008 we put in at the Silver River State Park. After and exhausting 3/4 mile portage of the canoe and dive gear, from the parking lot to the river, we spent the afternoon exploring upstream to the headwaters at Silver Springs then back again. The amazing beauty found both along the banks and beneath the surface made both of the portages worth while. Sleep came swiftly this night.
Silver River
Ocala National Forest - Ocala, FL
The beautiful Silver River flows through the Ocala National forest, from Silver Springs it winds about 4 miles terminating into the Ocklawaha River.
Christmas Day 2008 we put in at the Silver River State Park. After and exhausting 3/4 mile portage of the canoe and dive gear, from the parking lot to the river, we spent the afternoon exploring upstream to the headwaters at Silver Springs then back again. The amazing beauty found both along the banks and beneath the surface made both of the portages worth while. Sleep came swiftly this night.
The beautiful Silver River flows through the Ocala National forest, from Silver Springs it winds about 4 miles terminating into the Ocklawaha River.
Christmas Day 2008 we put in at the Silver River State Park. After and exhausting 3/4 mile portage of the canoe and dive gear, from the parking lot to the river, we spent the afternoon exploring upstream to the headwaters at Silver Springs then back again. The amazing beauty found both along the banks and beneath the surface made both of the portages worth while. Sleep came swiftly this night.
Key Largo, FL
Sunset
Manatee Spring
Manatee Spring State Park
Chiefland, FL
We spent the day diving and hiking in Manatee Springs State Park on the Suwannee River.
Chiefland, FL
We spent the day diving and hiking in Manatee Springs State Park on the Suwannee River.
Silver River
Ocala National Forest - Ocala, FL
The beautiful Silver River flows through the Ocala National forest, from Silver Springs it winds about 4 miles terminating into the Ocklawaha River.
Christmas Day 2008 we put in at the Silver River State Park. After and exhausting 3/4 mile portage of the canoe and dive gear, from the parking lot to the river, we spent the afternoon exploring upstream to the headwaters at Silver Springs then back again. The amazing beauty found both along the banks and beneath the surface made both of the portages worth while. Sleep came swiftly this night.
The beautiful Silver River flows through the Ocala National forest, from Silver Springs it winds about 4 miles terminating into the Ocklawaha River.
Christmas Day 2008 we put in at the Silver River State Park. After and exhausting 3/4 mile portage of the canoe and dive gear, from the parking lot to the river, we spent the afternoon exploring upstream to the headwaters at Silver Springs then back again. The amazing beauty found both along the banks and beneath the surface made both of the portages worth while. Sleep came swiftly this night.
Near Ocala, FL
Sunset on Hwy. 40 Near Ocala, FL
Silver River
The beautiful Silver River flows through the Ocala National forest, from Silver Springs it winds about 4 miles terminating into the Ocklawaha River.
On the morning of December 26, 2008, we put in at the junction with the Ocklawaha River and paddled roughly 3 miles upstream, against the 3 knot current, to Silver River State Park. After a break here, we continued on upriver in search of a troop of Rhesus monkeys rumored to have been spotted there -- the descendants of escapees from a 1930's tourist attraction at Silver Springs, which now live wild in the forest.
These guys amused us for nearly an hour before heading back to the State Park to dawn our gear and drift dive down stream. An incredible day to say the least.
On the morning of December 26, 2008, we put in at the junction with the Ocklawaha River and paddled roughly 3 miles upstream, against the 3 knot current, to Silver River State Park. After a break here, we continued on upriver in search of a troop of Rhesus monkeys rumored to have been spotted there -- the descendants of escapees from a 1930's tourist attraction at Silver Springs, which now live wild in the forest.
These guys amused us for nearly an hour before heading back to the State Park to dawn our gear and drift dive down stream. An incredible day to say the least.
Silver River
Rhesus Macaque
The beautiful Silver River flows through the Ocala National forest, from Silver Springs it winds about 4 miles terminating into the Ocklawaha River.
On the morning of December 26, 2008, we put in at the junction with the Ocklawaha River and paddled roughly 3 miles upstream, against the 3 knot current, to Silver River State Park. After a break here, we continued on upriver in search of a troop of Rhesus monkeys rumored to have been spotted there -- the descendants of escapees from a 1930's tourist attraction at Silver Springs, which now live wild in the forest.
These guys amused us for nearly an hour before heading back to the State Park to dawn our gear and drift dive down stream. An incredible day to say the least.
The beautiful Silver River flows through the Ocala National forest, from Silver Springs it winds about 4 miles terminating into the Ocklawaha River.
