Way down upon the Suwannee............

Gulf Coast

 Last Sunday, we had to go to the grocery store, so we decided to take the long way around.  We drove over to an area that's good for kayak launching.  Beautiful area, there are alot of little islands around. Can't wait until we get on the water. Walked the dogs around, I think they liked all the new smells!

Look out over the Gulf Coast



Island off coast

Suwanee River

Stopped for Lunch by the Suwanee River

House Boat painted like a Log Cabin

Next to the Suwanee River



Suwanee River

 Then we went up the road to find a restaurant for lunch.  We knew there was one on the Suwanee river. It was off the main highway, but we found it. It looked like one of those interesting places, but turned out pretty nice.
We were able to sit outside, with the dogs, and eat right next to the Suwanne.

 We had the Specials, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Wings and (can you believe) 50 cent draws!!  Good Food!  We will be back!



One thing we are surprised about, is all the pine trees in this area. There are pine farms, you can tell by the straight lines that they are in.  They also harvest the pine needles that drop off, for landscaping mulch.  There use to be a pencil factory in Cedar Key, many moons ago. There are Palm trees like we expected and the same type of oak trees that they have in Texas. (Always dropping leaves, through the winter.  I sweep the patio at least twice a day.) Better than Snow!!!!:)




 The Manatee's swim up the Suwanee River, to the various Springs that are warm, when the temps get cooler. They can't survive very long in cold water.  We will have to check out those Springs when it gets cooler.
That's all for now- Later-M

Seafood Festival

craft tents

 We went early to the Seafood Festival last Saturday, to beat the crowd. By the time we got to the other end of the line, the street was packed! So we didn't to to bad, except, we had to go back to the beginning end, through the crowd.

Park on the Gulf

I tried the fried Shrimp and oyster plate, very good.  And also the clam boil platter, with the local clams.  Also very good.



There was a nice little parade.  I'm not sure the dogs in it. were too excited.

We have always enjoyed checking out festivals in different areas of the country.

Later-M

Parade (see the dog in the front seat?)

see the dog on the back of the golf cart?

 

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Above the springs

We went to Homosassa Springs FL, Tuesday, mainly to see the Manatees. And ended up seeing many different animals, mammals and birds.  Very much worth the trip!


Manatee feeding time

2 manatees

Flamingos

3 Eagles (unable to fly)



Mr Alligator

Lu the Hippo


 

White Pelicans

The pictures don't really show the size of the Manatees, but they are very large!

We are finding out that there are alot of fun places to go and explore while we are here.
It's already been a month, so I guess we better get busy to get it all in!!
Later-M

Cockroaches and Lizards

Neat bench at a dog playground in Missouri

 It's always interesting to see what different types of bugs, animals and creatures, that different areas of the country have.  Not always in a good way.  The cockroaches and grasshoppers are very large down here!! There are lots of little lizards running around.  And there are those large lizards, called Alligators, here also. I guess there is a 3ft one in the front pond and a 5ft in the back pond.  I got a glimpse of the 3footer, maybe I'll get a picture someday.  And of course there are the Gators, just an hour away in Gainesville. (Univ. of Florida)

Lizard

Another cute lizard

 We have fire ants, no see-ums, centipedes and the cable installer (cable guy) said he saw a scorpion today. Yikes!!!  But I guess they are nocturnal....-still-Yikes!!  I saw a deer run through the park today-nice surprise!...At least we don't have bears, that I know of!

Vel ran into some poison ivy, then she was told to spray herself with windex and then take a shower in Dawn. I guess they weren't pulling her leg, because it must of worked, no welts or itching.....so far.

large cockroach-Yuck!!!

So, I guess you have to take the good with the bad.......I think we can handle it!
Later-M

Already been here 2 weeks!

Cedar Key Sunset

 I can't believe it's been 2 weeks already!  We are slowly settling in.  The sunsets are beautiful here. It's a quaint little town. A native told me that Cedar Key is what Key West was 30 years ago.

Marina

Dock Street

Cool Building

We plan on trying all the eating establishments, slowly.  They are known for their clamming here. But have not tried any yet.    


It's warm and humid, just the way I like it!!
Later-M

Evening Thunderheads over Clubhouse