Thursday, February 17, 2011

Rainbow Springs, Dunnellon, Florida

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Rainbow Springs, formerly known as Blue Spring, is a first-magnitude artesian spring formation several miles north of the city of Dunnellon, Florida. Rainbow Springs is the focal point of Rainbow Springs State Park. The spring formation is the fourth-largest in Florida, and produces over 490 million gallons of water daily. Rainbow Springs forms the headwaters of the Rainbow River, which empties into the Withlacoochee River.

(from Wiki site)

220px-Diver_holding_a_mermaid_at_Rainbow_Springs_Florida

(WIKI site)

(This is how clear the water is, but it is 72 degrees these guys are cold! The shows are no longer !)

The water is clear as a crystal and is cool. These springs amaze me, where does all that water come from and what forces it to the top to form a river?

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We watched a group snorkeling down with the current. I think they had on diving suits to stay warm.

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These are two different Armadillos.

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Of course I love to see the ‘possoms down here. They wear armor plating, but In the south they call them Armadillos. The ranger tells me they cannot hear well and depend on their sight for defense. But they don’t see too much because they are always covering their heads under leaves and dirt to find some bugs to eat.(It was hard to get a picture with their head in sight)

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(Like our new home? much like the other one, right?)

This is a nice park, plenty of walking trails and the beautiful Rainbow River.

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(View from our picture window)

Thanks for coming to the Spring with us,

Nite Shipslog

PS:

A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don't need it. 

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Trains and Cars, this could have come from Walton’s mountain!

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10 comments:

Cher' Shots said...

You're giving me the 'travel bug.' Or more like the 'adventure bug.' Our summer plans are to go exploriing around.
'love & hugs from afar'
p.s. That train is bellowing out some serious smoke!!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

That is a beautiful spot to be parked at for sure. Enjoy it while you can! 50's here but no sun to speak of. I love traveling along with the two of you. I'd never heard of that place before and now I have! Have a great Thursday!

Sheila Y said...

I do not have fond feelings for the armadillo...but I liked the rest of the scenery...ha. Have fun at your new home, Sheila

Jean said...

Beautiful view and I like the one with Sherry standing beside the van. It has been nice and warm here all week maybe I will get the chance tomorrow to get out and enjoyit with out having to work.lol. Take care.

B. Knox said...

Possums on the half shell!

The springs are amazing and lovely.

Dar said...

Rainbow Springs, so have you seen the rainbow yet? At first glance, I thought that was you holding Sherry Mermaid. It looks as tho you two are having a wonderful winter in FL, with green around you. Enjoy your adventures. So, are you catching any fish these days?
BlessYourHearts

Paula said...

we saw severaly armadillos at Choke Canyon when we took our company down there recently. San Marcos, Texas used to (maybe still does) have an underwater show. If I remember right there was a swimming pig involved that drank out of a baby bottle.

Paula said...

Woops got flustered when my comment wouldn't go and mispelled several. He he

shirl72 said...

Beautiful Pictures and peaceful. Our weather
will be 70 tomorrow and in the 30's tonight.
I am confussed about the Possoms and Armadilles
I thought they were both different. I didn't
know Possoms had armor. I guess it doesn't matter they both will be road kill.

Shirl

Fred Alton said...

NOW! From Dunnellon, go due west just a few miles and you will be at Yankeetown, where I spent many happy hours staying with my Grandpa for the summer. He fished for speckled trout for a living in those days...with a bamboo pole and cut bait. 12 miles south of there is Crystal River where you can get the best mullet and mullet roe in the world. Order mullet roe and grits for the best meal you've had all winter! The restaurant is on the main highway!