Partly sunny, low 70s, calm winds
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| DeLeon Springs State Park |
We travelled over to the town of DeLeon Springs to enjoy the breakfast at the Sugar Mill ruins at the State Park. It’s a well known attraction where within the ruins, a restaurant has been established. At each table, there is a griddle built right into the table where for $4.95, you get all the batter you want to make as many of your own pancakes as you can consume. There is always a pretty long wait to get a table as you can imagine. The upside of this is that the Old Mill Restaurant is located right along the springs which Ponce DeLeon may have visited as a potential site of the “Fountain of Youth”.
Such a pristine environment attracts a variety of wildlife. There is a Eco-tour which sails down the river formed by the springs, but today we were here for the breakfast and will have to visit again to drift down the river. The birds around the old mill today were somewhat limited, but the boat-tailed grackles were tough to ignore. In addition to their raucous calls, chattering, and clicking, the birds sport one of the most iridescent coats of feathers in the avain world. Catch the bird in the right light and you will be dazzled by the blues, greens, and purples literally glowing in their plumage.
They were joined to day by the omnipresent Coots which at this time of year can be found in virtually every body of fresh water. You can spend hours just watching their interactions with one another and (for those so inclined) waiting for a hungry Bald eagle to take advantage of the little water birds. Today, no eagles, but rather an enjoyable peaceful hour waiting at the water’s edge for our fine repast. Next time we visit the springs, it will be more about the birds.
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