De Leon Springs

In July 2006, we decided to visit some of the places that the locals visit for a day out in the Orlando area and first on the list was De Leon Springs, one of the State Parks north of Orlando. We had read that there was a swimming area and a picnic area, so the jeep was loaded up with swimming gear and a stop at Publix soon provided an outdoor feast. And then we set off. From Highlands Reserve we travelled to the I4 and headed northwards thru Orlando, past Sanford to exit 54 where we took Highway 17 to Deltona, we thought we were back in Main Street in the Magic Kingdom – very quaint. We headed on thru Stetson University and came to De Land – back in time – you have to watch very carefully for the post office sign and follow it to cross the main road onto the road to De Leon Springs. The entrance to the park is impressive and the ranger there will collect your parking fee. There is a winding path which leads to the car park – if you have disabled members of your party you can park right at the swimming area and beside it area picnic tables and barbeques in the shade of the oak trees and pavilions.

The children piled out of the jeep and down to the swimming area which is a part of the creek which is roped off for safety. The lake is actually a natural spring which provides water at a constant 72degrees. I got the picnic ready and started to relax in the shade of the trees. Unfortunately it was July and the rumble started and then the lifeguards cleared the swimming area - the usual afternoon thunder storm. We gathered in one of the pavilions and had our picnic and when the weather cleared again it was back to the swimming area. There are several trails thru the forest and there is a boat which takes you down the creek \and out to Lake Woodruff although it wasn’t running when we visited.

The children were very sorry we had a picnic as they were too full to visit the Spanish Sugar Mill adjacent to the swimming area. Here you do your own cooking – there is a griddle at every table and servers bring pancake mix in jugs to you, choose your own filling and away you go - How fresh can you get? Unfortunately we were all too full and to tired to try it out but there’s always another time.