Crystal River, FL

Gainesville Day Trip: Kayaking in Crystal River, Florida

Located less than 90 minutes from Gainesville near the Gulf Coast is Crystal River, home to one of the largest populations of manatees in the world.

The most surprising thing about this kayak trip is how thin a veil separates the wilds of the highway from the wilds of nature.

There are many start-off points for a Crystal River kayak expedition. We began our trip at Crystal River Kayak Company, located at 1420 SE US Hwy 19 in Crystal River, Florida. (NOTE: The mapquest and GPS directions for this company are incorrect.....Crystal River Kayak Company is located in a quonset hut, about a mile or so past the intersection w/Hwy 44).

Talk about convenient....the kayak put-in is located on-site, eliminating the need for shuttles.

The best time to see manatees is November through March. Other wildlife common to the area include dolphins, turtles, fish, alligators, and more species of birds than you can shake a stick at.

A mere ten-minute paddle from put-in is Three Sisters Springs, a critical habitat for manatees which is privately owned and threatened with development.

Leaving Three Sisters Springs, a short paddle brings you into Kings Bay, a popular wintering spot for manatees.

Although we did not see any manatees the day of our kayak expedition, we did see tons of fish and turtles, and even a few dolphins. A beautiful place, so close to Gainesville....we will definitely be back!

Recently an article was posted in our local paper naming Crystal River as one of the top 10 places to snorkel.

In the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to enjoy some of the natural resources we have to offer in our fine county(Citrus County) such as scalloping, snorkeling, Three sisters springs and in the not so distant future the Rainbow River.

It has given me great peace and contentment to know that I have chosen such a wonderful place to live, raise a family, watch my grand kids grow and help people find their dream homes.

Click below to view the whole article:

http://www.chronicleonline.com/cgi-bin/c2.cgi?071+article+News+2009072122050071071017

Maybe I can help you buy your dream home in our County and you will be enjoy the little peace of heaven we get to enjoy everyday!

Scalloping off the Nature Coast

by Melinda Barry

A few years ago some friends of mine asked if they could use our nature coast home as a jumping off point for their scalloping adventure. The good hostess that I am I said "Sure! It would be great to spend a day out on the water." At the time I had no idea what I was getting myself into because I had never had the experience of scalloping and really didn't know what to expect.

So early on the day of our departure, we loaded up the boat, and set off for the boat ramp on the Homosassa River. Once we launched the boat it took us approximately twenty minutes to get out to where we would first try our hands at the art of scalloping. Being the natural chicken that I am, I proudly stated that I had no problem staying top side to shuck the little suckers. My friends could all have fun snorkeling for the coveted shells. From experience, I figured that shucking scallops couldn't be much different than shucking oysters. I would be a pro at separating out the little yummy hunks of muscle, and the not so yummy gelatinous goop, from the curvaceous scallop shells. Wow, was I wrong. It really takes knack and know-how. However, once you get the hang of it, it is very satisfying to see the bucket fill with miniature morsels of sweet scallop meat. Also, a tired snorkeler frequently came topside to rest and to help me with my shucking duty. The scallops came aboard faster than we could pop them from their aquatic homes.

I was coaxed several times to join the crew of divers, but each time I said "Oh no, thank you. I'm fine right here under the Bimini top." That was my easy excuse, since I am fair skinned and burn easily even with the highest SPF applied over and over again. I especially didn't want to join my fellow boaters because the jellyfish were overly abundant. Each person in the water felt the eerie brush of tentacles on flesh as the jellyfish floated by peacefully. Peaceful or not, I had no desire to enter the depths of the unknown waters we were floating in.

Finally, as the day rolled on and the number of jellyfish actually subsided, I became brave and said I wanted to enter the water to cool off. Well, that was all it took for my friends to encourage me to dive for the little shells they had been gathering all day. Since my fear had somewhat subsided, I asked myself "What do I have to lose?" I borrowed fins, a mask and a snorkel and set out to find the elusive scallop. I looked and looked in the waving green sea grass that is the scallop's favorite hiding place. Then finally I saw one. Down I dove. As I reached the bottom, the scallop caught sight of me with its hundred beady blue eyes. Its shell snapped closed tightly. I picked it up and quickly swam to the surface. What a feeling of great joy and accomplishment it brought me as I shouted out "I got one! I got one!" I dropped it down in the collection bag of a fellow snorkeler and set out to find more. One by one it became easier to find them and more exciting. That was it. I was hooked! Now each year we eagerly await the arrival of our friends so we can head out on our scalloping adventure.*

*Note: scallop fishing requires a fishing license. Make sure to check all regulations about licensure and limits before embarking on your own scalloping adventure.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Take a drive to Crystal River, Florida, just north Homosassa on the the West Coast of Florida where the Manatee Festival is going on for the second day today!

Several streets in the historic parts of town right down to the Bay area have been blocked and turned into a pedestrian zone lined with vendor booths of all kinds from the unique to the mondane.

Country crafts, fine arts, plants and produce, area and tourist information, as well as nature and environmentally education opportunities... there is something for the entire family!

There are opportunities to take half hour boat rides to watch Manatees in the Bay area of the Crystal River.

Along the way admire the waterfront homes along the River and Bay!

The Crystal River Heritage museum is open for visitors with book signings and pottery demonstrations.

Need some rest? There's food, there's live entertainment, there are quiet places to sit and relax under shady trees.

One of the many bands and singers entertaining the crowds throughout the festival area.

Enjoy your day!

Backyard seating area of one of the downtown restaurants.

Fresh Strawberries and Tomatoes in January!!!

The strawberries are Florida-grown and did not even make it back to the car! Mmm.. delicious!

Photos and text submission by Silvia Dukes.

For waterfront living in Hernando, Pasco, and Citrus Counties.... please contact me!

Wow! Something we here our customers say often. I even most times will provide them with the cards at closing to allow them to share with their family and friends the joyous occasion of purchasing their new home. However, my news comes with excitement and sadness. After careful consideration my broker decided to close the branch office I was located in. This came as a shock to some, but I feel pretty adapt to change and took on the challenge to find a new office to call home. The broker that I am employed with owns 3 other offices in the county and it was just a matter of location, location, location! Something we hear all to often.

Initially I was quite hasty in my decision to move across town to another location in our area, however I decided to go to our sister company just up the road. Owned by the same broker, same brand ERA, just a different franchise name. I'm settling in nicely and preparing for the transition. Ordering new business cards, changing signs out, new name badge, new signage for my vehicle, new marketing, letting all my customers know where I am. WHEW!!!! Alot to do and here I find myself blogging.

I just wanted to make sure that all my colleagues at active rain knew how to find me. Especially those who are referring work to me. Thanks for those referrals!

Check out some of my recent just solds....coming up in the next blog!