What a Neat Day in Homosassa.

Hi folks,
left Cedar Keys behind and travelled south to this funny sounding place which had the light show a few days ago. Booked into a motel at 10.30am and was in the park an hour later. As we had only seen it in the dark this was a unique experience as you can see below.
Getting to be like an American now, bacon and pancakes, turning right on red and picking up the lingo.

This park was originally privately owned and taken over now as a state park, the only remaining wild animal was Lu an 55 year old male African Hippo always a great attraction.

Here he is out of the water before lunch and weighed 6,000 lbs.

The park was taken over in 1989 by the State and they rehoused every creature not native to Florida there was a public outcry about poor Lu and the Governor gave him the special status of being a citizen of Florida.

One of my dreams was to see a Manatee in the wild but as it is so warm near 85f today they stay out in the cool of the river so I had to make do with a rescued one in a tank. 

The river runs through the park.

It is also used by the public as you can see.

The park officials, all voluntary were already packing the Christmas decorations away, when I asked why it was because the volunteers only had the weekends and any time off to pack them away. They have 400 unpaid people tending the park which is amazing.

On into the park, I will just show what is on offer and at £10 in our money which is cheap.

Right Stephen we need you expertise, what are these?

Vickie's friend.

White Pelicans as shown yesterday which are free to leave at any time.

My favourite, a Bald Eagle which has an injured leg and is quite happy to hop around.

Another White Pelican with reflection

A Panther quite happy to play with this green ball which he was very clever at dribbling it around his big enclosure.

Back to Lu who was having a bath before his dinner.

Lastly a view of our new Motel and I might Christen the pool in the morning.

Thanks for looking, Mike and Sue.