Blue Springs State Park

Last Saturday, our second full day in Florida, Tracy and I were able to go to Blue Springs State Park.  We stayed with her aunt and uncle in Titusville for the week and they were kind enough to take us around during the weekend.  They are such kind people, so easy to talk to, and so generous and hospitable.  They even had cute welcome gift bags for us when we arrived! 

Blue Springs is about an hour drive Northwest of Titusville.  It is known for being a preserve for manatees and other Florida native animals.  (According to floridastateparks.org) "Blue Spring State Park covers more than 2,600 acres, including the largest spring on the St. Johns River.  Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. The spring and spring run are closed during Manatee season, mid-November through March.  For centuries, the spring area was home to Native Americans.  In 1766 it was visited by Colonial American botanist John Bartram, but it was not until 1856 that it was settled by Louis Thursby and his family. The Thursby house, built in 1872, remains standing. The spring´s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner. The river is popular for fishing, canoeing, and boating."

We had the opportunity to explore the trails of Blue Spring and then cool off by tubing down the river.  It was incredibly beautiful and I couldn't get enough of the draping vegetation and wildlife...we even saw our first Florida Gator!