Manatee Springs State Park

Last weekend we stayed at MANATEE SPRINGS STATE PARK and we loved it. There were so many things about the weekend that we enjoyed that the moments that did not go well do not seem important or memorable.  There were absolutely things that did not go as planned.  This was our THIRD TRIP OUT IN THE CAMPER and we were a little cocky in our expertise.  We did not check our lists twice and we forgot things, including, a portable blue tooth speaker, batteries for the weather radio, hot chocolate & Bailey’s, a jigger, and a tripod.  We did not complete enough research to know that we would not have cell phone service or internet at our campsite.  Remember that radio scanner that my husband wanted?  My dad gave us his old one and Matt was super excited, but we forgot the paper instructions and had no cell or internet service to figure out the instructions.  There was a terrible line of thunderstorms that crossed Florida directly in the path that we needed to drive from our home in Orlando to Manatee Springs on the west coast.  As you would expect from two rational adults, we fought over the decision to leave and acted like irresponsible children because we wanted to go go go. Thankfully we came to our senses before leaving and finally agreed that we should wait until the storms passed before driving.  When we finally did get on our way and arrive at our full hook up site, the sewer hook up was too far away and uphill.   Things do not always go as planned, but I think it is all just part of the learning process (and just general adulting).

But now let’s talk about the things that WE DID THINK WERE PERFECT.

THE PARK AND CAMPSITE were beautiful and had the woodsy feel that Matt loves so much.  The campsite had some privacy because of the trees, which was nice because we like the illusion of our own space.  The campsite had a large space, picnic table, and a fire pit.  We were in walking distance to the springs and activity area. We kept seeing signs about diving in the springs and were very interested in the big draw as the springs we saw were fairly shallow at only 25 feet.  Later we found the diving springs that were 90 feet deep and had over 5 miles of underground caves for exploring.  We were fascinated and horrified when we saw the divers coming out of the murky spring (check out the picture and you will understand both feelings).

The SPRING IS PERFECT to get out on the water with the canoe.  There is a little activity center that rents out canoes and kayaks.  The springs are spectacularly breathtaking to view and it was a lot of fun to paddle around. It was really windy on Saturday, so we stayed in the springs and didn’t go down in the river.  When we finished, we had barbeque sandwiches and a beer by the water.  This just happened to be the one spot in the park with internet, so we also were able to catch up on the world around us and post a picture on social media.

We saw EIGHT MANATEES and more deer than I can count.  We thought it would be too late in the season for the manatees to come into the springs, but we were lucky on Sunday morning and they came into the springs, including a baby.  We happened to walk down to the springs and watched a couple of teens kayaking as the manatees swam underneath them.  I was jealous we were not out on the water that morning and had not seen them the morning before.  The whole weekend, the park was filled with deer running around.  The deer seemed fairly used to the campers and not at all fearful of coming right up to the campsites.

BINGLEY AND STELLA HAD A GREAT WEEKEND.  We love being able to take them with us on these trips.  It can be hard because they still cannot always contain the barks and I am guessing never will?  They have figured out that they really like to sit on the bed inside the camper and have all the windows and screen door open so they can sit in comfort and still watch the world around them.

I love GRIDDLE BREAKFASTS, but really who doesn’t?  Eggs, Canadian bacon, and breakfast potatoes?  Matt upped his game since the last trip out and made a spectacular breakfast.  My mouth and stomach were happy and full.

A GLASS OF RED WINE BY THE CAMPFIRE.  Honestly, any activity where it is socially acceptable to sit and drink wine usually has my vote.

Speaking of campfires… s’mores anyone?  We love everything about the s’more, including testing out new forms of the classic and delicious s’more.  For me the experience starts with the ooey-gooey marshmallow and for Matt it is the melty peanut butter cup.  But no matter the combination of ingredients, you just CANNOT BEAT S'MORES AT A CAMPFIRE.

We were close enough to take a quick trip out to Cedar Key.  It was only about thirty minutes away by car.  CEDAR KEY IS A QUAINT COASTAL FISHING TOWN, with all the traditional touristy shops and restaurants by the water.  We spent a couple of hours walking through the town, checking out the shops, and of course enjoying an ice cream cone.  The dogs came with us on this adventure, which was great because it completely wore them out and lessened the random barks.

Finally and most importantly - TIME WITH MY HUSBAND. I know, kind of cheesy, right?  But it is the truth.  This is why we have the camper, to get out and spend time together.  Life is busy.  Work is hectic.  There are so many distractions every day.  Our weekend getaways allow us to spend time together, and enjoy each other’s company.  It feels good to slow down a bit and just relax.  Each time we get away, it just leaves me excited for the next time out in the camper! Let’s go, Let’s go, Let’s go….  And for anyone who is wondering, my CRAZY HUSBAND has already figured out how to pre-program his radio scanner for the next trip.

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Lake Louisa State Park

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Weekend at Jetty Park