Searching For The Fountain of Youth

The legend of the Fountain of Youth and Ponce De Leon's search for it covers many lands and eras. It was actually the Arawak Indians who first described a mythical land with curative waters, enticing Ponce De Leon, who was the ousted governor of Puerto Rico, to search for it in 1513. Spain's King Ferdinand actually offered the verdant land of "Beniny" to Ponce, sending him off on an expedition to find it.  But like the European explorers before him, Ponce got it wrong. He landed in St. Augustine, Florida and never made it to Bimini, as we now call it.

Although Florida boasts a Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where visitors can actually buy bottles from the supposed Fountain of Youth, Florida was simply where the conquistador landed. There was no mention of him locating the fountain. But deep in the forest of South Bimini, the fountain that the Arawaks were referencing still supplies healing water.

Actually, it's a well and the water is buried way, way, down in it. I peeked in and saw a glimpse of the water but the bucket couldn't reach it. I was surprised to see the well or even an association to the Fountain of Youth because I always considered it a myth.

Still, the legend lives on and locals insist that the water from the well is healing and rejuvenating. I can't attest to that but I did attempt to dip into the pool, just to try it. If this water was sending people all over the world to find it, there must be something to it...