Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Well the day started out looking pretty bad, rain in the forecast and gray skies everywhere we looked, but we were not to be deterred.

Our first stop was Sonic for some breakfast. Can you remember when our first stop whenever we went somewhere was McDonald's? Now we hardly ever go to McDonald's. Then we hit the road, Turnpike to 50 to 98. It started raining at the end of 50 and the skies really opened up while we were on 98 (did you know this 98 is the same 98 that we lived off of in Pensacola). Pulled into the Welcome Center for the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park at about 0900. We looked at the exhibits that were there, then paid our admission fee.

The boat wasn't running today because of low water and the tram didn't start running for about 45 minutes, we were also warned that we might get wet because it was raining and the exhibits were outside, we told her we would be fine. So we just got in the car and drove to the West Entrance, which is really the main place to go in. It was only about a mile away and we were the first in the parking lot.

We walked right into the park and once again the skies opened up and I was trying to get my camera inside my raincoat. Oh, that's right we had raincoats because Dan always remembers to bring them no matter what the weather, I never think to bring them. They did save the day today.

So we were walking along the path and the first thing we came to was Lu the Hippo who if you can believe it is 48 yrs old, he looks pretty good for his age. He was just swimming around and decided to give us a show. Thank goodness we weren't in the splatter zone. Hippos when they poop wiggle that funny little tail of their's and poop goes everywhere and I mean everywhere up to about 10 yards away. When he was done I swear he laughed. It was all very funny.

By this time the rain had let up and we were on our way. Found out we wouldn't be seeing any of the big mammals - bobcat, florida panther and bear - because of the storms still in the area and the thunder and lightning upsets them to much.

There were lots of birds so we weren't disappointed. All of the birds that are there, are there because of injuries. The birds of prey had some pretty devastating injuries, missing wings and/or blind. We saw roseate spoonbills, ibis, flamingos (some of the best colored ones I've ever seen), wood storks, wood ducks, mallards, pelicans - brown and white, and whistling ducks. Because of the overcast skies we had some pretty spectacular color.

There was a big aviary full of the spoonbills and we were wondering why they were the only birds in a cage. One of the park employees happened to walk by so I asked him. Seems that the roseate spoonbills are good for trading with other wildlife parks and zoos. So they breed them here and keep them separated from the other birds.

Then we came to the otters as they were coming out of their house and into the water. They were so quick and playful it was very hard to get pictures. Then I think they would see the camera and go along the wall so we couldn't see them and they would shoot out into the middle of their play area underwater so we couldn't see where they were or where they were going. Just as we were done watching the otters found out that there was a presentation starting so we went to that.

It was all about the American Alligator, the presenter had a baby about 10" long and we all got to touch it. There were about 10 people at the presentation which was the most we had seen all day, another reason to go when the weather isn't great. Learned my one new thing here today (really learned more than one thing but this was the most interesting to me). Did you know that baby alligators stay with their moms for 6 years? I didn't, thought they were pretty much on their own from hatching time.

After this I chase a cardinal along the path trying to get a picture but I never did get a good one. He kept turning his back or hopping further down the path.

Our last stop was the Manatee Program. We were enjoying the program when some kids decided it was okay to come and stand in front of everyone sitting down, so we ended up just listening to the rest and then heading out.

By now the sun was shining and turning into a nice day. Had a snack in the parking lot, at least that is what Dan had. I had my lunch because I was hungry and it was almost noon. I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Had been planning on ham but this morning when I went to pack up everything there was no ham. Won't say who I think ate it but it begins with Chris. It all worked out for the best because the pb&j was great.

With our bellies full we headed to the Crystal River Archaeological State Park. It is considered one of the longest, continually occupied sites in Florida, from 200 BC - AD 1400 and was one of the most imposing prehistoric ceremonial centers on Florida's west coast (ok I stole this from the brochure, but they said it so well).

Not a whole lot is known about the area, they are hoping some day to do more work figuring things out. It was still a pretty interesting walk around the mounds.

When we got back to the car Dan had his lunch and then it was time to head home. Took route 44 through Inverness and we found the hopping place on a Saturday afternoon in Inverness. The gas station at the Wal-Mart, it was crazy, traffic flow was almost as bad as the one in Saint Cloud.

After that we had a pretty uneventful trip home and of course it didn't rail until we got home and had to unload the car.

Well another successful trip seeing more of the sights of Florida. Any suggestions for next month?