Blue Spring

Just a short ride from Hontoon State Park is Blue Spring State Park located in Orange City, Florida--winter home for many many many  manatees.  There is an anchorage amidst the lilly pads in an oxbow just to the west of the park.  From this secluded spot in nature we can hear sandhill cranes, turkeys, owls, coots  and the occasional grunt from an alligator or two.  Piper and Jack were ready for a walk once we got the anchor set.  We tied up the dinghy next to the sign warning us "Alligator-No Swimming."  We couldn't read the small print until we were off loading the dogs.  No worries- Piper and Jack were happy to get away quickly in search of green grass and a fire hydrant.  

The setting sun signaled to us it was time to return.  On our way back, we stopped by a dock that extended over the St. Johns to talk with the two women enjoying the sunset.  Their home was purchased by their grandfather many years ago before the park existed.  Gramps refused to sell  his property to the state making their property the only piece of private real estate on park grounds.  

The lilly pads had shifted while we were away closing up our clear path--no problem--the dinghy gently pushed them aside and we made our way back for the evening entertainment.  While the view is spectacular, the real show requires listening.   I imagine each species of bird saying good night much like The Waltons  series from years back-- "Good Night John-Boy, Good Night Jim-Bob"

Joy