Friday June 1: Back to Palatka

After enjoying Hontoon State Park for two nights, it was time to turn around and head back north. Travel today was 68 miles back to Palatka. But we first took time to explore Hontoon State Park. We knew yesterday was going to be a good day when we looked out of the door to see a small alligator swimming by - right at the dock! I am, however, getting a little concerned about the buzzards we keep seeing that are seeming sitting around watching us - and following us. They are everywhere. First it was off for a bike ride around the island. Nice relatively hard dirt paths that led to the cabin and camping areas of the park. No one around on Thursday but the ranger said they would be full this weekend.

Part of the island is burned every 3 years or so to keep out any "non-native" plants and trees. It must be working. After our ride, we thought we'd try out the rocking chairs at the ranger station. It overlooks the dock area - it's not a bad view - perhaps when we quite boating we'll find a place with two rocking chairs that overlook a waterway!

Then it was off in the dinghy. It just seemed a bit foolish to kayak around where there are alligators - but maybe we were just paranoid. Spotted a white tail deer on the island as we followed the "dead river" around the side of the island. Lots of alligators either sunning on a log or swimming in the water.

Just before we turned around to go back, Steve spotted a group of manatee near the shore. Probably about 8 or so - just hanging out and sticking a nose up once in a while to breath. Definitely fun to see so close. It was VERY hot in the sun but no problem :-) We brought a picnic lunch and ate at the side of the river in the shade and then used the umbrellas as we cruised along looking for alligators. They did not disappoint us!

We left early this morning as rain and thunderstorms were coming up from the south - we would be right on the borderline. The rain came for a good part of the day but the thunderstorms never showed up so it was a good day. The part of the river where the guy was spraying the water hyacinths was very obvious when we passed by today. A huge area of the weed was now brown and dying. The invasive plant is so prolific that it can double in size in two weeks - no wonder it is difficult to control. Steve assumed his usual position of alligator and other wildlife spotting. He did a good job as we saw at least 50 gators either on logs or swimming. Once in Palatka, we were at the city dock when a couple of gals and their families came down on the dock and wanted to take pictures of the girls in front of the boat. Steve asked if they would like to come on the boat to take their pictures and they did! I wanted them to go for the Titanic look but thought our bow wasn't really big enough :-)