Blue Springs State Park

[Second Hand Pat]

I have a friend visiting and we took a trip to the Blue Springs State Park. It is a natural Florida spring and has a channel running from the spring head to the St. John's River. It is a fairly short channel and the Florida manatees will use it in the winter time due to the warmer spring water (72 F) compared to the water in the river.

Now some pictures. Some of these pictures are a bit blurry due to the distance I was from the subject. I had the lens extended as far as it could go.

[Second Hand Pat]

Looking down the channel..

[Second Hand Pat]

Tarpon


Fern covered oak

[Second Hand Pat]

More channel...note the clear water.




Beauty berry

[Second Hand Pat]

Spring head

[Second Hand Pat]

and finally some manatees. They were on the other side of the river. Note the grey blobs.






A nose

[Second Hand Pat]

The end

[sdrexler078]

That is awesome beautiful pictures

[chaoslite]

That is really beautiful, Pat.

Mishka

[Rudustin]

OMG Pat! Beautiful pictures and great nature! I live in florida and need to go and see this. It almost looks like Discus could thrive in that water! Of course we have enough non indigenous species thriving in the air and water of our state so I don't suggest anyone take my suggestion seriously. Thanks Pat for the lovely pics. Rufus

[Second Hand Pat]

That is awesome beautiful pictures

Thank you

That is really beautiful, Pat.

Mishka

These springs are really gorgeous places Miskha and a very unique part of Florida.

[Second Hand Pat]

OMG Pat! Beautiful pictures and great nature! I live in florida and need to go and see this. It almost looks like Discus could thrive in that water! Of course we have enough non indigenous species thriving in the air and water of our state so I don't suggest anyone take my suggestion seriously. Thanks Pat for the lovely pics. Rufus

Thanks Rufus, all the state springs look similar to this and definitely go visit one. This one is close to Daytona if you are ever in the neighborhood. The springs have a consistent temp of 72...too cold for discus.

[Nick Klimkowski]

Wow that is beautiful Pat! Is That in brackish water? Just wondering because of the tarpon.

-Nick

[Second Hand Pat]

All freshwater Nick. I was quite surprised to see the tarpon. Last time I see tarpon was in the keys and they were in full saltwater.

[Rudustin]

Thanks Rufus, all the state springs look similar to this and definitely go visit one. This one is close to Daytona if you are ever in the neighborhood. The springs have a consistent temp of 72...too cold for discus.

There are so many places like that in and near the Everglades. We have route 27 here that goes north west and I love to drive there and visit the many stops along the way and see the similar areas with hanging moss and clear water. Yes, down our way in Miami the water is warmer. Rufus