Blogs from Orange City, Florida, United States, North America

Sat. 02-16-19 was another beautiful day and even warmer. Marg and I went into Flagler again and had breakfast at our favorite place, The Funky Pelican. We were able to get a seat right away at the counter overlooking the ocean and we watched Osprey fishing and men surfing. Pictures. The temperature was perfect with a slight breeze to keep the bugs away and we loved all the goings on. We spent the afternoon on the beach, I took some bird pictures then it was time to head back to get cleaned up for dinner. We did a repeat of the night before on the deck but warmer this time and the clouds were a brilliant pink. Perfect. Sunday 02-17-19 we got up early and left the house at 8:10 to drive about 50 min to ... read more

blog 02-24-18 River Tour Dee and I had reservations for the morning boat tour so we had to be down at the river by 9:30. It was a beautiful day with temps in the mid 70s, sunny, with a slight breeze. We boarded the boat and were off on the river by 10:05 with a full compliment of passengers. We headed up river then turned right into the oxbow where we had been the day before in the canoe. In the morning there are a lot more birds because the boat traffic hasn't disturbed them. Again we saw lots of variety s of birds with an occasional alligator and turtle. The plants lining the shore are a floating mass of vegetation, a favorite of the manatee, also providing cover and a food source for smaller water ... read more

blog 02-22-18 We have Company ! Up early this morning, we had a trip to make to the airport. My sister Dedie is coming for a visit. It was wonderful to see her and before long we were back at the camper getting her settled and jabbering away. We ate an early lunch then went down to the spring to show Dee the beautiful water and see what options we had for other water activities. There were several people there again today enjoying the board walk along the spring run. We were going to go up to the spring but no dogs were allowed on that section so we decided to head back and do the spring itself another day without Watson. Back at the camper we both wanted a nap but we couldn't stop talking ... read more

blog 02-20-18 Exploring Blue Spring Watson and I took a long walk this morning around the campground, I wanted to tire him out so I could go to the spring without him. It was warm already promising to be in the mid 80s by afternoon. Air conditioner on, dog in the camper, I headed for the spring to see what was going on. As I drove down the road there was a school bus in front of me so I knew I was in trouble. This spring is one of nature's holy places and seeing it in the quiet is heavenly, spiritual. It was not meant to be today. I had to remind myself that it's important for the kids to learn about nature but a lot of them were talking with each other or on ... read more

All about the Manatees Happy Birthday Richard The only reason to come to this park in the winter is the Manatees. It is a beautiful park, lush Florida vegetation between sites, level sites, albeit sandy, paved interior roadways, brand new bath houses, well documented cranky ranger staff, and the manatees. In the summer you can swim in the warm spring, boat and fish in the river. In the winter, not so much. Up yesterday at 7, to the spring at 7:20. I walked from midway of the spring downstream to where it joins the St John’s River, stopping at all the scenic overlooks and many places between. I saw the ranger out early counting near the join, and he said 9 there. Closer towards the spring the numbers increased. Just a week ago, there were NONE. ... read more