Tubing Down the Ichetucknee River

This past weekend, out family tubed down the Ichetucknee River along with other families and boys from Boy Scout Troop 77.  It was a fantastic weekend.

We camped at the Florida O'Leno State Park http://floridastateparks.org/oleno/default.cfm in a group camping area, about 6 hours drive from Atlanta.   The girls were particularly glad to go camping. 

Ichetucknee Springs State Park
http://floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings/default.cfm
The crystalline Ichetucknee River flows six miles through shaded hammocks and wetlands before it joins the Santa Fe River. In 1972, the head spring of the river was declared a National Natural Landmark by the U. S. Department of the Interior. From the end of May until early September, tubing down the river is the premier activity in the area. In addition to tubing, visitors can enjoy picnicking, snorkeling, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. October through March scuba diving is available in the Blue Hole only (you must be cave certified). White-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, wood ducks and great blue herons can be seen from the river. Picnic areas, equipped with tables and grills, are available throughout the park. A full-service concession offers food, refreshments, and outdoor products from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Tubes plus snorkeling and diving equipment can be rented from private vendors outside the park located four miles northwest of Fort White, off State Roads 47 and 238.

Tom grew up in Jacksonville and has told me on many occasions about his trips tubing down the Ichetucknee.  The tubes they used were truck tire tubes, not these "fancy" tubes with handles made specially for "tubing."