Fun Times with Ric & Teresa

 

8

 

Homossa Springs Wildlife Park

Last night we told the boys we were going someplace in the morning. We did not tell them where we were going.  The only thing they knew was they have to be ready and have had breakfast by 9:50am and be in the car strapped in at 10:00am.  We left on time!!  We were in the car and on our way at 10:00am and told them we were going to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. 

We have finally arrived at the State Park.

This area is famous for having manatees in the springs in the winter months because they are warmer than the ocean.  We did get our picture taken by a giant manatee out front of the office.

Stood in line and got tickets for all of us to enter.  We wanted to take the boat ride to the park but it was closed due to remodeling.  We waited instead to take the tram over to the park.

On the tram!!  They have no idea what to expect.

Lots of boardwalk and greenery to protect us from the hot sun.

I was very shocked that we got to see some manatees.  2 manatees had been quarantined because they were injured.

We are moving on to see what other wildlife we can find in this forest. Along the boardwalk, we found an underwater observatory.  

A little rest time for this kid.

Whopping Cranes

Bald Eagle

Red-Tailed Hawk

Cara Cara Florida Bird

Spoon Bill

Great Egret

Brown Pelican

Otters

Reptile House

Looks like this snake is going right into Archer's ear.

Do you see the alligator?

Hi

Hippo

Souvenier shopping

Marlon found this special place that was a locally owned hot dog place.  This place is famous for its Chicago-style hotdogs.

The restaurant was small but very very clean and had great food and service.

Fried pickles for all of us to try.

Chicken tenders for Archer and hamburger for Brody along with hand-cut fries.

The decor in the place was amazing.

The guy that owned the business asks if he could give the boys a treat after they ate.  I said yes and he gave them popcycles. ;-)

A

 Archer put his quarter in and got some plain M & M's.

Brody put his quarter in for some peanut M & M's.....

The last stop of the day was shopping at Russell Stover Candies.