Crystal River, Florida

Our stay at Manatee Springs was remarkable in that we did not see any Manatees while we were there. However, we did get to enjoy the incredibly crystal clear springs for a swim. Millions of gallons of fresh water fill the headwaters of the springs from an ancient, underground aquifer at a constant 72F. At the headwaters is a deep "pool" -- approximately 25-30 feet deep and 40-50 feet around. The water oozes out from a crevace at the bottom of the hole and slips away downstream to join the major river system. On the first morning of our stay we took our snorkeling gear and splashed around. Doug enjoyed diving to the bottom of the springs while the girls paddled around on top marveling at all the fish. If manatees had been in the area we would not have been able to swim in the pool. We also tried our hand at fishing off the pier. Ruth hooked her largest fish yet! Unfortunately, it got away. It bent her rod perilously when it bit onto the hook then broke her line when we lifted it out of the water. Another fish story for the reportoire. (And, no, we don't know what type of fish it was). As a pleasant side trip we then headed south 70 miles from Manatee Springs to Crystal River where we are visiting with grandparents of friends. The girls have been captivated by the quantity, size and variety of turtles and tortoises the couple keeps on their property. There is also a horse and 3 dogs but it's the shell-backed critters that have caught their interest. Tomorrow we head for Cedar Key, about 50 miles north of here, for two nights RV camping. We've been told its like a smaller, less rowdy Key West so elected to get a site right on the water so we can enjoy a few sunsets.

Leaving Alachua, Florida (again)

We left St Augustine on Tuesday Jan 20th, after watching the Presidential Inauguration (swearing in and speech). It was in celebratory spirits that we headed back to our friends farm, Nigel and Ruthie, to visit them again. Doug had to attend a few work meetings in Boston, leaving Wednesday and returning Friday, so the girls set up "camp" in their welcoming home while he was gone. As Saturday has rolled around, it's time to move on. We're heading for Manatee Springs today.

St Augustine, Florida

Today we visited the old part of St Augustine and had a memorable tour of the fort, including a demonstration of a cannon firing. Very loud. And quite an amazing set of steps and rules followed before firing. (As Denise and Ruth later realized, there was no cannon ball included with the firing). As America's oldest city, St Augustine has kept much of the charm from its (Spainish) settlement in 1565 with an old part of the town proudly kept alive as a tourist mecca. We're hoping we can get to see the old town at night as January is part of the St Augustine light festival where white lights are festooned over trees and shops around the historic district. We're staying in the beautiful home of some friends here in St. Augustine -- enjoying their hospitality as well as spending time with their twin 4 year old children, Luke and Libby. The nights are cool and the days are cooler than they were in the St Petersburg but still bright and sunny. Still great for winter weather! We've decided to extend our stay an extra night here so we can watch Obama's Inauguration on Tuesday live on television.