Manatee Springs State Park

Our first camping spot after Eric flew home was the manatee Springs State Park. Manatees can be seen here in the winter time keeping warm in the constant 76 degree spring water, but in the summer time they head out to warmer water in the rivers and gulf. While we were sad that we weren't able to see a manatee, we were happy to be able to swim in the spring. If the manatees had been there, we wouldn't have be able to swim.

The water was DEEP and COLD (76 really isn't that warm!) but it was SUPER hot out so we jumped right in!

For my mommy peace of mind I made them wear their life jackets and they didn't squabble too much.

Logan enjoyed snorkeling all over the spring. He noticed that the water was colder right above the spring (and the water deepest). But there were some brave little fish swimming around with him. The water was crystal clear.

Amanda preferred to just swim and float. She did to a little snorkeling but I guess it's just not her passion.

And did I mention that the water was COLD!?!?

Everyone had purple lips when we emerged.

Back at our campsite for the night (just one night here) we had a family of deer come for a visit. We were all quite shocked at how close they were willing to come to the camper.

The next morning we set out on a nature hike (too hot the day before). Logan spotted this hawk sitting in the tree. He was not disturbed by my loud little monkeys in the least. I guess the wildlife here is very brave.

We hiked the boardwalk trail that followed the spring down to the big Suwannee River.

And we took advantage of the opportunity to take some mother/children photos. (I swear, the only way I get in any of these photos to prove I was there is to set the timer and run around in front!)

It was a little hazy this morning, but the photos just don't do it justice. There were so many shades of green, next to the blue green water... very beautiful.

The boardwalk ended at the Suwannee River where you could see some massive Gulf Sturgeon jumping out the the water. These monsters can grow to be up to 8 feet long and weight 200 pounds and SOMEHOW manage to jump their massive bodies out the water 6 feet or higher.

They were jumping all up and down the river making HUGE splashes.

Logan was all "WOW! DID YOU SEE THAT!??!"

Amanda was "Yeah, that was cool. Can we go now?"

Logan has always been my little fisherman so no surprise there. Check out this photo below. You can see two fish jumping. One on the left near Logan and one on the far right. SO COOL! We probably spent a half an hour out there watching fish jump so I guess I can understand Amanda's attitude. A little is good, but there is such a thing as too much fish jumping! : )

The End... FINALLY!

Amanda's so cute... "I'll show you the way back! Follow me and try to keep up."