RECORD BREAKING MANATEES AT BLUE SPRING STATE PARK 🚐💨 Florida Van Life 2022

[@bbkklyon]

When my parents owned a retirement home in Florida, there were two owls that would sit in the trees waiting for the guys to return from fishing on the lake! We would see them each morning we had an opportunity to visit my parents. Another Florida visit, we had a manatee swim right up to us when we were at Boca Grande, that was really neat! Unfortunately, that was a few years ago and the their place was sold due to my father's declining health. My father has since passed away but such great Florida memories. We are now retired and live in NYS so we enjoy traveling to New England in the fall. Don't enjoy the hot Florida weather as much anymore - lol! Stay safe out there on the roads...

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Sounds like you had a lot of very fond memories. Being able to see this owl is more of my favorites on this trip… they are so special, I guess because we don’t get to see them that often. Thanks for sharing your memories.

[@randolphbehm877]

Great video guys! About 10 years ago I was wade fishing on a bayou in Ft Walton beach. I was in waste deep water right on the edge of a drop off. It was early in the morning and I always had the though of bull sharks in the back of my mind. I was about 30 yards off the shoreline right on the edge of a channel. Behind me was a flat with pure white sand and gin clear water. At one point I reached behind me to grab another pin fish out of a floating bait bucket that was tied to my waste and out of the corner of my eye I saw a large dark figure on the flat directly (inches) behind me. The thought of a bull shark came rushing in and I had the biggest adrenaline dump with a side of terror that I had ever experienced. When I turned to face my would be attacker I was amazed to see that it was a Manatee. The emotional gear change was crazy. His head was pointing right at my leg like he was sniffing me. He turned and started swimming away as I ran my hand over his back and tail. After the experience I couldn’t fish the rest of that morning. I couldn’t stop shaking. It was a wonderful experience and every time I see a manatee I think of it... Thanks for stirring my memory.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

What a touching story and what a memory. It takes courage to wade out like that and fish. I've done it and I know the feeling. You're fishing for dinner hoping not to become dinner. I had a manatee nibble on my paddle board a few years ago. Same kind of emotions. Forget fishing. Just marvel. Thank you for stirring up memories for me too.

[@larryvincent2098]

Love the words to the song Owen . The Blue Spring Park with the manatees was something to enjoy seeing . The deer surprise me how calm it must of been there , the owl look so majestic. Nice to see the farm with the baby goats which was interesting. Pancakes always great to have and to do it inside a restaurant and using a griddle was different . Thank you for sharing this video with me. BS & BK

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

As you can see we get pretty excited about seeing wildlife, it one of our favorites. Thanks so much for watching.

[@joycemoses2411]

Loved the manatees, goats, and chickens!!! Very nice of the Capretta Farms to allow your visit! Thank you for another awesome video!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Capretta Farms invited us to visit their farm and was very gracious, we truly enjoyed our visit with them. Thanks for watching.

[@BillSprague]

Those big, gentle beauties are really special and there are so many, wow! They’re just like me: they’re hunting for 72°. 😉 You’ve come upon the “Peaceable Kingdom” with hawks, owls, deer, and squirrels. My Uncle and Aunt had milk goats and I miss the milk. Those flapjacks were gorgeous and looked fluffy, just like my wife liked. All that and “Manatees in the Mist!” Travel safe and stay well.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Always look forward to your comment to see what you enjoyed. Thanks so much for following along.

[@NatureAndOther]

Wow, all those Manatee, just wonderful. The goat farm is very nice and the owners very friendly. Your geant salad is very appetizing

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@wendyrobertson3899]

Gosh seeing the Manatee makes me so homesick. Although Georgia is just a hop away from Florida it's like a million miles from home right now. Ya know I lived my whole life in Florida but, never go to visit Blue Springs State Park. Just seeing it from your view is enough to make me want to go back home just to visit some of those beautiful springs again. Love your videos. Keep making them for us, please. Safe travels

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much for your sweet comment, it is so much appreciated.

