Well, recently we went to Homosassa Springs, about 3 hours southwest of Amelia, in search of some manatees! The water temperature in the Springs is 72 degrees all year round. So, while manatees range includes the waters of the southeastern U.S. in the summer, many of them flock here when the temperature plummets. 
This makes winter the ideal time to come here in search of these gentle giants, also known as sea cows. 
Thanks to Captain Mike's manatee encounter boat tour, we were able to locate several manatees and even swim in the water with them! Actually, it was more like floating. It's very important to not disturb the manatees in any way and we were glad to see that local boat captains and volunteers are dedicated to their safety. 
The highlight of the swim was a baby manatee who swam right up to us to give us a manatee kiss! Then, we got to witness him nursing his mom. The hot chocolate after we got out wasn't bad, either!
After our amazing swim, we headed out to the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. Most of the animals here are rescued animals, including quite a few manatees. The manatees are released into the surrounding springs once rehabilitated.
Luckily Amanda Hardy was there to rescue Amanda Clark from one of the natives!
We were delighted to see many native Florida birds at the Park, including this Great Blue Heron, in the white phase, which we do not see in our part of Florida.
The Park's only non-Florida native is this huge guy, Lu the hippo. If you watch a movie from the 60's or 70's that happens to have a hippo in it, you are very likely watching Lu! This movie star is retired but still gets the star treatment. Hard to deny a hippo of what he wants!
We had a great time on our winter getaway, and encourage you to check it out on your own if you ever get the chance!
That great white heron is awesome! I got to see a few manatees the last time I fished the Wakulla and Aucilla Rivers...btw those fish behind the baby manatee look like largemouth bass!
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