Trifter

With another week passing me by, I decided to embark on a hike in Gemini Springs, situated a short distance (about 120 feet) from the north rim of Lake Monroe in SW Volusia County. Although the initial swimming hole was man-made and is completely accessible, the small pools that begin the bubbling process, are sectioned off for onlookers to view for the purpose of preservation.

Image taken by Author

After some careful observation, it appears that all of the springs nestled within the foliage of the park have similar Geology, consisting of circular pools and drifting off the banks made of limestone, dirt, and clay. The water is crystal blue, with light brown and yellow algae on the bottom.

Image taken by Author

Image taken by Author

The springs are surrounded by cabbage palms and Spanish moss, draping the trees, as you venture down the trails into the winding forest. Stay away from the edges and the mass amounts of marsh and brush, there’s alligators everywhere!

Image taken by Author

Source

Image taken by Author

According to Rosenau “et al. (1977, pp. 396-7), the small spring was originally just a seep that was deepened by a well 100 feet deep. Hydrostatic pressure caused the well to flow, creating what looks like a natural spring today. All three springs have relatively high salt content.”

The History

Gemini Springs was a great place of commerce and government during the early days of the Florida frontier, and the city of DeBary. In the 1800’s, farming of citrus, timber, and the tapping of longleaf pine trees for turpentine, were of great importance on the land. During the turn of the century, John H Padgett constructed an estate near the entrance of the springs where his family “raised cattle and grew sugar, operating a cane press and selling sugar juice to passengers on the trains as they passed by on the railroad to Enterprise.”

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In 1969, the Gray family purchased the park, naming it Gemini Springs and continued to raise prize-winning Santa Gertrudis cattle on the property. They built a dam and holding center for a section of the springs, where several different species of fish are breeding including Garr, shadow sunfish ( who typically spawn in freshwater, but they mature in the ocean), Sand Darter, and many more.

Also check out these Geological pieces:

Eight of the Most Scenically Breathtaking Natural Springs in the World

Astounding and Terrifying Facts and Photography: Polarity Reversal

The World’s Most Spectacular Sand Dunes

World’s Insanely Mysterious Crop Circles Around the Globe