Manatee Springs

It's been a while since we've crossed off a State Park from our list on our quest to visit every State Park in Florida.  Everytime we go I ask myself, "Why don't we do this more often?!?"  We love it everytime and it's always an adventure.

This time we decided to try Manatee Springs Park in Chiefland.  This park is about an hour from us.  The drive through the country on the way there was so beautiful and we spent the hour talking, laughing and singing.  So fun!

When we arrived the Park Ranger told us that most of the boardwalks around the springs were closed due to flooding.  Bummer.  They were right, there was a ton of flooding!

 We really should have seen some manatees there as well, but with the flooding, they were quite confused.  Even the springs that are supposed to be a gorgeous blue were mixed in with the murky river water.  That was a little disappointing. The pictures of the boardwalks through the springs that we saw online were beautiful!  So, even though we didn't get to experience that walk, we were determined to find adventure!

We decided to venture out on the Scenic Trail, Clay Trail and Shacklefoot trail.  We hiked a little over 2 miles and enjoyed so much Florida beauty!!

Callie had just learned about Indians making thatched roofs for their huts.  She was so excited to find one in real life!!!  I love it when school happens in the books and in real life!

Everyone enjoyed the Chickee Hut!

 I love to stop and listen to the birds, wind and nature all around us.

 There was a tree that had been struck by lightening.  You could see the burn marks all down the tree.

People tracks, dog tracks, deer tracks, raccon tracks, and my kiddos are always on the look out for bigfoot tracks!

It was a great hike!  Although by the end my crew was quite tired.  I love how diversified Florida Parks are!  Can't wait for the next adventure!