All the Ichy Nippy Dip Days are special because they are a celebration that happens when people come from far and wide on a certain day to enjoy the clear water, symbol of all life, which comes from the Earth.
But this one was more special because people gathered to remember and honor Earl Kinard, who passed in March and who was the true founder of this tradition which he unknowingly began many decades ago.
Trini Johannesen of Friends of the Ichetucknee led a toast to Earl along with this son Wayne, who is also a special friend of the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers. Wayne owned the Amigos Dive Center for many years and now recently retired. He has taken many people out for cleanups on the rivers, and continues to do so.
Earl was a gentle soul who loved the springs and rivers and passed on his feelings and respect for them to others by example which lives on today.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
jim.tatum@oursantaferiver.org
– A river is like a life: once taken,
it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum
Terry and Andy Phelan Kristin Rubin with friend Lynn
