Annual Pastor's School Trip    Blue Springs and De Leon Springs Winter Haven Adventist Academy Winter Haven, Florida February 22, 2005

Seven in the morning, fog in the air, eyes full of excitement and twenty adventuring school kids, parents and staff eager to embark on the annual "pastor's school trip." They were headed to see the Florida Manatees at Blue Springs State Park near Orange City, along the shores of the beautiful and enchanting St. John's River. There was a special education program planned with the park rangers, a short movie about the endangered manatees and a wonderful trail to hike up to the "spring head" where nearly a million gallons of water, 72 degrees year around, come from the Florida Aquifier to fill the cristal clear river, home to wintering manatees.

By 11:30 am, that early morning breakfast had long vanished and hunger pangs had taken its place. Everyone had learned about manatees and the importance of preserving these "gentle giants." Now the time had come to head about 30 minutes north to DeLeon Springs, about six miles north of DeLand. There the group had reservations for a lunch of home-made pancakes at the "Old Spanish Sugar Mill" Restaurant. Griddles at each table, all the pancake batter the kids could want, and syrup and fixings to make them slide down better. But first there were some trees to climb and another million gallon spring to walk around. Needless to say, most went to sleep for the trip home where the remaining parents were waiting to claim "sticky" but very happy children.