Text Box: DUNNELLON - With a year-round temperature of 72 degrees, the river is a haven for city dwellers looking to beat the heat in a kayak, canoe or tube. Because the headwaters of the river, located in Rainbow Springs State Park, are protected, tubers must put in south of the park entrance, at KP Hole Park in Dunnellon. The river experience shouldn't be rushed. The 3.5 mile float can take from four to five hours to complete. Besides, isn't slowing down the point? People often tie their tubes together, creating floating living rooms complete with headrests, cup holders and coolers filled with food and drink in the required nondisposable containers. But the easiest way to traverse this slow-moving river is in a round black tube, arms and legs draped across either side, toes dipped in the heavenly cool of a spring-fed river. Just 14 feet at its deepest, the Rainbow River is so clear you can see its bottom, waves of grass swaying below in some spots, craggy rock formations filled with silvery bursts of tiny fish in others. Sharp-eyed snorkelers sometimes catch a glimpse of fossils or stone tools left by the area's first inhabitants, but such relics are protected by law and must be left alone. Anyway, some of the best sights are above the surface - the many creatures that make their homes in and around the river. The park opens at 8 a.m., so it is a good idea to get there early and be off the river by noon. There's a shuttle service to take you back to your car at the end of the float, so no worries about paddling back. If you go: The Rainbow River is just north of Dunnellon, off U.S. 41. From Tampa, take Interstate 75 north to Exit 341 (County Road 484). Head west until you get to the town of Dunnellon (you'll cross the river just before the town limits). Go north on U.S. 41 for 3 miles. After the Winn-Dixie shopping center on the right, turn right and travel for 2 miles until you reach the railroad tracks. Immediately past the tracks take a left onto the frontage road and travel half a mile to KP Hole County Park. KP Hole has restrooms, a snack bar, swimming beach and boat ramp. Alcoholic beverages and disposable items are not allowed on the river. Snacks and drinks in nondisposable containers are permitted. The park entrance fee is $3 per person. Canoes are $5 an hour. Tubes are $9 for the day. For more information, call (352) 489-3055. 8-12 Total Cost: $12.58 Time: Must have tube in water by 8am-12pm. We will meet at the park at 10:30am Bring: Bathing suit / towels / change of clothes / snorkel stuff / sunscreen / food and drink / floats (you can bring your own or rent their big inner tubes.) Note* All food and Beverage must be in nondisposable containers. No glass bottles or plastic bags (thermoses + gladware good). Keep the park pretty for the next person...no litter! Contact: Cheryl Cleveland Odessa Martial Arts: (813) 842-3202 Email: Cheryl@odessamartialarts.com Rainbow River Tubing Trip