rdharbis1:
What's involved in a trip like this? I guess there is lodging near the springs? I think soemone said there are diving facilities at one of the springs, I don't know though.
Randy,
As for diving facilities, Vortex does have an onsite dive shop,
air fills, rentals ,etc. You can get most items you
would see at any average dive shop. Morrison or the
other springs (in that area) don't have any dive shop facilities.
But they are also no-fee areas also. Morrison is run by
the county, so it's set up like a county park.
Vortex has rooms that you can rent and a bunk house.
The rooms vary in price as to the room and location, but what
you get is a bare mattress, so it's defined as "camping"
as they don't want to provide linens, sheets, pillows, blankets
or towels. (might want to bring some Toliet paper just in case. heh)
See
http://www.vortexspring.com/classic/rooms.htm
for information about the "lodging" at Vortex. I've never
been in any of the rooms, but from what I've heard, they
are nothing to brag about. The selling point about it
is that you are located right at the spring. In my opinion
though it is a hassle to have to take linens/pillow/blankets.
but a sleeping bag could cover that also.
Vortex Spring is located just north of Ponce de Leon Florida.
Morrison Spring is located just below it.
There aren't many hotels directly in that area. I think that
there is one at the Interstate exit, but it didn't look like
one that most self respecting cockroaches would even stay
at.
While not on the fancy side, about 10 minutes west on I-10
is a Best Western and a Super 8. Still nothing fancy by
any means. In Crestview they have a bigger selection of
hotels, but it's about 40 miles from the springs I think.
For the "real selection" of accomadations, head south
to the beach areas, but they get $$$ also.
It looks pretty primitive from some of superbugman's pics,
if a non-diver goes, are they stuck in a motel with nothing to do?
For the most part there isn't much to do unless they want to swim
in the spring or sit back and read a book. About 1 hr south is Destin
which has a decent amount of shopping, better accomadations,
and higher end restaurants. The Silver Sands outlet malls and
Destin Commons are too of the bigger shopping complex's.
Hope that helps.
-mike
