A wonderful State Park near Deland,
Florida
About 40 miles inland, west
of the Daytona Beach Area
It's noted for it's Manatee Refuge.
They swim up the St John's River from Jacksonville to go to the warm water
of the springs.
The natural spring water comes
out of the ground at a consistant 72 degrees. Manatees can't swim in water
below 60 degrees. If they do
they can get second degree "cold burns" on their body. The burns will become
infected
resulting in death
Coming up for air
Cruising down the river at 2
knots. They can go much faster, but prefer this leisure pace.
We went on a boat tour. These
are vultures, waiting for us to fall overboard
Drooling as they watched
Then there were alligators.....many
alligators....also watching
