We’re out on the Santa Fe River, floating back down after starting at Ginnie Springs and paddling upstream. We talk through what that paddle is really like—if you take your time, you can make it up the river, and on our day the current really wasn’t that bad. Along the way we point out the scenery (even a little cabin tucked back in the woods) and all the wildlife we kept seeing—turtles, fish jumping, and yes… snakes in the water that had people thinking they were getting “chased.” We also break down what Ginnie Springs has to offer, because it’s more than just a pretty place to paddle. Even though it’s not a state park, there’s a lot to do here: camping, kayaking, floating, swimming in the springs, and even snorkeling, free diving, and scuba diving. They’ve got five different springs on-site, plus more springs along the river—like Devil Spring upstream, and Dogwood, Twin, and Deer Springs downriver. If you don’t have your own kayak, the rentals are worth it, and they even hand you a map so you can plan your day and go explore.