The hustle and bustle of the holidays are upon us once again! Nature has a way to bring the world back in focus, and a trip up the Silver River to see the Springs can definitely remind us of what we have to be grateful for.
The Springs of the Silver River have been inspiring visitors for many generations. Your trip up the River will take you to Mammoth Spring, the largest of the spring vents. Within a short distance of this vent you will also cross many other smaller springs. Their symbolic names are often indicative of the stories that have been handed down through the years.
The Bridal Chamber Spring has one of the most fabeled stories originating in an ill fated early Indian romance (think Romeo and Juliet). The names of the other springs are just as colorful: Jacobs Well Spring; Catfish Reception Hall Spring; Oscar Spring; Ladies Parlor Spring; Devils Kitchen Spring; Alligator Hole Spring; Mastodon Bone Spring; Geyser Spring; Blue Grotto Spring; Christmas Tree Spring; Garden of Eden Spring; Indian Cave Spring; First Fishermans Paradise; No Name Cove Spring; Turtle Meadows Spring; Second Fishermans Paradise Spring; Catfish Hotel Spring; Turtle Nook Spring; Raccoon Island Spring; Shipwreck Spring; Catfish Convention Hall Spring; and Timber Spring.
We have the Floridan Aquifer to thank for the beautiful clarity of the water and the constant water temperature that draws the birds and other wildlife to the Silver River. Once they find this gem of Mother Nature they have no need to leave it. Well, a few Rhesus Monkeys have decided to tour Florida, but that is more than likely due to being kicked out of one of the many troops!
This week we spotted one of the largest Bald Eagles I have seen on the Ocklawaha River while on a fishing trip. It seemed to be quite interested in the wild shiners we use for bait. The River Otters are also being spotted frolicking in the water.
Through fall and winter the middle of the day is the best time to see the Rivers. The wildlife is more viewable when the sun is high and the temperatures warm up.
‘Til next time…see you on the Rivers!