We like Manatees --> Manatees like Florida --> We are in Florida --> Lets visit the Manatees!

Have you ever seen a manatee? Neither have we, until recently!  Green Heart Adventure went on a hunt for the mighty Manatees.  A search for the infamous Sea Cows.  Our morning with the Manatees!

While studying the Manatees, we learned they like to winter in Florida, just like us!  Manatees like to huddle around natural springs, enjoying the warm streams flowing from Florida's interior.  Connecting education and action is easy for us.   Let me take you through the process:  We like Manatees  -->  Manatees like Florida  -->  We are in Florida  -->  Lets visit the Manatees!


A quick Google search reveals a large population of Manatees wintering in Blue Springs State park.
Another Google search has us navigating to the park.  A short drive later, and we find ourselves driving through the entry gates at Blue Springs State Park.  Known for it's population of Manatees, who choose to winter in the warm water, bathing in the sun and wait for warmer weather to return.

Unfortunately, we forgot to check the calendar, because everyone else wanted to visit on the same day!  Turns out this was a holiday and the busiest day of the year for this particular park.  Yikes!  We are not used to seeing a lot of people at a state park.  In fact, one thing we can always count on when visiting a state park is very few people and empty parking lots.  (Unfortunately, this has been true in every state we have visited thus-far.)  So, while we were annoyed with the traffic, we were very pleased to see so many people enjoying this treasure of a state park.

"Blue Springs State Park located in Orange City, FL. At Blue Springs the water remains a constant 72 degrees, and provides a safe haven for the manatees during the winter months. The park is very popular, and reaches capacity early in the day, so plan to arrive early."

The landscape gives this park an enchanted feeling. From the crystal clear waters, to the moss covered trees the setting is magical. Once we arrived at the park we took the boardwalk to the manatee viewing area. There are many shaded areas along the path to see the manatees.




These animal graceful and enormous captured the attention of the kids.  They seem to gently float underwater, then glide to the surface for a few short breaths of air before returning to their leisurely life.   It is hard to be in a hurry when watching these gently giants.  Their slow movements make you want to dive into the water and join them.

Some of the Manatees swam beyond the protective rope and started playing with the floatees

...But wait!   Blue Springs State Park is more than just a refuge for wintering Manatees.  There is so much more:  gators, birds, nature, relaxation, boardwalks, education, and ....  GATORS!  Did you way Gators?

It seems to inviting to wade into the warm blue waters of the streams and join the manatees, but there are signs everywhere to remind you:  "Alligators, No Swimming"

We thought it was a hoax, a joke, a trick to protect the manatees.  No sooner than I said the words: "I won't believe it until I see it" , then I look into the eyes of a 12 foot Alligator staring at us.


They look so stealthy, so innocent, so HARD TO SEE!  I took this picture to the left, and didn't even realize I was looking at an Alligator.  Until we reviewed the photos later.

Overall a great park!

A Florida Gem!  We had a great day learning about Manatees.  While I grew up with very little knowledge of Manatees, the children have learned about them and watched them firsthand.  They will remember Manatees long after the visit to Blue Springs State Park fades from their growing memories.

Will we go back?  Of course!  It was a great day trip.  We will try to return again, but not on a holiday!