West Central Florida

 

Land of springs, marshes, lakes, rivers,

and the Gulf of Mexico

As we moved slowly west from Orlando we visited a variety of state and county parks for walks and touring in the warm sunny weather.

    
Where are we now?                                                              Palm leaves in the sun
    On the trail                                                             Always on the look out

    Second largest live oak in Florida                                                    Another wet walk

Finally we reach the Gulf of Mexico. There we enjoyed a cruise along the Crystal River to the Gulf of Mexico with a park naturalist who pointed out the eagles, osprey, and storks nesting in the area.

    
At the beach          
    Gulf of Mexico                                                    American White Pelicans at low tide
A special note: We viewed a fly over by a flock of American White Pelicans in North Dakota on our trip west last summer. They sure do get around.

Homosassa Springs Preserve

Fortunately access to this Preserve was along a raised boardwalk from which we could view a great variety of animals, snakes, alligators, and birds.

    

Sandhill crane                                                             Walking under water

    Nesting pelicans                                                                      Stork

Flamingoes

 

Tarpon Springs

On the west coast of Florida is the historic town of Tarpon Springs, the Sponge Capital of the World. We were very surprised by the variety of natural sponges found in local waters in the Gulf of Mexico. For lunch we enjoyed huge helpings of authentic Greek food.

    
Vase sponges at Tarpon Springs

Big catch

 

Florida State Fair 

This official state fair of Florida in Tampa, included indoor and outdoor exhibits, rides and shows and is also a showcase for agriculture and fine arts including quilts.

    

    Florida State Fair

We now leave Florida for a week in the Colorado mountains.

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