Sunday, November 30, 2014

Fun in November

We sure have had a fun November.  We have been spending quite a bit of time exploring the different bodies of water around us including the Withlacoochee River, the Wacassasa River, the Suwannee River, the Santa Fe River as well as the Gulf.  
No boat trailer for us!  A custom "Dangineered" boat carrier and launcher 

Dan has made a few modifications to the boat including a contraption that he uses to stand and steer.

We've been out on the water a few times with Gin and Syl.


We enjoy exploring the waters and just chilling.  We've been some beautiful sights.....

and have seen quite a bit of wildlife including this playful dolphin.

Gin and Syl spotted this guy....he was throwing either a fish or a crab in the air, catching it and tossing it back up in the air over and over again.  It was so neat to watch.

Despite a little bit of wind, we went out in the Gulf one day with new friends Jack and Star.
Maiden voyage
The wind was picking up and whitecaps were in the Gulf so we headed to the calmer back streams. We explored a bit and the wind was picking up a bit more so we called it a day.

Yep - we love our little boat!

Dan's brother Tim and SIL Ann visited us for 5 days.  We had a great time catching up and showing them around the area.  Tim had been here before in the Spring but it was Ann's first visit to Cedar Key.   The weather was a bit cranky for Florida but we bundled up and made the best of it.

We went to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park one day.  There are advantages to going when it is cool.  The crowds are minimal, the animals are active, and the manatee are in the Springs!



Dan, Tim and Ann
 
Ann and I goofing off!
I don't think I could ever tire of watching the manatees....




And the birds are also nice to watch....
Beautiful wood duck
Roseate Spoonbill
Flamingos
The alligators were hiding since it was so cold outside....
What a face!
We had the best time watching the hippo...last time we visited the park, he stayed in the water and never moved!
Hmmm...is that food I see?

That's one big hippo!  6000 lbs!

Lunchtime!
It was a perfect afternoon and we are glad we got to share it with Tim and Ann.

We also took Tim and Ann to Manatee Springs State Park.....we have been here several times and it is always a treat.  It was another cool day but we bundled up again.
 
Gorgeous fall colors reflecting in the spring

Tim and Dan

No manatee in the spring - but we did see them at the mouth of the river.
The last night that Tim and Ann were here, we went to Tony's Seafood Restaurant in Cedar Key. This is our absolutely favorite restaurant to go to in town.  We don't go out to eat a lot and Tony's is a real treat.  We all enjoyed our dinner and left with full bellies.



We enjoyed our time with Tim and Ann and am glad they came for a visit.  Thanks guys!