Blue Springs State Park & Manatees!

Pittman Visitor Center
Altoona, FL

Ever since we've been researching full-time RVing,

we have been reading blogs of other full-timers who have seen the manatees.

Today, we got our chance!

We drove to Blue Springs State Park,

which was just a little over a half hour drive.

After paying the modest $6.00 entrance fee,

we parked and walked up to the boardwalk that parallels the spring run.

I couldn't believe my eyes!!

Crystal clear water with over 200 manatees lounging around.

There were moms and babies too..

The Florida Manatees migrate into the warmer water of the springs.

The spring temperature averages 72 degrees year round.

They cannot tolerate temperatures colder than 68 degrees,

so when the water gets colder in the winter,

the mammals start making their way inland to warmer water.

They are just fascinating creatures, so trusting of humans.

We saw Wayne Hartley, Manatee specialist with the 'Save the Manatee club',

out doing his daily manatee count. The count for today was 271!

While we were there, we decided to take a cruise on the St.John's River.

The park offers a 2 hour trip with guide for only $20 each.

It was well worth it!

I took so many pictures..

We saw lots of birds..

Great Blue Herons,

Great Egrets,

Anhingas,

Turkey Vultures..

oh my!

Of course there were lots of turtles sunning themselves..

and Alligators as well..

This guy was huge!

We were glad he was on the shore and feeling lazy :-)

George and I really enjoyed ourselves!