Karen Ahlers has been a voice for the Ocklawaha River for many years. She has organized more than 20 guided tours during the recent draw down of Rodman pool with assistance from Captains Erika Ritter and Karen Chadwick. The tours included visits to some of the dozens of springs visible only during the periodic draw downs that occur every three to four years. Please enjoy Karen's wonderful Florida's Special Places nominee for the Ocklawaha River:

Sand boils....the essence of the river. Cool, clean, clear, tiny springs bubbling up from tiny fissures in the rock below.

I like to sit on the rock ledge and hold my feet a few inches above them wiggling my toes. The sugar sand tickles, the fish come close and nibble.

The grandmother in me is called to protect small things. I am drawn to these babies in the spring pool.

I cherish the short window of time every three or four years when the backwater pool behind the dam is partially drained. The flood waters subside and allow the head pressure below to overcome the head pressure above and these small wonders appear.

One day they are happily bubbling and boiling then the dammed water backs up and they disappear....again.

More than two dozen springs give life here. From the gusher at Silver Springs to the tiny sand boils at my special place, the Ocklawaha River.