Alexander Springs National Park, Florida  13 August 2000

     Took 2 rolls of film here. 

     This place is an absolute must dive for the local divers and/or visitors to the area.  It's hidden away in the middle of Ocala National Forest, about 45 miles north of Orlando (see map).  Though only 25 feet deep (30 if you stick your head and computer down one the springs outlets...), you will enjoy the scenery, fish, and wildlife. We are told that manatees are even seen here, in the run, though mostly in the winter. 

    To dive, it costs $5 a scuba diver. There is a little walk from the parking area to the water, but they have plenty of picnic tables, grills, and they even have a concession stand. Canoes can be rented, camping allowed, and most of the water is shallow enough (in the swimming area), for even the smallest children. Since the water source is a spring, the temperature is 72 degrees all year.

Picture taken while looking out from under the rocks

Diver at 20 feet

Divers in the shallows

The strong force of the spring would throw up debris. Much of this is actually rock....

Snorkelers

On of these days, Paul is going to learn how to use de-fog.
When he does, he will see underwater for the 1st time....

Tom (top & bottom)

Fish in the grass

Looking back towards the shore/bank

David (the camera hog) again. 
This was his 2nd day of diving, and last of his open water training dives

Fish...

More fish

Even more fish

Looking towards the spring. The deep (25 feet) part is to the right, everywhere else is shallow.

Grass

Lone fish checking us out

David amongst the grass & algae growth

We had time to snorkel a bit (David at 20 feet)

Paul Turner about the descend

'Macho boys' (Paul > left, David > right)

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