Every winter, hundreds of manatees converge at Blue Spring Run near Deland, as do the folks who want to see them up close in the wild. Here’s a clip from a visit I made last weekend while working on the new edition of “50 Hikes.” I loved the commentary from the two ladies next to me!

What to do on a hot summer’s day? Try the naturally air-conditioned Silver River for a paddling trip. I was out yesterday with my friends from FOWA on a river tour with Captain Peggy Goldberg, and we encountered this flotilla of paddlers - more friends from FOWA - returning from the springs.

Alligators attacking - it rates way up there on fears about hiking in Florida. Last Friday, I happened to catch a battle between two alligators at Green Cay Wetlands, one of my favorite wildlife spotting hikes, in Boynton Beach. Even better, it went on long enough that I caught it on film … and video. Here’s a peek.

More about Green Cay Wetlands

While visiting Everglades National Park two weeks ago to work on a new project and update some of my hiking information, I witnessed this scene at the marina: not one, not two, not three, but four manatees all together! Quite the sight.

This is one of those right place, right time stories. As usual, I was lagging at the tail end of our group of backpackers, taking photos and shooting video between Hickory Hammock and Bluff Hammock. Lori Burris, who led our group, stayed with me. After we descended the high bridge, most of the folks with us shuffled on ahead. I strolled along the long boardwalk and noticed a commotion in the trees. It was a caracara fussing. I pointed it out to Lori and her friend and they stopped to watch. Soon, another appeared. And another. More fussing and THEN they started mating. What a surprise! Not once, but twice. Lori got fabulous photos and I shot this video. Enjoy.