Red oaks and cypress trees reaching toward the sky,
Moss dangling from branches,
Vultures watching me.
In the distance a pier,
Inviting me to the river,
Reaching the end I peer down,
A cute little eye, looking up at me.
A Stroll Through the WoodsOdd Bird OutA pier leading to the Suwannee RiverI See You
Manatee Springs is an important winter refuge for West Indian manatees. From November through April, these gentle giants are regular visitors to the spring. (taken from park brochure)
Bubble!!Manatee Spring – Florida’s largest freshwater springs. An Inviting 72 DegreesManatee Springs is a favorite diving spot.
Reflection Art:
Three’s a Crowd
Park Visitors:
All aloneHigh above the SpringNorthern Cardinal (female)LookoutsPost Ornament
With no TV, no internet (at times we will get extremely slow service) and no cell service (text messaging works fine) what to do other than walk the parks 8.5 miles of trails, take photos of Manatee Springs and the Suwannee River, bird watch and just enjoy this beautiful park.
There are 78 campsites in the park and they are pretty primitive with water and electric. We were in shock when we first arrived, but now just love this park.
One loop is closed for renovation and will have a brand new bath house and new, improved sites with FULL hookups. This loop will hopefully be open by May, 2015.
Sorry for not responding to comments, I truly appreciate each and everyone! We leave here Sunday and will be back in communication!! (I hope.)
Until next time…..
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15 thoughts on “~Manatee Springs State Park~”
It’s been a very very long time since I’ve seen a manatee. Thanks for the look see.
Sheila, there’s a lot I love about Florida, but your eye finds, and your photos reflect more beauty than I ever realized was there, making something I already appreciated all that more valuable to me. Thank you for your work.
You are too kind! I love that you enjoy my photos.
I have been hearing Sandhill Cranes fly over and have seen two (up close and personal) while here at Lake Louisa. Don’t you just love their sounds?! I will post their photos!
I hope you are enjoying the holidays and I wish you joy, love, good health, wonderment and mystery in 2015. Where would we be without a little mystery in our lives. LOL
The reflections at the Manatee Spring were amazing. Some days the crystal, blue water was calm and other days a slight breeze would cause ripples.
Of course the natural flow of the spring causes the water to “bubble”. I can’t begin to guess how many photos have been taken at this spot! It was great fun!
Thanks for stopping by, your comments bring me joy! Hugs to you and Joe.
This is, no doubt, the best view of one I have ever had. Howard was puttering around the coach so I decided to take a walk with my camera. I was so excited to see this Manatee swimming around so close to the pier.
Lynda, what a kind and lovely thought! Thanks so much for writing. I wish you and Howard the very best 2015! May you experience the joys of new places and old familiar places with both new and old friends. I hope you are enjoying your time in the boonies! Merry Christmas!
Wolf Song Blog 
It’s been a very very long time since I’ve seen a manatee. Thanks for the look see.
So glad I could bring one to you! 🙂
Sheila, there’s a lot I love about Florida, but your eye finds, and your photos reflect more beauty than I ever realized was there, making something I already appreciated all that more valuable to me. Thank you for your work.
You are too kind! I love that you enjoy my photos.
I have been hearing Sandhill Cranes fly over and have seen two (up close and personal) while here at Lake Louisa. Don’t you just love their sounds?! I will post their photos!
I hope you are enjoying the holidays and I wish you joy, love, good health, wonderment and mystery in 2015. Where would we be without a little mystery in our lives. LOL
Thanks for always stopping by! Hugs
Thank you, Sheila – I wish you and Howard all of the same! That’s a wonderful list of wishes!!
Spellbinding…what an absolutely beautiful post Sheila!
The reflections are spectacular…
The reflections at the Manatee Spring were amazing. Some days the crystal, blue water was calm and other days a slight breeze would cause ripples.
Of course the natural flow of the spring causes the water to “bubble”. I can’t begin to guess how many photos have been taken at this spot! It was great fun!
Thanks for stopping by, your comments bring me joy! Hugs to you and Joe.
Wonderful finds, Sheila. I’ve never seen a Manatee, only signs saying that they are around somewhere. 🙂
You had better get out there and find one! 🙂
This is, no doubt, the best view of one I have ever had. Howard was puttering around the coach so I decided to take a walk with my camera. I was so excited to see this Manatee swimming around so close to the pier.
We loved Manatee Springs. Lovely images Sheila. Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday. 🙂
LuAnn, so glad you and Terry got to experience this beautiful state park. We hope, with the new renovated loop, we will visit there again!
Tolle Bilder wünsche schöne Weihnachtstage lieber Gruß Gislinde
Hello! I used the web to translate your lovely words! Thank you very much and Merry Christmas to you and yours! Please stop by again!
I just wanted to stop by and wish you a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. And also to say how much I enjoy your beautiful photos and words. Lynda
Lynda, what a kind and lovely thought! Thanks so much for writing. I wish you and Howard the very best 2015! May you experience the joys of new places and old familiar places with both new and old friends. I hope you are enjoying your time in the boonies! Merry Christmas!