More cows

Oh what a great day we had yesterday.  

Someone had told us last week about a manatee viewing area in Apollo Beach ~ about 20 miles away.  Well I think manatees are just the coolest animals ~ also referred to as sea cows.  The are so interesting to watch.  They move so very slowly and seem to not have a care in the world.  Many many of them are killed or injured by boats because of  this.

 

So yesterday we headed down to Apollo Beach.  Sir had to stay home, as dogs aren't allowed at the Manatee Viewing area and it was too hot to leave him in the car.

Here is a shot of Mama and two calves ~ love those snouts on the surface!

Here is a different Mama and calf.  The water looks dirty and gross doesn't it~ it isn't tho and it is warm which is what they like.

This viewing area was created by Tampa Electric.  Their discharge water is warm and they have created this area for the manatees.  It is barricaded at the ocean end but only so boats can't get in ~ the manatees are free to come and go as they please.  The link above has so much information about this viewing area and manatees ... it is worth looking at (well I guess it's worth it if you're interested in manatees!)

Additionally, if you can blow up this photo you will see all these bumps on the otherwise calm water ~ those bumps are manatees.

We went to a state park in, I believe, Homasasa Springs, FL where they had a manatee show - yesterday was much much better - far more manatees.  We weren't as up close to them yesterday but I like it much better.

This sign cracked me up!

And this was a "tidal walkway" at the center.  There is also a butterfly garden there!  Tampa Electric has done a great job with this area.

And this is a mangrove forest.  There is much much information on the tidal walkway and the mangrove forests on the link above.

This is what the temperature's been for the last several days in these parts.

We are suppose to be moving on tomorrow morning ~ probably to the Fort Meyer's area - which really ought to drive me crazy with all the traffic, but it will only be for a couple days ~ we are due in the Keys on Monday.

Rick and I both have sore throats and seem to be battling colds coming on ~ hopefully we'll still be moving on in the morning.