Morrison Spring Florida

It has been a couple of years since I was at Morrison Spring and I have wanted to dive it ever since. This would be my first dive here due to me leaving some equipment behind... Long story.
When I was there in November 2006, it was a natural beauty in the middle of nowhere. I was a bit dismayed when I arrived Saturday 25 October 2008 to see signs saying that the park was closed and the new gates chained and padlocked. I parked and walked down into this beautiful park. There is ample parking and an amazing boardwalk and floating dock resting on crystal clear water. There are scuba gear and rinse stations thanks to a Boyscout Eagle project. Restrooms and a large pavilion round out the wonderful surroundings. On my walk back I found other people walking in and they said that the boat ramp was open and people could access the spring from there. I proceeded through the woods and found a great boat ramp, also with ample parking. There were others getting ready to go snorkeling and a boat launching for some diving.
The other three that were diving with me arrived and we geared up, walked into the clear water for our one hundred yard surface swim... nothing for us gulf rats... While on the ramp we ran into a couple of Navy guys that had some interesting rental gear... they both needed new tank o-rings and we took care of them. Now for the swim, crystal clear water at 68 degrees and a slow flow from this force one spring. Lots of fish and cypress trees springing out of the bottom.
We approached the hole and passed the log that straddles the hole at 20 feet. We entered the cavern following the rope that is there to guide you. Wait for your eyes to adjust and you are presented with a huge cavern. The hole into the cave system has been filled with concrete and is impassable. The flow used to come through this hole and has now found its way out through the floor and other holes in the wall. Eels and catfish have made this their home and hang out safe in the nooks and crannies. The water is delicious as I found by removing my regulator and taking a few gulps. Now it was back up through the hole and into the vault that is above the main chamber and another large eel. This is a cool dive and the setting is peaceful. We will go back the next time we head up to the "Mighty O"...

Carl