Up at 6 a.m. this morning so we could get an early departure. We were going to Homosassa Springs (FL) Wildlife State Park to see the Manatees. We wanted to be there for the park opening at 9 a.m. so that we would be able to get in all the events presented throughout the day.
The GPS suggested taking the Florida Turnpike; however, I programmed it to go mostly via SR-50 which would be less hectic and more scenic (I presume). We arrived a few minutes before the park opened. Only a few cars were in the parking lot. I noticed a pair of European RV's that had been shipped over for use by there owners who were talking and sounded German? They look like a pickup camper; but, are really custom built RV bodies on Toyota chassis. European RV's are usually quite a bit smaller due to the many narrow roads throughout Europe. They have been on quite a trip. I noticed souvenir licence plates from the Northwest Territories and also from Newfoundland on one of the RV's.
We purchased our tickets and got on the first boat out. A large pontoon boat (electric motor) takes up to 40 passengers for a 20 minute ride on the "Pepper Creek". Homosassa means "Red Pepper River" and was then name given by the Native Americans because of the red holly berries that grew along the creek.
The park is one of the best places in the state to view Manatees some of which are treated at the park before being released into the wild. Visitors can get close to view the animals on bridges and observation decks. Wildlife, such as, black bears, bobcats, deer, alligators, river otters, foxes and more can also be seen in the park.
The park is also home to Lucifer, affectionately know as Lu, who is famously known for his performances in many movies for the past 40 years. A person with a huge lens camera was waiting patiently to get a picture of Lu who was resting in the water. He appeared to have given up and started packing his tripod as I approached on the bridge. I cupped my hands and gave my best "Hippo Impression". Lu then turned his ears towards the sound; then his eyes and then stirred a little. I repeated the call and Lu responded with his best "Look Ma - No Cavities" pose. The photographer thanked me.
Charlotte enjoyed feeding the birds that were rescued. Those that can be safely returned to nature are healed and released. Those who cannot be returned to the wild become well cared for residents of the park.
The "Wildlife Encounter" was very interesting. The opossum was quite fascinating. We found the information about North Americas only native marsupial interesting. Being raised in captivity since a baby meant that it could be petted.
The park is well laid out with concrete or wooden walkways leading to all the areas.
Often the birds were with an arms length.
We were also in for a rare and special event. A rescued manatee was going to be released today. They commonly like to release rescued Manatees in their local environment upon recovery. Today; however, a Manatee from another area was being released at the park as its local area was currently having a "Red Tide" problem which can be deadly to Manatees.
The reason so many Manatees are in this area is that the spring water emerges at 72 degrees F year round. Manatees are very sensitive to water temperature. Below 68 F they begin to have problems. Below 63 F will kill. The park staff, many of whom were volunteers (over 300), were quite knowledgeable. We learned that Manatees are the only water mammal that feeds exclusively on vegetation eating 10% of their body weight per day. This can be hundreds of pounds in a full grown adult.
The arriving Manatee had a floating radio monitor attached as did the two "locals". The locals were placed in a special holding area where the newcomer was introduced. The hope was that there would be a bonding that would help the newcomer adapt to the new environment.
They took great care to unload the newcomer from the truck.
It took several staff to lift the Manatee.
Soon it was placed onto the padded slide and then it splashed into the holding tank.
The whole process took a few hours most of which was time in the holding tank. When the "Escape Gate" was raised the two locals found their way out quickly. No such luck for the newcomer. The locals returned, as if to try and persuade the "Newbie" to follow them. Eventually a swimmer in a wet suite entered the holding pond and tried to steer the new Manatee toward the exit to the main spring. Then there were 2 swimmers, then 3 and eventually 4. They were always very calm, gentle and non-threatening as Manatees are very sensitive to stress.
We could follow the Manatees knowing they were about 3 feet in from of the floating transmitter. Every 5 to 7 minutes we would get a glimpse of a their nostrils just breaking the surface for a breath of air. We exhaust about 10% of our air with every breathe - Manatees, about 90%.
Finally, the 4 swimmers, using what resemble a wrought iron fence section, managed to "herd" the Manatee into the escape canal. Mission accomplished!
In one area several Kayaks were following following a number of Manatee as were swimmers with snorkels. This is the only area in Florida where it is legal to actually encounter Manatee. During certain times of year any contact is forbidden and certain sections of the river a marked "out-of-bounds" by buoys.
Manatee could be viewed from raised viewing areas, bridges or walkways near the spring Manatee Presentation area. There was usually a Mom with her youngster. Mom needs to teach all the life skills (where and what to eat, migration routes, etc.) to her (usually single) offspring.
Although there were no Manatee in the underwater viewing area at this time as they are most active early in the day, there were several types of fish, each in large numbers.
We made the right choice to come early. Even as we left (mid-afternoon) the pontoon boats were arriving fully loaded with several arriving within an hour. Now the viewers were often 3 deep. This was a very enjoyable experience in a very special and beautiful place.
We had a treat - dessert and a drink - before leaving the park.
On the way back we stopped at Sam's Club to pick up the large (surgical style) gloves that were out of stock at another Sam's a few days ago. We also found a few other items we didn't know we needed.
Supper was in Clermont, FL at Carrabba's Italian Grill. We discovered this restaurant (chain) when in Arizona and it was a treat to return. Charlotte had a craving for wood-oven pizza. She was not disappointed.
We had another fun day. Getting up early means I don't think we will make Leno's (Jay) monologue tonight.
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