[@pattyk8594]

Good stretch Lynn stepping over the pet bed to get back in your seat! We just purchased a class C, our first motorized RV, and I did that move a few times, stepping over pets and pet beds (3 dogs) in between our seats. I was thinking there must be a better way to do this, but watching you makes me realize everybody with dogs must do this gymnastics maneuver :o)

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I’ve had a lot of practice crawling over Maggie’s bed. Traveling with pets does require a lot of maneuvering.

[@dianejimenez8327]

Everything.. about this video ..was S0ooo... beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing... the three of you.... made me ...and my hubbies...day! 😁👍 Have fun 🤗.be safe 😊

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

What a sweet thing to say. Thank you so much.

[@thebossisback10002]

We love that park, next time I’m there I’m going to swim the spring, 72 degrees is warm water for this yankee. Some years the water does reach 72 degrees in Rhode Island. Great video as always. If your moving to a place with poor cell signal I’ll guess Kissimmee Prairie beautiful night skies

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I’m sure you’ve seen where we ended up next. Thanks so much for following along.

[@kathigee]

Manatees, Goats and Owls! so fun. Not critters we usually get to see out here in the west. Thanks for sharing! Happy Travels!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Pretty cool visit for animal viewing. Pretty awesome.

[@annmoore6562]

Manatees and goats and pancakes! What's not to like. Thanks.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Totally agree, so many things to love about this visit. Thanks for watching.

[@robertparry3476]

Thanks for another wonderful video. I enjoyed seeing the steam off the blue spring. Beats the snow falling here in Ohio.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome and thank you for watching.

[@sherriweber7105]

It’s great too you get to see the manatees too!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The manatee are always awesome to watch their graceful swimming.

[@babsshaffer2652]

Wow, what a neat video! Amazing video of that owl! Can’t believe he sat there so long! The spring w the manatees was SO cool too. Nice work!❤️

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The owl was by far my favorite thing we’ve seen in awhile. I was also surprised the sat there and let us take so many pictures of him. We left before he did. Thanks for watching.

[@ncwomanparker1708]

As I watched this video, it begins to snow. Be glad you are in Florida.... wish I was! Sigh.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We are very grateful we are in warmer weather this year. Thanks for watching.

[@gracegarden1]

I'm excited for a FLA trip I'm planning, and this video hit the spot! Fun and beautiful episode. Thanks for sharing! Water does that to a woman, too ;) Love your song. Peace & Prayers.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are correct, water does that to everyone. Thanks so much for watching.

[@karenrogers6149]

Really enjoyed today’s video! Loved seeing the manatees, deer, goats & especially the owl! The scenery was beautiful & seemed to be so calm & peaceful. Such a relaxing video to watch! Thanks for sharing Owen, Lynn & Maggie!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome, it good to hear that felt the peacefulness we felt.

[@lindareeves83]

The water was so calming. Beautiful area.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@Lannie1948]

Wonderful footage of the owl and manatees. You guys rock,

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks, we appreciate you watching.

[@Thesaltymedic36]

We went to Blue springs two weeks ago. Nice park and it was full of Manatees. Didn’t see an owl though, super cool to see that. Drove right in, I was not super busy the day we went. Got lucky I guess.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You did get lucky, there was a line to get in every day we were there.

[@hbjtf]

Was that KZbin’s first mooch griddling??!! Sweet!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I think you might be right. It was pretty cool.

[@sandragilliam4120]

Thanks for letting us know the names of the different places you stay. We’re making a list for when we make our van trip to Florida!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome. Florida has many great State Parks. It’s hard to visit them all in one trip, that’s why we keep going back.

[@Meyersci]

Amazing manatees and the Barred Owl was so close! Owen, you are looking thinner. Thanks for all of the good tips on this location. Happy travels!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Owen says thank you for the looking thinner, it maybe all the walking we are doing. Thanks for watching.

[@donna-n5h]

I will be adding Blue Spring State Park to my Florida bucket list .I live here and need to visit !

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It’s decently worth a visit, especially durning manatee season.

