Our trip to Homosassa Springs

Recently, we had a chance to drive over to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. It is located in beautiful Homosassa Springs, Florida. I must say, it was worth the trip! We began our adventure with a relaxing boat ride over to the park. Along the way, we were able to see all types of water fowl and wildlife. Our boat captain gave us a lovely tour, making sure to tell us all the information about the area. After the boat trip, we took a self guided tour of the wildlife park. There was a good variety of wildlife to be seen, not to mention the landscape and spring itself. The spring is a 45 foot deep natural spring that begins at the Homosassa River and eventually flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Click on the pictures in the slide show to the right to see most of the animals and the spring. The manatees were not in the spring the day we visited, but we were able to see the ones they are nurturing in the rehabilitation area. Here are a few of my favorite pictures:

Snook in the "Fish Bowl" (Notice the pink lure in the snooks mouth)

The Fish Bowl (underwater viewing area)

Flamingos

Wood Ducks

"Lou" the Hippo

Bear Creek thinks it's Springtime!

Although we know it's not really Spring, you'd have a hard time convincing some of the plants in our yard. They (like us) have been enjoying the nice warm weather as of late. You have to love Florida in the winter. Don't get me wrong, it does get cold here--really cold, but this has been a mild winter so far. I'm sure we're in for a freeze before too long, so we'll enjoy the early blossoms while we can! Here are a few of them!

Saucer Magnolia

Azaleas starting to bloom

Pear Tree

Wild Ferns

 

Carolina Jasmine