Houseboating on the St. Johns

One of the houseboats for rent from Holly Bluff Marina in DeLand, Fla. ( Nancy Moreland/Chicago Tribune )

Chicago Tribune

March 26, 2018 3:23 PM PT

Cruising the St. Johns River by houseboat, you step into that story and recapture a bit of what¿s lost in our workaday lives.

Kayaking among the massive manatees at Blue Spring State Park. ( Nancy Moreland/Chicago Tribune )

Piloting a houseboat along the St. Johns River in central Florida. ( Nancy Moreland/Chicago Tribune )

The top deck of a houseboat is a good spot to relax and take in the view of the St. Johns River. ( Nancy Moreland/Chicago Tribune )

Boating is a popular activity on the tranquil St. Johns River. ( Nancy Moreland/Chicago Tribune )