State Park Stroll

We live in an area that affords us natural beauty and a lot of inexpensive adventures.  We are also blessed with mild winter climates and can get outdoors to explore and enjoy the Florida State Parks.  A two hour car ride and the essentials for the baby and we hit up a natural Florida spring and one of Florida’s largest manatee refuges at Blue Spring State Park, in Orange City.

The weather, traffic and baby all cooperated.   We strolled a long the boardwalk and breathed in the fresh air, listened to the wildlife surrounding us and stared into the natural clear spring beneath us.   We stopped and pointed out the momma manatee and her babies to Ryann.  We observed them in their natural habitat, and soaked it all in.  The manatees travel up to the cooler parts of the river during the Florida “winter” months.  The site of these massive underwater creatures is amazing.   In January Blue Springs Park hosts a Manatee Festival when you see hundreds of manatees in their natural surroundings.  A site we’re hoping to see!

Ryann needed to stretch her legs,  we brought her to some green space and let her roam.  And she loved it!  The brisk 75 degree weather,  beautifully manicured grass and the freedom to just move, it was amazing for all!  After a little stretching and a little snacking we headed to the Thursby House and read about Louis Thursby and the house he built in 1872.

A day at a state park is always fun and relaxing because it allows a free adventure (or just the price of parking) and you can take in all of Mother Nature’s beauty.  It was nice to turn off for a day and just enjoy the sights, sounds and smells around us.  A happy baby, napping on the way home was surely a treat too!

Image Credit: 1, 2