Yesterday I found out I was approved for my Adopt a Dive Site application for Troy Spring State Park. I can hardly contain my excitement. I know this is not an ocean site, but to me, it holds just as much significance. This spring and it's sister springs flow via the Suwannee River directly into the Gulf of Mexico. Which IS the ocean. :)

  Last year was my first diving experience at Troy. On one of my very first dives, I found a piece of inter-tube on the floor of the spring. Of course, I grabbed it, stuffed it into my wet suit and continued my dive. It wasn't until recently that I learned of Project AWARE'S Adopt a Dive Site and when I did, my thoughts went directly to Troy Spring State Park.

  Here's a description of this breathtakingly beautiful spring from Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) "The remains of the stern-wheel steamboat, Madison, are located within the boundaries of Troy Spring Park in Troy Springs, Florida. The Madison was originally constructed sometime between 1844 to 1854 for Cptn James M. Tucker. It was named for Tucker's hometown of Madison, Florida and it originally served as a floating mail service and trading post.  In the 1850s, there were few roads going into or out of Troy, and those that did exist were in poor condition. Additionally, the railroad had not yet arrived. For transportation, commerce and basic necessities, area residents relied on the service of Cptn James M. Tucker and the steamboat, Madison.  In 1861, at the beginning of the Civil War the Madison was used by the Confederates as a privateer and jerry-rigged gunboat. Lafayette County was a known refuge for Union sympathizers and Confederate deserters. This put Cptn Tucker at odds with many locals.  In 1863 it was scuttled and set on fire in the spring run at the request of Cptn Tucker in order to prevent the Union from taking it over. Today some remains of the Madison are still visible in the spring run, which is mostly the metal spikes of the keel and lower ribs."

  Troy Spring State Park is a recent addition to the Florida State Park system. The 70-foot deep, first magnitude spring offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving."

  So, you can see why this place holds such a dear place in my heart.