Manatee Springs and Fanning Springs State Parks

We took the dogs on a walk around the neighborhood after doing our language lessons and a breakfast of oatmeal with nuts and craisins.

We decided to drive north to Manatee Springs State Park near Chiefland, Florida. The drive took a little over 90 minutes on US 98 through mostly agricultural areas of Florida. Mark's annual Florida State Park Pass got us into the park without charge. We walked on a few short trails in a wooded area then out a boardwalk where we saw three manatees including a calf, an alligator sunning on a log, many turtles and fish of all types. The boardwalk took us from the springs out to the Suwannee River. The water from the spring was absolutely clear allowing us to see a lot of aquatic life. There weren't many people at the park, but one couple was snorkeling in the area near the springs. So much water was coming from the springs that they were unable to swim back up to the springs and had to go to shore with the current and walk back. There were several sets of scuba gear near the spring. As we were leaving, we saw several people coming in with scuba gear so we supposed that there was a program starting this afternoon.

The day was starting to warm up, so we sat in the sun to have peanut butter on Ritz crackers, nuts and corn nuts for lunch. The temperature was up to nearly 70 degrees, so we were able to shed jackets and sweatshirts.

We drove the short distance from Manatee Springs State Park to Fanning Springs State Park. As we walked toward the boat launch area, we saw a young armadillo that didn't appear to be afraid of us. We watched it for a while then walked to the boat launch in the park. This is a small launch that is suitable for canoes and kayaks. Fanning Springs State Park is about 7 miles up the Suwannee River from Manatee Springs State Park so we discussed taking two cars there and dropping one at Manatee Springs then launching kayaks at Fanning Springs to float downstream to Manatee Springs.

We walked through a wooded area in Fleming Springs Park and noticed a good bit of damage from wild hogs. There is a variety of local vegetation throughout the park that we noticed as we walked. The 70-degree weather was perfect for our walk. We got to the springs area and walked around the area where swimming is permitted and out toward the Suwannee River. We saw two manatees in the water that surfaced from time to time. We also saw schools of fish swimming in the clear water.

When we got back to the parking area the armadillo was still digging around looking for food. I stood trying to get a photo when the animal came toward me and almost walked across my foot.

The drive back to Homosassa went well, and we arrived back at the house by 4:30. I took a quick shower and changed clothes for dinner at Marguerita Grill.

We go to Marguerita Grill every time we are in Homosassa. The restaurant and bar are decorated in patriotic themes with banners from each branch of the military as well as fire, police and EMS logos hanging throughout the restaurant. The restaurant's owner is very conservative and makes a point to display the commitment to patriotic causes.

I was hungry so I had Gavin’s Seafood Platter that included fish, shrimp, scallops, clam strips and a crab cake. My sides were French fries and a garden salad. Mary had Aspen’s crab cakes for dinner with fries and a side salad. I had one of her lump crab cakes and she had some of my shrimp, fish and clams. When ordering a margarita, I learned that a "medium" margarita is served in a beer pitcher and serves four. We got four glasses and shared the margarita. We all enjoyed our meals. The food and service were excellent as always.

This was another great day with the Whittingtons.  We have really enjoyed our time here in Homosassa.  We aren't ready to face the subzero temperatures back home but we look forward to seeing family and friends at home.

Back at the house, we did our evening language lessons then watched two episodes of Vienna Blood on PBS before turning in for the night.