While we were in Florida we got to cruise along the St. John's River on a pontoon boat. It was AWESOME!
Before we even got away from the dock, there were things to see, like other boats heading out.
There was also a little blue heron feeding in the grasses by the dock.
We traveled towards Blue Spring State Park, a designated manatee refuge. It's a favorite winter hang-out (mid-November through March) of these West Indian Manatees, since the waters stay nice and warm at 73 degrees.
It's also the largest spring on the St. Johns River. Although we got a glimpse or two of manatees in the river, we never got a clear enough look to make a worthwhile picture. Maybe next time!
There were lots of birds in the trees though.
And every once in a while we saw a bright splash of color from flowers growing among the trees and grasses.
We got really excited when we saw our first alligator.
Cruising along we saw great reflections in the water from the trees and sky.
Then we got even more excited when we saw another alligator, bigger than the first one we saw!
There were herons and other birds almost everywhere we looked.
But the BIGGEST thrill of the day was seeing this HUMONGOUS GATOR!
No way we could top that! All in all, it was a great day of cruising! And a great part of our relatives world to visit!
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Eek! An alligator!
OK, only kidding. I’ve never seen a real alligator so I’m sure I’d be excited too.
I am afraid of the gator
But this trip looks like it has something for everyone. Thanks for taking us along.
What a great rip. Some of your photos are awesome when enlarged. Thanks for taking us along.
Very relaxing virtual trip.
Looks like great fun – I’ve never seen a gator in the wild, only in zoos.
Fantastic shots, I especially love the first one.
Cheers
Regina In Pictures
now that last gator looked like the “grand” daddy to the other two!
loved the shots of the heron(s).
a very nice post.
thanks for sharing.
Wonderful piccies and tour thank you
What a great trip! I would love to see a manatee! We were just as excited seeing the ‘gators in Louisiana….every time you’d think Wow! that’s a big one! you’d see one even bigger! Thanks for sharing!!
All are beautiful photos, sounds like you all had a wonderful time.
What a wonderful tour. You really got to see nature up close. I invite you to come see the Hulks, a unique aspect of my town, Powell River, BC. – Margy
Thanks for the memories! When I graduated from Seminole High back many years ago another girl and I camped on the St. John’s. We slept in lawn chairs and some critter came up in the night and went thru our stuff and scared us to death. lol
Looks like an open zoo.You are very brave.
Great Gator photos. When I am on holidays in Queensland next year I’ll post photos of our Salt Water Crocs, the biggest in the world. I’m looking forward to seeing them for the first time.
its just beautiful! love the gators!