Camping at Otter Springs

Camping at Otter Springs June 10-11, 2011

A Peaceful Retreat on the Suwannee River

It is not often I get to take out a small group to a new
location. I like to scout out trips before taking guests out and make sure they
are suitable locations prior to event dates. Such was not the case on this
trip. I had received a booking from a wonderful young lady that wanted to take
her son on his first tent camping trip. I had wanted to check out Otter Springs
and it did seem like the perfect fit.  My two guests were very excited and arrived before me. They had already been down to the spring and checked things out by the time I arrived. We quickly had the tents set up and headed out for a hike down to little Otter Springs with was just about a mile away near the Suwannee River.

Otter Spring

It was a nice hike and we passed beautiful old cypress trees and a hungry
armadillo on the way. Little Otter Spring was smaller around than the larger
spring near the campground, but it was deeper and so clear!

Checking out Little Otter Spring

We hiked a little side trail to the Suwannee, this lower part of the river definitely did not
even resemble the upper Suwannee that seemed near dry on places I had visited
just the week before.

Suwannee River near Trenton, Florida

Here the river flows dark and deep. As motor boats made
their way speedily down river we hiked back up to camp. After a brisk swim in
the lovely screened in pool that was right next to our campsite we cooked up
dinner. We sure had worked up an appetite and even the Peach Cobbler we made
for dessert was about eaten up! I must add that I always overcook, it’s just a
way of making sure everyone gets their fill, we really got our fill that night!

We were lured to sleep by chirping cicadas and singing frogs. The morning sunrise was magical though my campers missed it. They were enjoying a late start by relaxing and sleeping in. We had a large breakfast even though I believe we were still full from the meal the night before. After another short hike that morning we broke camp and packed up. My guests planned on spending the rest of the afternoon exploring the property on their mountain bikes and I had to head back to Tampa for a show at Flint Creek Outfitters. I
hated to say goodbye so early, but they promised we would all get together
again soon, next time with the rest of the family!

For more information on Otter Springs visit: http://www.ottersprings.com/