Blue Spring State Park in Central Florida
I have to admit I usually leave state parks to people with boats and bikes, but Blue Spring State Park caters admirably for those who want to amble around and enjoy the natural sights. This National Gold Medal Winning State Park has superb facilities as well as being Florida's premiere manatee refuge.
What to Expect at Blue Spring State Park
The 1/3 mile boardwalk runs beside the Blue Spring Run through a shady hardwood hammock. The natural beauty has everyone reaching for their cameras. Soon there are gasps as eyes focus on the shoals of fish and the manatees, the stars of the show, in the clear waters below. The manatees swim into the lagoon in cold weather as the prolific Blue Spring disgorges 104 million gallons of water per day at a balmy 72°F. In contrast, the St Johns River where the manatees feed ranges from 50F in winter to 80F in summer.
Gazing into the spring waters from the viewing platforms is like gazing into nature's aquarium. Sunfish, longnose gar, tarpon, turtles and other water-loving creatures can clearly be seen against the white sandy bottom of the shallow lagoon. The waters are so clear that visitors can even see the scars from boat propellers on the manatees' soft grey hide. These gentle giants can reach 9-10 feet in length and weigh up to 3000 lb, which is amazing on a strictly vegetarian diet of seagrass!
Things to Do at Blue Spring State Park
For an even better view of the pristine springs and the wildlife, hire canoes and kayaks from the kiosk or book a three-hour guided kayaking adventure with a naturalist/guide. If tour boats are more your idea of a day out, join the twice-daily trip up the St Johns River on quiet pontoon boats for an excellent two-hour narrated tour. Every trip is different with alligators, fish, manatees, red-bellied turtles, wading birds, cooters and even the possibility of a black bear sighting.
Visitors can snorkel and dive from the swimming dock to see the source of the blue spring and the cave which goes down about 120 feet. Take a self-guided tour of the original 1872 Thursby House, the enviably located home of Louis Thursby and his family who settled here. A campsite, overnight cabins, children's play area and a 4-mile backwoods trail (each way) complete the excellent amenities. All you need to bring is a picnic and a bathing suit!
Additional Info
The best time to see the manatees is obviously in winter, from November to April, but here's a tip from a volunteer warden. Visit in the morning, after a cold night, and you will see as many as 200 of these endangered creatures that have moved into the warmer spring waters from the chilly St Johns River during the night. This is a sight few people in the world are privileged enough to see and future generations may never get the chance.
4:57 AM | Labels: Central, Florida, Spring | 0 Comments
5 Grand Hotel Florida Keys You Do not Want to Miss!
Hotels in Florida Keys are among the best in the world when it comes to style, design, value for money. The quality of customer service, welcome you and answer all your needs during your stay. There is something for everyone, whether you're in the glitz and glamor and quality at affordable prices only.
So, where to stay in this tropical paradise? This is a hand-picked selection of what we have available.
Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
ThisResort is located in the center of 60 hectares of mangrove forests, and has some beautiful trails in the grounds of the appeal to children and adults. It has its own private beach, ideal if you want to keep around children. The suites have high standards and generous.
'S Marina Resort & Villas The Mariner, Key Largo
The Mariner has the right to the sea and offers a security camera. E 'near certain pricesexcellent restaurants on the island, but you can cook your own barbecue on one of many that will be used throughout the resort for you. The lagoon-style pool here is the largest of the Florida Keys.
Banana Bay Resort & Marina, Marathon
The Banana Bay Hotel is situated at sunset in the Bay of Marathon is located. It is located in beautiful tropical gardens are home to a wide variety of birds. You can see and hearThese colorful birds sing during the day. They offer a delicious breakfast each morning in the pool.
South of Key West
The south is a small very nice hotel, but it's slap bang in the heart of Old Town Key West on Duval Street. He could no longer live in Key West are located. The hotel is an ideal base for exploring the old town. Although the center of the city, the hotel has two small pools. If you really wantDown in the living here you will get a key from a real experience.
Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club in Key West
The Casa Marina is one of the first hotels in the Florida Keys and one of the biggest. It is included in the Register of Historic Places and offers something special and different. There is nothing that this hotel does not have. Dining room, bar with a sea view and the rooms are simply stunning.
5:19 AM | Labels: Florida | 0 Comments