Springs have Sprung

We spent the better part of the day at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, which was a surprisingly interesting visit. We say this because most zoos and wildlife parks are, in our experience, kinda dull. Normally animals sleep in holes away from people, birds and fish are also almost hidden and the sun generally beats down on visitors which makes for short trips.

This place broke all of those stereotypical experiences. Being a Florida State Park that was funded generously by a woman named Ellie Schiller, the grounds and pools were shaded and very well organized and maintained... best looking zoo-type place we've seen. But it's not a zoo. It's more a an educational venue where you can get up close to mammals and birds. The star of the show is the manatee. There were about 30 or so of these interesting sea creatures hanging out in the main lagoon. They came in from the

ocean, which was colder, to hit the lagoon's warm waters. Since they don't have blubber, they need to seek out higher temps. Many of them have propeller mark damage to their backs. In fact, several of the birds and other animals were there because of injuries in the wild, so this place in large part is an outdoor rehab clinic.

There are also scheduled animal demonstrations. We caught the opossum presentation, which was interesting. They live only 2 - 4 years, have 50 sharp teeth, but would rather play dead than fight. There are also programs for birds (the flamingos were nuts), panthers, wolves, etc.

If you're in western Florida, look up Homosassa and don't miss this.

After the Wildlife Park, we stopped at The Freezer Tiki Bar, which is a

very local, proud to be a redneck type place that serves mostly seafo0d and $1.50 Bud Light 16 oz. drafts. We took advantage of the beer and a full order of steamed shrimp, their specialty. Best ever. A guy at the bar next to us was a local but originally from Georgia. A woman next to us said they call him Mayor Bob. He said he had sat in that same seat every day for 10 years. Good guy, very coherent and his shrimp recommendation was spot on.

Challenge: find the beach ball trophy in the photos.