Juniper Springs

This small river features a spring-boil for headwaters, relatively narrow width, crystal-clear water, and abundant wildlife. On one trip with my brother, we paddle into a narrow side stream.

My thought, as we enter it, is this: a horror if we come across an alligator due to limited maneuverability (for a hasty escape). Sure enough, a huge alligator is lying facing the channel with his/her snout in the water. Since the side channel is so narrow, this leaves little ability for us to slip by without bumping into her/him rudely. When we spotted her/him, we panick and furiously began to backpaddle. There is no margin for error. Fortunately, we are successful in both getting out of the channel and not provoking the alligator to lurch after us for a gator lunch snack.

Back to Dom's Voyages and Adventures page.

Back to Gainesville page.