Springs and Grapes

Today I decided to take advantage of the little free time I have left before classes start between my general and department orientations. I headed to Ichetucknee Springs, about 40 miles north of Gainesville. Apparently, Florida is famous for its clear springs. I enjoyed them in the ultimate American way, floating down the Ichetucknee River on a clear, inflated tube, letting the current carry me about six miles downstream past basking turtles, all sorts of birds (egrets, ibises, vultures, herons, cormorants) and even some otters. We got out to snorkel at one point, saw the source of an underground spring and plenty of fish. I have never experienced such clear freshwater. Had the water been warmer or the river less shady, we might have snorkeled a bit more, but it was just a little too cold.

On the way home, we picked grapes. Well the variety that grows in the southeast: muscadine. Different. They taste sweet, much more like grape juice than real grapes. I think they are mostly used for wine or eating fresh. I can't imagine making pie out of them, but apparently you can do so.