[@Wind.Road.Therapy]

You surely did get to do and see a lot on this trip! Love 🐐 and manatees

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Sometimes you just get lucky. Thanks for watching.

[@kevinsandells9933]

Enjoyed the video .the couple who has the farm seem to be really nice people. You folks be safe . Thank you

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The goat farm people were very nice and so interesting and it was great meeting them, an extra treat.

[@elmosmama4513]

No sunset like a Florida sunset!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so right.

[@markmariecombs120]

Wow we so enjoyed this video and now we know what the next state park is going to be for us to visit 👍🏻love y’all 🐶 happy tails

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It definitely worth a visit.

[@christinejones932]

Blue Springs in one of my favorite State Parks. I visit there whenever we are in the area. You need to go back I. The summertime and swim there.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It looks like a great place to swim, we’ll have to come back and swim sometime.

[@michaelbecnel63]

Pretty park looked at bit crowded till you backed into the spot.......My favorite song by Owen. Happy Trails

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The park was pull full but the camp sites were pretty secluded.

[@Carmencita1464]

What a nice video 👍🏻👍🏻. Love and enjoy all your adventures and that farm of little goats so adorable and Maggie wanted to chase the goats at the end of the video lol 🥰🥰🥰

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Maggie really wanted to chase the goats, it was pretty funny. Thanks for watching.

[@richardcoyle2635]

Did enjoy the video. Maggie wanted to play with the goats.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I’m not sure Maggie wanted to play or just chase the goats. She was pretty excited about the whole experience.

[@FollowThomas]

Cool place, lots of wildlife. Thanks for another nice episode 🙂

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome and thank you for watching.

[@trydl88621]

Beautiful scenery filmed of the wildlife. The owl, the manatees, just gorgeous.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We got lucky for sure at this location. Thanks for watching.

[@steventoney4018]

superb owl

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I totally agree, it’s so rare that we can ever get that close. It was a highlight for sur.

[@dennysisk1100]

Is the parks really look nice, The farm look really cool be a neat place to visit. Thanks for sharing. That looked pretty cool to go someplace and Griddle food.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The pancake place was delicious and a fun experience for sure.

[@sherriweber7105]

That was so nice to see the Manatees and nice to see goats on that farm. Did you get to try the goats milk? Cure how you had a griddle be this and it wasn’t on your griddle. I loved the salad you made. It looked good. Hope you both have a great weekend.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We did not try the goat milks, that is something I’ve never tried. Thanks so much for watching.

[@sherriweber7105]

You got really lucky with getting that spot at the park. Nice campground. It looks pretty nice.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We felt pretty lucky too.

[@neilhuizing1382]

Been there a few times AWESOME park decided not to go to Florida this winter we came out here to southern Arizona .watching your video really makes us miss GREEN Florida

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

How are you liking Arizona? We are on our way there now.

[@neilhuizing1382]

It's nice in a different way than the east coast VERY dusty but warm we were in Yuma than quartzite now lake Havasu heading to Kingman tomorrow GREAT Boondocking out here. Where are yall heading?

[@loda9510]

Always a pleasure seeing you guys and Maggie. Be safe and enjoy your time together making memories!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We do always try to enjoy our time together. Thanks for the reminder.

[@Crrichmond2]

In February what site number were you on at blue springs state park? It is a really big site. We are going in June, hopefully we see an owl also. Thank you for all of your time and information you give us about the places you go. Love you all.🥰

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The really long one we had the first night was #12. We actually stayed in three different sites on this trip.

[@Crrichmond2]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle we have site 28 booked, I am hoping it is as spacious as yours. Thank you for replying it means so much to have such friends in this world. Can't wait to watch your new video today after church.

[@bertkelly7650]

No moss growing at that site! LOL!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Nope. No moss! We gotta move along and see what we can see. 😂

[@filomenaregan1537]

Hi Guys, You are very lucky to get those sites! It is so nice there wish we could get in. We are now staying over in Oak Hill another nice area. Thanks for sharing your vids.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome and thank you for watching.

[@joeyeubanks5965]

Wonderful video. I’ve added Blue Springs to our to-do list.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you. We think you will like Blue Springs.

