Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs State Park. WoW! 

It seems so strange to have been there - it was a place that we talked about so many times last summer. You see - our trip to Florida changed many many times. First we were just going to do the north - but then we thought - 'well if we are going that far may as well go to the Keys' - then of course we nixed Florida altogether. No matter what our plan was for Florida - it always included a stay at 

Manatee Springs State Park.

Not sure why exactly - it just appealed to us - and to be able to see Manatee. I think was first set it off was that Derek remembered his brother telling him about - he and his girlfriend were here back in the 90's. Last summer when they were visiting us at the Park they told us about it again. We just HAD to see it for ourselves.

Campsite #1 at Manatee Springs State Park.

Of course the first stop was the playground. Neat swing.

Cassia and I were on our own for a walk while Derek got things set up at the site. So we toured the springs and took a walk along the boardwalk to the Suwannee River.

We dipped our toes in the springs at the swimming area - 72F - a bit cool today but it must be lovely in the summer.

These are the roots of the trees - they come up through the ground to provide air. Nope - wrong - Derek Googled that - it was once believed it was for air but alas not true - the experts say.

All was going well at the Manatee Springs State Park in site #1 until about 6:30 am Wednesday morning....drip, drip, drip. 

YUP - RAIN!

It rained ALL day! So we decided to stay for another night - turn on the heat and the movies and stay inside. I did venture out to the camp host to see about paying for our night when we left - it was a mile to walk up to the gate house. He radioed the ranger who came to us for payment - nice!

Cassia didn't mind the rain.

Derek had to pile the sand around the camper to divert the water.

Thursday morning the sun had returned and so the three of us walked out to the River. Since check out wasn't until 1:00 pm we thought we would enjoy the morning taking a walk.

Of course Manatee Springs gets its name from the fact that the Manatee come up to enjoy the warmer waters. It was nice to be able to see them there - although they were at a bit of distance.

I know - hard to see - but they ARE there.

And with that we loaded back up and headed north again out of Chiefland. Manatee Springs State Park is a very nice park - very quiet and restful. I think however that their funding must have been cut a bit as the restrooms are on the old side and could use a revamp.

Thanks for stoppin' in!

Teresa

Today's Interesting Link: Here is a link about the Manatee - actually about saving them. The manatee we saw at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park showed scares of being cut by boat blades. Very sad - you can learn more about this beautiful animal and the threats to them here.