Homosassa Springs State Park
in Crystal River, Florida (on its west coast)

Homosassa Springs boat ride
This little stream is actually formed by the huge spring that feeds the Homosassa State Wildlife Park and we took this little pontoon boat out to the island where the manatee and other wildlife were located. The park is actually a rehabilitation facility and most of the wildlife residents are there because they have been injured in some way.

Manatee looking
Helen loves the manatee, so we spent most of a day treking to and from Crystal River and Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. The outside temperature was in the 40s, and normally manatee would die of hypothermia, but the huge spring that feeds the lake and stream in this park is a constant 73 degrees, so the manatee can stay here all year round. They usually arrive in Florida in the spring.

Manatee up close
The underwater viewing room enabled us to see the manatee up close and personal as well as thousands of fish. The guide at the State Wildlife Park said that the manatee actually resembles the elephant more than any other animal in its organs.

Helen delighted
Helen was oohing and aahing the whole time we were in the park. If you look closely you can see two or three big manatee in the picture to the left of Helen.

Cagey alligator
Looks harmless, huh? What you don't see is the fence behind which I stood as I took this shot. They are actually quite dangerous and will leap at you and snatch you up in one quick movement if you get close enough.

Flamingos
They have multiplied and may be the only animal in the preserve that were not injured but were brought in years ago and did their thing to make little ones.