February 14

   I had a lovely swim before breakfast, the pool is almost bath temperature. Carole and Pete were up about 6am. due to jet lag. We lazed around the pool for a while, then the Intrepid Explorers plus two set off for The Blue Springs State Park on a quest to find Snarligators and Manatees [sea cows].

   We arrived in time to catch the 1pm boat trip down the St. John river. Loads of different species of birds - Ospreys, black and turkey vultures, blue heron, little and great egrets, bittern, cranes, bald eagles, ibis, and purple galens to name the names that I can remember.

   We found some snarligators too, one of which hissed at us a lot, so we moved on.

   As soon as the 2 hour cruise began the heavens opened, we have had torrential rain all day !! None the less we had a really good time. No Manatee on the way round the river, but when we docked we went to the little look out point where we saw several shapes lurking under water and saw one come up for air, decided to be content with that as we were all fit for entering a wet T-shirt competition, plus were all hungry as it was 3pm by then.

   Zoomed off to find a chicken burger at "Wendy's", then went to International Plaza to the Mall, persisting down still so shop till we drop was our theory. We bought a beach towel each for Pete and I, a cozzy  and robe for Carole, walking boots for Pete, T-shirt each for Andrew and I and a Tellytubby for Matthew and Elliot. 

   Time to eat again, so we went  to Chili's a little Mexican restaurant near our house where Carole and Peter had chicken and steamed veg. and Andrew and I shared chicken and steak fajita's, all thoroughly enjoyed!!

   We went home then, Peter is asleep on the settee, Carole and Andrew are in the pool, I am typing the diary and plan to join them any minute. It is 12am, Carole is just out of the pool and I am going in - goodnight all.

 P.S. Andrew and I stayed in the pool until 2am - water still warm, Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!!!!!

Pictures recorded over :(