Blue Springs was the southern most upstream limit of our cruise this time and we've turned around and have started making our way north back to Jacksonville. A minor water leak from the generator turns out not to be a simple hose fitting but the coolant water pump. We've used the generator more than ever before this trip since we've anchored out so much, so keeping the generator happy (happy) is a critical part of keeping the batteries topped off and keeping the lights on at night.
We were lucky to stop at a marina that has a houseboat fleet (they have and use their generators a lot) and on saturday I got to spend the morning drinking coffee with the chief shop mechanic watching him do an expert job of rebuilding our water pump and talking about hot rods. Turns out he was a Navy nuclear sub vet and major Mopar kinda guy. Outside the shop I get to see his V10, Viper powered pick up truck!
By noon we're ready to cast off and revisit Silver Glen Springs, a place we'd done a quick stop at on the way down. This time our plans are to stay a couple days. As it turns out, 2 days turns into 4. We get to explore the springs by dingy and kayak and hike the trails back out to Lake George. The best part is our anchorage, right under the perch of a pair of bald eagles. Every morning and evening we get to watch them up close, quite the experience!
This gator at the houseboat marina was warming up on the docks and guarding his trash can.
We arrive at Silver Glen Springs on a Sunday. By later in the afternoon all the day boaters start heading home......... so they can get to work on monday, HAHA work!
Back at Silver Glen Springs, we have the place to ourselves. What a rich wildlife sanctuary.
This anhinga is having a hard time swallowing the bream he just caught.
River otters!
The main Silver Glen Spring.
The trails go by other springs in the area where you can see the water flowing up thru the sands.
On our last day I realize I may not get a better chance to do a quick inspection of the bottom of the boat. As usual this turns into a couple hour project scraping all the barnacles I find off the propellers, rudders and trim tabs................ better now than later.