Manatee Springs State Park

The day before we were due into Tampa, we had only 3 hours driving time to go (which for us usually equates to 6!). There were groceries to get, errands to run, and preparation for the rally to do. But that’s no fun, so we set off to find an adventure instead. 

Thanks to the lovely, fast internet at our Perry campground, I learned that the region is full of cold springs that bubble out of the limestone that is prevalent to the area. The one that sounded most interesting along our way: Manatee Springs State Park , a first magnitude spring (measured by flow rate) that lets out into the Suwannee River, and is home to manatees in the winter. The main drawing point, for me, was that people are allowed to swim & snorkel in the spring. (Ooh, maybe we could swim with some manatees!)

Squirrel! (sorry, family joke)

Arriving mid-afternoon, we parked the rig in the small parking lot (which is always entertaining, in a frustrating sort of way – exactly how many parking spots can we take up?!), had a late lunch, let the kids play in the playground, and then headed up the boardwalk which follows the length of the spring inlet, to the river where there is a viewing platform and floating dock. The spring creates an invitingly lush micro-climate which has been attracting all sorts of creatures for a long time (including people). We were really hoping to see some manatees, but sadly, while the manatees had been there the day before, they were apparently taking a day off when we arrived. 

There was plenty of other wildlife to check out though: birds (larger aquatic birds, and a bunch of turkey vultures), fish (large sturgeon jumped in the river, while smaller fish could be seen along the spring outlet), turtles, and squirrels (and fishermen too, although I don't think they count as wildlife. 

Lily took lots of pictures with the big camera. Morgan did his usual head-down, high speed run from one end of the boardwalk, to the other. That is, until he discovered the dock. Then he went bounding back and forth on it, making quite the ruckus, and (likely) scaring the fish away. I am amazed that he didn't bounce himself into the river! The people trying to fish from the dock didn't seem to mind his noise making, and were quite happy to engage both him & his sister in conversation.    

After our walk along the boardwalk, Bob & the kids got into their swim suits & snorkel gear to swim in the spring. Several people along the boardwalk & by the spring made comments, asking if the family was planning on swimming, and making approving sounds when we said yes. Odd, but okay. We found out pretty quickly why they commented. The water was an inviting turquoise and Cold! The spring stays at 72 F year round, which isn't all that warm. After much noise and complaint, Bob & Lily got in and swam around the spring while Morgan hung around close to the edge before joining them – riding on Bob’s back. (To be fair, I only dipped my toes in and that was enough!) My family is crazy!

Bob directing Morgan while Lily stays near shore

Bob snorkeled around the spring on his own, as well, calling out whenever he saw a fish or turtle, trying to direct the kid’s attention. He was speaking loudly through his snorkel, as he wasn't sure the kids could hear him or not. They could hear him. I’m pretty sure the entire park could hear him! The snorkel acted much like a bull horn, and everyone in the vicinity could hear him quite clearly as he called out the animals. “TURTLE!” and everyone knew where the turtle was…. “FISH!”  yep, got it. Between the splashing, Lily’s shrieks when first entering the spring, and Bob’s calls, the family attracted quite a bit of attention. It was quite comical, and rather entertaining. 

They all stayed in the water a lot longer than I figured they would – at least an hour (brr). Morgan climbed out first, shivering and slightly blue lipped (of course, he has no fat on his bones, and does the same thing in swimming pools!). He amused himself by playing on the manatee statue, while Bob & Lily made one more circuit of the springs.

The turquoise is where the spring wells up

It’s too bad that there were no manatees at the springs when we visited, but it was still a very interesting afternoon. We spent far longer than I anticipated in the park, and by the time we were all tidied up, it was nearing supper time. There is a campground at the State Park, but, true to McMillan form (instead of stopping for the evening at a logical time, and when the majority of other travelers are settling in for the night), we decided to head a bit further down the road, rather than stay. Silly decision, but that’s what happens sometimes (I would quite happily go back for a longer visit sometime). Regardless of where we ended up (truck stop!), it was a great day, all because we did choose to stop and have an adventure, rather than just drive!

Bob showing off his snorkeling skills