[@mkudron1]

My sister lives in Deland about two miles from what we call the pancake place. been to Blue Springs too. Also Anastasia and Tomoka love that area great videos.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks, we appreciate you watching.

[@mikemanjo2458]

Good morning, sweet friends! So excited for you with all the manatees! All I could say was, “wow!” As I was watching. The photography was amazing with the fog/steam coming up off the water. We’re just a bit north of you (where you were) this morning. We may try to stop and visit the Spring this week. I’d love to see the manatees in person. Have a great week! Loved the song, Owen! Love to all 3 of you, Jane in SC❤️🙏🏻

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I think you can go online and see how many manatee are at the springs if you want to check before you go. I hope you are having a great trip.

[@timmartin4952]

Do we credit Lynn with getting the footage of the owl cleaning itself? Thanks either way. Enjoyed your video. Yes, Owen, you could have opened up shop making pancakes, did a happy dance and sang your music and make a small fortune.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We were both taking video and pictures of the owl, wishing we had a better camera… it was pretty cool how he didn’t mind us being there. Sounds like a good job opportunity for Owen, to funny.

[@karenhicks7816]

Enjoyed your adventure. We have put another spot on our list for next winter.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It is a treasure. Late-January is a great time to visit there with more of a chance of seeing more manatees.

[@lindabellock8342]

Cinnamon rolls there are amazing

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

They seem even better when you are on the road. Thanks for watching.

[@marciagainey5155]

You guys just have the best adventures! Thanks for sharing your lives and adventures with the rest of us. More fun ahead for all three of you!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome and thank you for following along.

[@judystreich7333]

Happy tails Maggie and safe travels, 👍😎

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you, we appreciate you watching.

[@leeb6758]

Beautiful place!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yes it is! thanks for watching.

[@arlenekorth2253]

Those salads looked fantastic and really loved all the wildlife.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Lynn is a great cook. We don’t’ show her creations on videos much but maybe we should. Thanks!

[@charlesterrell2507]

Love the music owen and good job

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks, so glad you like the music.

[@suefletcher6688]

Beautiful video! Love your stories.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you, we appreciate you watching.

[@glenlittlefield9869]

Love the owls! So, did you get a chance to inquire why there are so many manatees in that specific area?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I think the manatee just follow the warm waters and each other, but we did not ask. Thanks for watching.

[@nancyskean6425]

60 degrees yesterday and snowing today in NY. Sounds like Florida weather! Really enjoyed seeing the manatees, the owl and the goats. I have never seen a manatee in person, that’s on my bucket list. Thanks for taking us along.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

They are majestic creatures… very intelligent and very loyal. Even help raise other’s young so they can hunt for food. You’ll be hooked if you get to see one.

[@dandial3733]

Man, you were all around our home base! PMd you on FB. Safe travels

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

So sorry we didn’t get to see you! You have a great home base. Next time email us a [e-mail]. We don’t get a chance to check FB on the road as much as we should.

[@David-jo4gt]

That was GREAT! I am amazed at what is in our own backyard that we take for granted. Just checked and the next available camp site is mid April. Just got back from our bear week (sleeping and eating) in Gatlinburg and we are full of adventure ideas. Looks like you have insulated plates do you like them and where do you get them I looked on your Amazon store. Thank you again for the amazing videos. Safe travels and happy tails.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We do love the insulated plates, they are Hydro Flask Outdoor Kitchen Plate, they do have them on Amazon but they are twice as much as what I paid for them at a local outdoors store. I do like them a lot especially for eating off our laps like we do quite often. Glad you had a good trip to Gatlinburg, Owen will be jealous.

[@lynnepollack7991]

Do they sell the milk? Do they make goat cheese?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

No, they don’t sell their milk, I’m sure they make cheese for themselves.

[@lynnepollack7991]

Does that restaurant offer gluten free/ keto pancake batter?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yes they do.

[@charlesterrell2507]

Where is Maggie

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

She always with us. We might not have shown her a much, we’ll have to do better.