Thursday, April 11, 2013

Juniper Springs

Juniper Springs is a part of the Ocala National Forest.  I love it here.  I also love Salt Springs.  When you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, taking a dip in a natural spring is a wonderful way to dissolve any negativity you may be feeling.  But, be warned:  the water is cold.

Juniper Springs

The water stays a constant 72 degrees all year but, when you first get in, it feels much colder.  My husband will dive in.  I take my time and step in inch-by-inch.  He says that I torture myself by doing it this way.  I wonder what this says about us?

I'm a planner and he's more spontaneous.  He is a true risk taker while I only pretend to be.  The first time we moved across the country, I started crying as we were driving around San Diego.  It seemed like a really big city to a small town Florida girl.  While he was embracing the adventure I was in total freak-out mode.

I am learning to love adventure and new experiences.  I would be the first to move to Alaska or work at a ranch in Montana.  Out of the two of us, I was the one who initiated our mini-yacht purchase that we ended up selling a month later. 

As I've gotten older and more confident in myself, I am more open to these types of adventures.  Still, though.  I am not able to jump into a 72 degree natural spring.  I just can't do it. 

What about you?  Would you dive in or walk in slowly?

2 comments:

  1. I hope that you paddled the Juniper Run. It only takes 4 hours since you're going with the flow! My parents graduated from HS in 1949 and they would swim in the Juniper spring when in HS. They say the swimming hole hasn't changed a bit. I use to kayak down Juniper run at least once a year! We had a cottage on the St. Johns River over in Astor where you can get the best catfish in the world!! Because it's real river catfish and not farm raised!!

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    1. I've never canoed Juniper Run but I'll have to try it. Last summer, my husband & I canoed the Silver River all the way into Silver Springs. We have a trolling motor on our canoe so going against the current wasn't difficult at all:) I love Ocala National Forest - there are so many places to visit. Thanks!

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