Tubing in Ichetucknee Springs State Park

We checked out of Anastasia State Park before 8 am to head to Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Nadine had been there last year to tube down the Ichetucknee River and highly recommended the experience. I wanted to do it last year after hearing about it, but there was a thunderstorm on the day I planned to go. So here we were.

It rained the night before, and a cold front was on the way. It was cloudy when we got to the park -- it was a good thing Nadine sent me directions, since tubing was at the south entrance. We got our tubes and paddles at the general store, got on the tram which took us to the launch area which was over a mile away. Because it was a weekday and the weather was iffy, there were not a lot of visitors around. We were the only two people on the tram. The tram dropped us at the start of the trail and we had to carry our tubes a few hundred feet to the launch pier.

What an experience, floating down a transparent river! It is difficult to describe, one of those things one had to experience. The water was a constant 72 degrees so it was warm relative to the air around us. It got much colder about 30 minutes in, as a strong wind began to blow. It was a good thing I had three layers on top, but wore only a running capri pants and sand shoes since we expected to get wet.

It was somewhat challenging trying to take photos while also keeping my tube away from the sides of the river or jutting logs, and taking care not to drop my phone into the water. The float was very serene and peaceful, would have been perfect if it was not so cold! A few people on kayaks and canoes passed us. It about an hour to float down to the end point. We got out and lugged our tubes back to where the tram was waiting to take us back to the general store.

When we got back, we were asked if we wish to go again! I was so cold there was no way I would enjoy a 2nd float. Nadine and I parted company, as we were going to stay in separate places but will meet again at the Guld Islands National Seashore's Davis Bayou Campground in Mississippi in 5 days. As I exited the south entrance, I decided to drive up to the north entrance to see what the Park looked like there. It was very pretty, I walked to the head springs and hiked the short distance to the Blue Hole where people can go scuba diving. Very pretty but it was way too quiet. I called it a day and drove to Tallahasse where I will be staying for a couple of days.