What to do on a rainy weekend?  Go visit some of Florida’s State Parks – and there’s plenty near and around Crystal River.  But we were also getting passport stamps – more on that later.

Our first visit this day was the Crystal River Archaeological State Park.

As we motor down the river on the boat, we go past these mounds so today was the day to see them first hand.  There is a nice, small museum that orients you before you go traipsing around the grounds.

First on the agenda was the highest mound.

Naturally, there were steps involved.

Before seeing this amazing view.  First shot was looking left, with the second photo looking right.

Interesting view of the back of the  mound as we walked to the river.

Our next park was a small roadside park with a picnic area & grills

They are the remains of a sugar plantation owned by David Levy Yulee, who become a senator when Florida became a state.  They were destroyed in the civil war and was at one time part of a 5000 acre plantation.  The mill was used for sugar, syrup and molasses (which in turn was used in making rum).

We hit one more park on this day…………………

We arrived just in time to see them feed the manatees romaine lettuce.

They had an interesting boardwalk along the Homosassa River.

We found other animals and we definitely made sure to stay out of this splash zone.

Three bald eagles were in this refugee, after being hurt and unable to defend themselves in the wild.  One was photogenic.

What Florida zoo would be complete without these.

This roseate spoonbill was pretty interesting.

At the beginning I mentioned a passport……………….

We have one from years past.  They stopped the program during budget cuts.  Apparently, they’re back.  Adrienne purchased one on this trip which gives her a chance to see Florida in its natural state.

One last post is coming and its all about food!

Ginny