I've delayed making this post for a few different reasons... mostly because I've been so busy with school that I haven't had much time to do anything else. But part of the reason is that I don't want to let go of summer just yet. But alas, labor day is here and it is time for me to finally let go.
I had planned on visiting Manatee Springs since the beginning of the summer. Marsha, a co-worker, suggested it to me, telling me stories of a beautiful swimming hole and world-class bar-b-que. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a sucker for bbq. And that is how one morning, I packed up the car, grabbed my friends Margaret and Daniel, and headed south (or was it west?) for Chiefland, FL.
We arrived to a sparse parking lot of two other cars, and a spring that had two small children and their family wading inside. If you've ever been to one of Florida's springs, you know that this is a rarity. Even on a slow day (read: middle of the week), there are still at least a few various groups. Not here, however. We joyously set off on a short walk down the boardwalk, down towards the Suwanee river.
What I love about trips with friends is that everyone brings something different to the table. Daniel, for example, took an entomology class last semester, and was able to identify various types of bugs (and plants!) that we saw. Hello, adorable water bugs. Goodbye, terrifying snakes. Margaret entertained us with various puns (my title pun) and personal renditions of Just Around the River Bend from Pocohontas.
Once we reached the Suwanee, we were greeted with open water and beautifully clear skies. I don't think we could have picked a more perfect day for a Springs visit. After a plate of bbq, wildlife spottings, and a dip in the chilly spring, I don't think I could have ended my summer in a better way.
Unless of course you consider the giant banana spiders we found on the nature trail.
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