#68 - Blue Spring State Park - Orange City, FL - July 21 - 24, 2013

We left Manatee Hammock and went to Blue Spring State Park to 

meet up with some relatives, who were also camping at the Park. 

 Our Site #4

 Sister and Brother-in-law's Site #5

Niece and Nephew's Site #6

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 Views of the St. Johns River at Blue Spring State Park

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 This is the Thursby House. The Thursby's were one of the first settlers in the Blue Spring area in the late 1800's and they owned most of the land that is now the Park. The house has historical displays and a couple of rooms set up like they may have been back in the day.

Three bedrooms and one bath. ;)

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The Spring was chilly, but was very refreshing. Snorkeling was fun too!

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 There is a very, very nice paved bike path right outside the Park. It's called the Spring to Spring Bike Trail. Once it is completed it will connect Blue Spring State Park with DeLeon Spring State Park. Currently, this segment is a little over 5 miles one way, if you also do the loop at Lake Beresford Park. We saw deer, turkeys, and rabbits while riding. Very enjoyable ride! For more information: 
http://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/parks-recreation-and-culture/parks-and-trails/trails/spring-to-spring.stml

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#67 - Manatee Hammock Campground - Titusville, FL - July 18 - 21, 2013

 

We went camping at Manatee Hammock Campground for a few days. 

This is a Brevard County campground. We have camped here many times. 

It's a small campground, but it is located right on the Indian River and provides a great view to see launches from Cape Kennedy.

Site #89

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View of the new Space Shuttle Atlantis Visitor Center.

 The Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) with approaching storm clouds.

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We were lucky enough to be there to view a morning

 launch of an Atlas V Rocket.  It was a very pretty shot...  

 

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There is a very nice fishing pier at the campground. 

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 Great Blue Heron looking for fish...

 and he was successful!

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This boy, and his siblings, were playing around in the river

 by the pier and I saw his t-shirt and just had to take a picture 

of it (after asking his father, of course). Every photographer

 should wear one of these.

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