March 19, 2010

3.18.10 last day on the river

We saw several Manatees in the river near Blue Springs but were unable to get any photos. We anchored near by hoping we would see some in the morning…but none appeared.

We did see a few more gators and spotted this Osprey as he landed in a tree with a fish.

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Look at this face…. What a beautiful bird.

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I forgot to mention one of the exciting things that happened yesterday.  We’re cruising along…eyes peeled for gators or other interesting critters….when all of a sudden a plane dropped out of the sky …and landed on the water right in front of us!!….I had just taken the battery out of the camera and had to scramble to get it in and grab a couple of photos.

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We never heard it coming….it touched down….and then took off again.

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It looks like one that cruises into the springs once in awhile. Perhaps he recognized us from there…and dropped in to say hello……. I don’t know…It was quite a site.

We had a good day for hauling out. Not too hot or cold. A bit gusty when Jim was loading the boat on the trailer but he was able to get it on without any trouble.

Two weeks just isn’t long enough. Can’t wait till we head out again. Maybe it will be a bit warmer and we won’t need the vinyl side curtains or the heater. It’s so much nicer on the water at night with just the screens to keep the bugs out and all the beautiful night sounds.

3.17.10 Leaving the Springs

We took Raisin to shore for a short walk, had our coffee while we waited for her to get a bit of exercise. Once back at the boat, Jim stowed the dingy on the rear deck, hauled the anchor and off we went.

There didn’t appear to be any wind at all but the lake was starting to build up a little, and a few drops of rain hit the windshield.

As we approached the gates at the S end, George pulled alongside. He was headed to town for supplies. He’s dressed for the weather.

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Even though the day started out a bit dreary…it turned off nice and what a day we had for spotting gators. They were everywhere. Here are just a few.

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We saw several sunning together. It’s getting to be that time of season.

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We were surprised to see this Peacock along the shore.

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There were a couple of rowing clubs on the river, training I believe.

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And several single kayaks. These two made a pretty picture.

237cs We are anchored just S of Blue Springs.  There is a pretty good sized gator cruising by the boat right now. Guard duty.