STATE PARKS GALORE!



Christmas lists. Christmas gifts. Ahh...a task that gets harder every year. This year, we definitely received some amazing gifts (as usual) but this post allows us to highlight a few!  Clay's mom bought us a Florida State Parks pass that pays for our entry fees over the next year! We've already crossed off many and are looking forward to many more!

 

Clay's dad and stepmom also bought us a new paddle which we love! Both of our paddles came with our Craigslist kayak finds, so needless to say they aren't the best quality.

With this paddle, I feel like a pro. I was really surprised at the difference!

 

On January 11th, we visited 2 new parks and got in some kayaking. First up: Manatee Springs State Park.  We were REALLY hoping to see some manatees, but we didn't. 

 

We did see this cute little guy though: 

 

 

We couldn't get over how beautiful it was.

 

 

 

 

So after walking around Manatee Springs for a while, we headed about 20-30 minutes to Fanning Springs State Park. This is where we did some kayaking...AND saw a mom & baby manatee!!

 

 

 

 

It was a little difficult seeing them that day with the sun reflecting on the water.  The springs are super clear but it's still not easy.  After paddling around for a while to get in the best position possible, I snapped these photos of the pair.

 



 

This is the best one:

 

 

And below was our view on the river.

Sometimes it's still hard for me to believe this is where we live right now.

 



 

 

 

 After paddling for a bit, we headed back and loaded up the kayaks to get a different view of the springs.  We started talking to a park employee and he took us to a "secret" spot that is closed off to regular park visitors because it was a little slippery with all the moss.

 

 

 

 

More park posts as we knock them off the list!