Florida springs

In central Florida we have noticed an abundance of fresh water springs.  Today we drove to nearby Silver Glen Springs in Ocala National Forest.  It is a day-use only area, so there is no overnight camping.

It is a small slice of paradise.  The water is aquamarine in color and clear.  The grounds are shaded by live oaks draped with moss. 

And we got lucky,  A manatee was in the spring. You can see the GPS buoy attached to the manatee when you enlarge wither photo. Manatees are well protected and tracked.

And this boat captain knew where the fish were biting.

Silver Glen Spring is connected to the larger St. Johns River.
Next we drove to Orange City and Blue Spring State Park where 104 million gallons of water flow daily from the spring into the St. Johns River.

There is a bit of history here dating back to 1774 when British Colonial botanist John Bartram paddled into Blue Spring in 1774.  But for me the really interesting history was the house and river docks built by former California gold miner Louis Thursby who became a successful citrus farmer and merchant.  Thursby arrived in 1856 when he bought Blue Springs  and 300 acres for $400. 
The scene below is of the Blue Springs Run…

….which connects with the St. Johns River.

A neat day.
Stay tuned.