Biketoberfest Beautiful Weather Loop-1-

Ready for some fresh water? A gazillion gallons a day?

Blue Springs, Ocala National Park:

Locals call it.. "The Grotto".

Swim wear is in order, along with a cheap mask, so you can peer into the "grotto", a big blue hole with millions of gallons of 68 degree water spewing into a shallow stream which feeds Lake George, Florida.

Get there early! The park often fills to capacity on weekends, and special event periods, plus the water feels a lot warmer in the morning than in the afternoon. Grab a place near the spring if you happen to arrive early. Munchies? About 10 miles north of the park, in Salt Springs, there's a grocery store, and diner.

Jeff, we're sold! How do we get there??

From Daytona, Head north on I-95, one exit to west on Rt 40. After 20 mi of country riding, you'll cross over Rt 17. Keep on going thru the little town of Astor, the beginning of the Ocala National Forest. You're in the sticks now. Maybe you shoulda gassed up in Astor? Another 8 miles or so, and you're at the intersection of Rt 40 and Rt 17. Hook a right, and head north. After a dozen or so miles of green way, begin looking for a right into "Blue Springs State Park". Pay the man (or woman), and jump right in! On the way back, check out "Wildcat Lake", on the right after you get back on Rt 40, just before Astor. Beautiful lake. Boat launch, swimming area, and small dock. One fourth of July we were the only boat on the water.