As of today we've been docked in DeLand for 6 weeks and are getting anxious to be underway cruising again. We have stayed busy with boat projects, upgrading batteries, modifying wiring, cleaning, stuff ... 
We've explored this part of the river by dinghy and kayak, enjoying some lovely scenery.
For our Port Aransas friends, the Pennywort (aka Dollarweed) grows here in huge mats, floating on the river. Yikes! And we thought it was hard to get it out of our flowerbeds!
Lots of scenic creeks lead off the river, providing great wildlife viewing and fishing.
Robert has continued providing fish for an occasional dinner, although it takes a lot more of these little guys to make a meal than the trout and redfish he's accustomed to catching. Here he shows off a bluegill and a crappie.
Carolyn has finally paddled her kayak to photograph the abundant wildlife in this area.
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| Tricolored heron |
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| American bittern |
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| Turtle |
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| American alligator |
We drove to nearby Blue Springs State Park since boats are prohibited from entering the spring this time of year.
Crystal clear water makes it difficult to estimate water depth. Abundant fish life inhabits the spring.
The spring water emerges at 73 degrees year round. A large group of manatees winter here, due to the relatively warm water.
Our riverfront dock has given us a front-row seat for all the activity on this busy waterway. The local college, Stetson University, is known for its rowing program. Teams practice regularly on the river.
A steady variety of interesting boats pass by.
This guy motored past us, under a nearby bridge, then took off.
Warm days bring manatees down the river, too.
Early morning moonset in the fog.
We finally made the effort to drive to the Kennedy Space Center. Boka spent the day in the kennel at the visitor center (NOT a happy camper) while we did the tour.
We had hoped to watch the launch of a Space-X rocket, but a fog bank moved over the viewing area shortly before the launch and we could only hear the rocket take off - couldn't see a thing!
We especially enjoyed the space shuttle exhibit. The first view after an introductory film is this head-on encounter with Atlantis.
This is the actual, retired shuttle, with all the wear and tear of her 33 missions between 1985 and 2011.
Much attention was paid to the tiles on the lower surface that took the worst of the heat on reentry. Not as well know is the upper exterior is covered in quilted fabric panels, sewn by hand by NASA staff.
We plan to return to Jacksonville next week to provision and prepare to resume cruising in early March.
Living the dream sweet friends!
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