On the morning of December 26, 2008, we put in at the junction with the Ocklawaha River and paddled roughly 3 miles upstream, against the 3 knot current, to Silver River State Park. After a break here, we continued on upriver in search of a troop of Rhesus monkeys rumored to have been spotted there -- the descendants of escapees from a 1930's tourist attraction at Silver Springs, which now live wild in the forest.
These guys amused us for nearly an hour before heading back to the State Park to dawn our gear and drift dive down stream. An incredible day to say the least.
Silver River
The beautiful Silver River flows through the Ocala National forest, from Silver Springs it winds about 4 miles terminating into the Ocklawaha River.
On the morning of December 26, 2008, we put in at the junction with the Ocklawaha River and paddled roughly 3 miles upstream, against the 3 knot current, to Silver River State Park. After a break here, we continued on upriver in search of a troop of Rhesus monkeys rumored to have been spotted there -- the descendants of escapees from a 1930's tourist attraction at Silver Springs, which now live wild in the forest.
These guys amused us for nearly an hour before heading back to the State Park to dawn our gear and drift dive down stream. An incredible day to say the least.
On the morning of December 26, 2008, we put in at the junction with the Ocklawaha River and paddled roughly 3 miles upstream, against the 3 knot current, to Silver River State Park. After a break here, we continued on upriver in search of a troop of Rhesus monkeys rumored to have been spotted there -- the descendants of escapees from a 1930's tourist attraction at Silver Springs, which now live wild in the forest.
These guys amused us for nearly an hour before heading back to the State Park to dawn our gear and drift dive down stream. An incredible day to say the least.
Silver River
The beautiful Silver River flows through the Ocala National forest, from Silver Springs it winds about 4 miles terminating into the Ocklawaha River.
On the morning of December 26, 2008, we put in at the junction with the Ocklawaha River and paddled roughly 3 miles upstream, against the 3 knot current, to Silver River State Park. After a break here, we continued on upriver in search of a troop of Rhesus monkeys rumored to have been spotted there -- the descendants of escapees from a 1930's tourist attraction at Silver Springs, which now live wild in the forest.
These guys amused us for nearly an hour before heading back to the State Park to dawn our gear and drift dive down stream. An incredible day to say the least.
On the morning of December 26, 2008, we put in at the junction with the Ocklawaha River and paddled roughly 3 miles upstream, against the 3 knot current, to Silver River State Park. After a break here, we continued on upriver in search of a troop of Rhesus monkeys rumored to have been spotted there -- the descendants of escapees from a 1930's tourist attraction at Silver Springs, which now live wild in the forest.
These guys amused us for nearly an hour before heading back to the State Park to dawn our gear and drift dive down stream. An incredible day to say the least.
Key Largo
Schooner at the entrance to Key Largo Harbor
Catfish Hole Sink
Manatee Spring State Park
Chiefland, FL
We spent the day diving and hiking in Manatee Springs State Park on the Suwannee River.
Chiefland, FL
We spent the day diving and hiking in Manatee Springs State Park on the Suwannee River.
Manatee Spring
Manatee Spring State Park
Chiefland, FL
We spent the day diving and hiking in Manatee Springs State Park on the Suwannee River.
Chiefland, FL
We spent the day diving and hiking in Manatee Springs State Park on the Suwannee River.
Manatee Spring
Manatee Spring State Park
Chiefland, FL
We spent the day diving and hiking in Manatee Springs State Park on the Suwannee River.
Chiefland, FL
We spent the day diving and hiking in Manatee Springs State Park on the Suwannee River.
Crystal River
Sunset over Kings Bay
Crystal River, FL
Crystal River, FL
Islamorada, FL
Brown Pelican
Everglades
A day spent canoing and hiking in the southern end of Everglades National Park.
Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail
A scenic trail through a shallow sawgrass marsh with scattered islands of mangroves. Watch for alligators, wading birds, and an occasional eagle. 5.2 miles (8.3 km).
Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail
A scenic trail through a shallow sawgrass marsh with scattered islands of mangroves. Watch for alligators, wading birds, and an occasional eagle. 5.2 miles (8.3 km).
Everglades
A day spent canoing and hiking in the southern end of Everglades National Park.
Snake Bite Trail
A "bight" is actually a bay (Snake Bight) within a larger bay (Florida Bay). Enter another world as you walk through a tropical hardwood hammock with dozens of tropical tree species. There's great bird watching on the boardwalk at the end of the trail if you plan to arrive near high tide. 1.6 miles (2.6 km) one way.
