Bald Eagle at Merritt Island

Although far from a good photograph, I was still excited to capture this shot of a Bald Eagle on Merritt Island, shortly after exiting Black Point Wildlife Drive! Less than half an hour before I saw a Bobcat running across the road --the first time I have ever seen a Bobcat in the wild!

Despite dreary weather, it was a great day of adventure!

Blue Spring State Park

One of the day trips we took from Rockledge, Florida was almost 80 miles north to Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, near DeLand.


Blue Spring is the largest natural spring on the St. Johns River, has a constant temperature of 73 degrees, and is a refuge for manatees from mid-November to mid-March. Most of the manatees were gone last week, but we were still able to spot a couple while we were there.


To give you a perspective of one of the spring's natural swimming areas, click on the photo above and you'll discover the white and red object in the upper right corner is actually a snorkler!


The water is crystal clear and you can easily spot fish and manatees.


If you are going to be visiting central Florida, please be sure to put some of the state parks with natural springs on your list to check out.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

I have been wanting to see the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park for a long time and it did not disappoint me. This Scarlet Macaw strikes a 'Groucho' pose. (Actually, he was just scratching his head.)


As much as I love birds, this Blue and Gold Macaw was a foul-tempered fowl. It didn't like cameras or even those who stopped to say hello. It didn't take long for people to move on once it let out a couple of deafening squawks and leaned in to give you the evil eye. Beauty was definitely only feather-deep on this bird.


There are several species of alligator, caiman, and crocodiles on display at the Alligator Farm.


As well as a Komodo dragon.

This fellow was much more people-friendly.

Look at this awesome Bornean Crested Fireback Pheasant!

Sunning.

A Galapagos giant tortoise.

Other large tortoises take a lunch break.

You may click HERE to see a list of the exhibits at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park

Less than one hundred miles east of Pensacola Beach are stunning natural springs located within Ponce de Leon Springs State Park.


As you can see, the water is crystal clear, and it stays at a constant 68 degrees year round.


A large area is available for you to 'swim with the fishes' in nature's own swimming pool, created by the convergence of two underground water flows and which produces 14 million gallons of water per day.

And look what beauties you'll see when you visit this 'fountain of youth'.

You may learn more about Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, as well as other Florida State Parks, my clicking HERE.

St. Augustine Lighthouse

The beautiful St. Augustine, Florida Lighthouse and Museum is another great historical site to visit.


Approximately a six hour drive from the Pensacola area, this historical is open seven days a week.

Also impressive is The Keeper's Blog which is a collection of 'musings' and so much more from those who work at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum.

A U.S. Lighthouse Station marker.

The St. Augustine Yacht Club located across from the lighthouse property.