Trip North - Melrose, FL to Salt Springs.

 Easter Sunday we leave the Boondookers Welcome site and 

go to one of  Gary's Happy Places - Salt Springs

 

 A nice site - but then again all their sites are nice.  We stayed here 3 years ago, the rate was $19.50 a night with the Senior Access Pass - this year it is $30.

We get the bikes down and ride to the Springs

The water always looks inviting - it is supposed to be a constant 72 degrees

Of course it feels chilly when you first get in, but after awhile it is comfortable.

We finally found our own island.

 We went after 3:00.  Not so crowded then, these pictures were taken early in the morning.

 

 

The water is crystal clear

There are Blue Crabs that hang out by the Spring.  Don't stop on one - they don't like that - trust me.

There are also some good size fish

There is a whirlpool where the spring bubbles up - 

it is like an infinity pool where you can swim in place

It is very relaxing - just ask this guy

or this one

All in all a great place to relax

 Tucson was not allowed at the Springs, but he did get a dip 

in the river at the Boat Launch

 

There were several turtles enjoying the water too.

 

We hiked the birding trail in the Park

 

a mix of dirt trail and boardwalk

 

 

Was pretty quiet and didn't think we would see anything - until Gary spotted this guy near the end.

This Pileated Woodpecker was in the campground

We were here for 4 nights and mostly just stayed at the campground - but did venture out for one short hike

 Another boardwalk

a 2 mile loop that ends at the Salt Springs Run

A very relaxing visit.  Time to start the journey north - next stop

Skidaway Island, Savannah, GA