Snake Bite Trail
A "bight" is actually a bay (Snake Bight) within a larger bay (Florida Bay). Enter another world as you walk through a tropical hardwood hammock with dozens of tropical tree species. There's great bird watching on the boardwalk at the end of the trail if you plan to arrive near high tide. 1.6 miles (2.6 km) one way.
Key Largo, FL
On December 31, 2008, we made our last dives of the year on this enormus shipwreck, focusing between the bow and amidships.
USS Spiegel Grove (LSD32)
Length: 510 feet (155.5 meters)
Beam: 84 feet (25.6 meters)
Draft: 19 feet (5.8 meters)
Displacement: approx. 11,300 tons full load
Speed: 22 knots
Aircraft: helo platform only
Crew: Ship: 18 officers, 330 enlisted
Marine Detachment: approx. 330 Marines
Armament: two dual 3-inch/50-caliber Mk-33 gun mounts
Built at Pascagoula, Miss.
Launched November 10, 1955
Decommisioned October 2, 1989
Scuttled May 17, 2002, off of Key Largo, FL as an artificial reef.
USS Spiegel Grove (LSD32)
Length: 510 feet (155.5 meters)
Beam: 84 feet (25.6 meters)
Draft: 19 feet (5.8 meters)
Displacement: approx. 11,300 tons full load
Speed: 22 knots
Aircraft: helo platform only
Crew: Ship: 18 officers, 330 enlisted
Marine Detachment: approx. 330 Marines
Armament: two dual 3-inch/50-caliber Mk-33 gun mounts
Built at Pascagoula, Miss.
Launched November 10, 1955
Decommisioned October 2, 1989
Scuttled May 17, 2002, off of Key Largo, FL as an artificial reef.
Key Largo, FL
On December 31, 2008, we made our last dives of the year on this enormus shipwreck, focusing between the bow and amidships.
USS Spiegel Grove (LSD32)
Length: 510 feet (155.5 meters)
Beam: 84 feet (25.6 meters)
Draft: 19 feet (5.8 meters)
Displacement: approx. 11,300 tons full load
Speed: 22 knots
Aircraft: helo platform only
Crew: Ship: 18 officers, 330 enlisted
Marine Detachment: approx. 330 Marines
Armament: two dual 3-inch/50-caliber Mk-33 gun mounts
Built at Pascagoula, Miss.
Launched November 10, 1955
Decommisioned October 2, 1989
Scuttled May 17, 2002, off of Key Largo, FL as an artificial reef.
USS Spiegel Grove (LSD32)
Length: 510 feet (155.5 meters)
Beam: 84 feet (25.6 meters)
Draft: 19 feet (5.8 meters)
Displacement: approx. 11,300 tons full load
Speed: 22 knots
Aircraft: helo platform only
Crew: Ship: 18 officers, 330 enlisted
Marine Detachment: approx. 330 Marines
Armament: two dual 3-inch/50-caliber Mk-33 gun mounts
Built at Pascagoula, Miss.
Launched November 10, 1955
Decommisioned October 2, 1989
Scuttled May 17, 2002, off of Key Largo, FL as an artificial reef.
Key Largo, FL
Sunset
USCG Bibb
Wasted no time making my first dive of 2009. On January 1, 2009, we tied into the stern mooring at the port hull, adjacent to the props.
She sits on her starboard side with a roughly 80 degree list. On this date, the current was blowing about 4 knots, making the decent and accents a challenge. Fortunately, the deck of the ship was on the leeward side, enabling me to swim the entire length of the ship and back with moderate exertion. The visibility was about 200 feet (61.0 meters).
Depth at the starboard propeller (at sand) was 138 feet (42.1 meters).
US Coast Guard Cutter Bibb
Length: 327 feet (99.7 meters)
Beam: 41 feet (12.5 meters)
Draft: 12.5 feet (3.8 meters)
Displacement: 2,350 Tons (2131mTon) (yr 1936)
Speed: 19.5 knots
Crew: 1937: 12 officers, 4 warrants, 107 enlisted;
1941: 16 officers, 5 warrants, 202 enlisted;
1966: 10 officers, 3 warrants, 133 enlisted.
Built at Charleston Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA
Launched: January 14, 1937
Decommissioned: September 30, 1985
Scuttled November 28, 1987, off of Key Largo, FL as an artificial reef.
