Christmas time with the Manatees

The Writer's birthday dawned crisp and cool, a perfect day to go to Blue Springs and see the Manatees.

It's been a few years since the Fantastic Four took a trip to this lovely state park located near Orange City, FL, about an hour from Orlando.

We thought the usual crowds would be there, but luck was with us.  There wasn't even a line to get into the gate.  In past visits we have sometimes waited in a line of cars for up to an hour to get in to see these gentle creatures. 







The Manatees head into the springs in the middle of November to escape the cool river temps.  The springs are a constant 72 degres. The manatees stay until about March when the river water begins to get warmer. During these months, visitors flock to see these awesome beasts, especially on weekends.  We seemed to have timed our visit just right this year as a lot of people may have been out shopping for the end of the week Christmas celebration.

The spring was filled with clusters of these large, yet graceful mammals.  We had the pleasure of seeing them through the crystal clear water of the spring or when they would surface for a loud, gurgly, breath of air.  

The St. John's river is where the Manatees migrate from, although we did spy a lone Manatee who wanted to brave the colder water of the river.

The Maven, Mr. Tennis and the birthday boy seemed to enjoy the relaxed day.

And, no, the Bostons didn't join us.  They were being wimpy about the cool weather: