The following is Scott Fais' weekly blog detailing discoveries made while traveling through Florida and along the road of life.

Spring has sprung in Central Florida. The buds are on the trees, lilies are in bloom and the gators are on parade.

Along the banks of the St. Johns River at Blue Spring State Park, awaits a spring excursion on the water. St. Johns River Cruises departs daily for peace, quiet and nature along the water. Captain Ron Woxberg navigates his craft in a “figure 8” formation around Blue Spring and Hontoon Island State Parks.

The nearly two hour voyage presents ample chances to catch wildlife like great blue heron, American bald eagles and alligators in their natural habitat. This time of year, the famed manatee are still frequenting Blue Spring, but don't expect to catch many of them. Our temperatures are on the rise and where the manatee disappear to is anybody's guess. After all, manatee's don't say much.

Captain Ron however, does chat quite a bit. He and other captains will provide enlightening commentary while piloting the still waters. He hopes his efforts make an impact on the next generation.

"Hopefully, these are the people who are making decisions on what the river will look like ten years from now,” Captain Ron shared with me.

In all, you'll travel 8 miles up the St. Johns River and back to the dock.

A few tips: pack some drinks and snacks. Eating is permitted onboard and the ride can get long. You may also want a camera.

“Oh heavens,” Ruth Skipper from Winter Haven told me when I asked how many photos she snapped. “About 30, 40 pictures."

Grab a seat along the window soon after boarding, but be ready to move.

"You didn't have to sit in one spot.  You could move around.  I liked that,” Ruth mentioned.

A small bathroom is provided in the aft of the boat. The boat is also wheelchair accessible.

Also, there is a $6 per car entry fee into Blue Spring State Park.  That fee stands as long as there are only 8 people in your car.  Any more than eight people hiding in your vehicle, and you'll need to cough up another dollar.

"If you've been on other tour cruises like this, you got to try this, you got to try this one, it beats them all,” Ruth concluded.

Until Next Time, Safe Travels!

-SCOTT

To read a text verion of the on-air story of this Florida on a Tankful adventure, click here.