She sits on her starboard side with a roughly 80 degree list. On this date, the current was blowing about 4 knots, making the decent and accents a challenge. Fortunately, the deck of the ship was on the leeward side, enabling me to swim the entire length of the ship and back with moderate exertion. The visibility was about 200 feet (61.0 meters).
Depth at the starboard propeller (at sand) was 138 feet (42.1 meters).
US Coast Guard Cutter Bibb
Length: 327 feet (99.7 meters)
Beam: 41 feet (12.5 meters)
Draft: 12.5 feet (3.8 meters)
Displacement: 2,350 Tons (2131mTon) (yr 1936)
Speed: 19.5 knots
Crew: 1937: 12 officers, 4 warrants, 107 enlisted;
1941: 16 officers, 5 warrants, 202 enlisted;
1966: 10 officers, 3 warrants, 133 enlisted.
Built at Charleston Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA
Launched: January 14, 1937
Decommissioned: September 30, 1985
Scuttled November 28, 1987, off of Key Largo, FL as an artificial reef.
USCG Bibb
Wasted no time making my first dive of 2009. On January 1, 2009, we tied into the stern mooring at the port hull, adjacent to the props.
She sits on her starboard side with a roughly 80 degree list. On this date, the current was blowing about 4 knots, making the decent and accents a challenge. Fortunately, the deck of the ship was on the leeward side, enabling me to swim the entire length of the ship and back with moderate exertion. The visibility was about 200 feet (61.0 meters).
Depth at the starboard propeller (at sand) was 138 feet (42.1 meters).
US Coast Guard Cutter Bibb
Length: 327 feet (99.7 meters)
Beam: 41 feet (12.5 meters)
Draft: 12.5 feet (3.8 meters)
Displacement: 2,350 Tons (2131mTon) (yr 1936)
Speed: 19.5 knots
Crew: 1937: 12 officers, 4 warrants, 107 enlisted;
1941: 16 officers, 5 warrants, 202 enlisted;
1966: 10 officers, 3 warrants, 133 enlisted.
Built at Charleston Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA
Launched: January 14, 1937
Decommissioned: September 30, 1985
Scuttled November 28, 1987, off of Key Largo, FL as an artificial reef.
She sits on her starboard side with a roughly 80 degree list. On this date, the current was blowing about 4 knots, making the decent and accents a challenge. Fortunately, the deck of the ship was on the leeward side, enabling me to swim the entire length of the ship and back with moderate exertion. The visibility was about 200 feet (61.0 meters).
Depth at the starboard propeller (at sand) was 138 feet (42.1 meters).
US Coast Guard Cutter Bibb
Length: 327 feet (99.7 meters)
Beam: 41 feet (12.5 meters)
Draft: 12.5 feet (3.8 meters)
Displacement: 2,350 Tons (2131mTon) (yr 1936)
Speed: 19.5 knots
Crew: 1937: 12 officers, 4 warrants, 107 enlisted;
1941: 16 officers, 5 warrants, 202 enlisted;
1966: 10 officers, 3 warrants, 133 enlisted.
Built at Charleston Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA
Launched: January 14, 1937
Decommissioned: September 30, 1985
Scuttled November 28, 1987, off of Key Largo, FL as an artificial reef.
Everglades
Great Egret
Everglades National Park
Shark River Slough
A vast river covered with sawgrass, miles wide and only inches deep. Fresh water slowly flows in sheets toward the mud flats and mangrove forest of Florida Bay, nourishing a teeming wildlife habitat. This sawgrass river filters out nutrients and is directly responsible for the health of the bay’s fisheries.
Everglades National Park
Shark River Slough
A vast river covered with sawgrass, miles wide and only inches deep. Fresh water slowly flows in sheets toward the mud flats and mangrove forest of Florida Bay, nourishing a teeming wildlife habitat. This sawgrass river filters out nutrients and is directly responsible for the health of the bay’s fisheries.
Jacksonville, FL
We stopped for the night in Jacksonville, Florda. Before hitting the road again, we took a foggy morning stroll in downtown Jacksonville, along the banks of the St. Johns River.
The St. Johns River is the nation's longest north flowing river and it loops through the heart of Jacksonville. The Riverwalk, located on both the Northbank and the Southbank of the river, is a 1.2 mile wooden boardwalk bordering the St. Johns River.
The St. Johns River is the nation's longest north flowing river and it loops through the heart of Jacksonville. The Riverwalk, located on both the Northbank and the Southbank of the river, is a 1.2 mile wooden boardwalk bordering the St. Johns River.
Akron, Ohio
Back at Home. 3629 Miles Round Trip