Winter transforms Manatee Springs.
In the summer, the main pool above hosts scuba divers, snorkelers, swimmers, and even tiny kids wearing floaty arm thingies.
In the winter, they shy away, even though the 120 million gallons of water that issues forth each day is always about 72 degrees F.
Sure, that's chilly on a 98 degree summer day, but in the winter, ... in the winter it feels divine.
Until you get out.
Ah, but that's life isn't? If it feels too good to be true, it probably is about to change dramatically.
Lief clung to the rocky shore and thanked Odin for delivering him from Moskstraumen.
You just never know what you'll find at Manatee in the winter.
16 comments:
Your beautiful pictures are just the thing for reminding me to breathe. Thanks, FC.
Breathtakingly lovely. Thanks for a little tranquility on an otherwise frantic day.
It's so beautiful. All it needs is some comfy chairs.
I'd take the plunge in some 72 degree water right about now.
Now that I have officially left the state of Florida, I shall cling to your blog for all the beautiful Florida posts to remind me of what I am missing. It was sad driving into Alabama today.
Enjoy the warmth---I'm heading to the land of cold weather.
We used to enjoy exploring Suwanee Co. area and a friend showed us a little spring called, 'Bathtub'. It was nice, and Little River was another that was nice when crowds were absent.
Thanks for your views of the state. Maybe we can find our way back someday.
Miz S,
Glad it was helpful. I know it's been stressful up there lately.
3C,
I could use some myself!
Dani,
I think there is a park bench or two nearby.
Deb,
Bet that sounds toasty!
Misti,
You mean colder than here? LOL!
Enjoy your new adventure!
Woodduck,
I haven't been to those two, but there are so many on my list!
I swim year round at the beach, the water is nice. Try to do it on a sunny and windless day though and have a hot shower once home! That water looks amazingly clean!
did you get entirely into the water?
LaDiva,
Oh it is my dear. That pool is about 20 feet deep.
roger,
Not that day. I really went out there to gather some hickory nuts to plant and did not plan for aquatic adventure.
It's amazing that pool is that deep and yet is so warm. Must take a while to warm up and then a looong time to cool down again? There is no currents to warm it or cool it. So why does it stay so warm?
I've been thinking about springs, hot and otherwise. Danjust finished a winter cross-country tour and both coming and going the band went out of their way to drive to the hot springs in Colorado that they love for a little r and r. Snow-capped mountains and 103 degrees!
These are really wonderful photos. Thanks. And Bear in the masthead is mighty fine, too.
i've never been to florida, but if i ever manage to go, you've given me a list of must-see, must-do, must-visit places. :-)
Methinks it would be kind of fun to jump in warmish water on a cold day.
La Diva,
I answered your question at your site! Have a great time down under.
Vicki,
I don't blame them for taking the time. That spring sounds wonderful ... heck, snow sounds wonderful!
Glad you liked the pics!
Ericka,
We are going to keep adding to that list too!!
Troll,
Me too, but getting out is not fun.
That last photo is to die for, FC.
I would like to send you some snow in a boxcar. We have all we can stand. And then perhaps you will not do your standard Floridian's whine about "icy breezes." Please. We're holding a place for you at the Zhivago Ice Palace.
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