Big "fish" in Florida

We are visiting my parents in Florida for the end of year holidays. One of my yearly traditions is to visit the manatees as they migrate to the warmer waters of the natural springs in the winter time. OK, not a fish but a good size mammal. Some refer to them as "big globs" but I think they share with us some AARP -qualities so I tend to bond with them quite a bit during our visits. The best location for us to see the manatees every year is in the Blue Springs State Park which happens to be a short distance from my parents's home (my two readers). Today the park had 122 manatee residents and we were able to see a good number of them. The air temperature today was perfect at just around 75F and the water seemed so inviting that I would have taken a plunge if it wasn't for the big signs that warned potential swimmers that this time of the year no one is allowed in the water, and much less trying to get near the manatees.

Of course, manatees are not the only creature that you can see at the springs. There are all kinds of fish, turtles and birds but the main event are the manatees and specially the cows with their nursing calves. This has been a family tradition since my children were very young. They enjoyed the visits a lot more when they were very young, but then as they were growing up other more active attractions caught their eye and it was more of a drag to bring them to the Springs. Still, I managed to beg, pleade or negotiate with any warm body willing to accompany me, so there have been years when it has been only my two readers (before there was even a blog to read) and myself walking on the observation walkways of the park. I know my children will remember the Spring and come to visit them in the future. I just hope there are still manatees visiting to make their visits all the more rewarding. Here is a short video of my visit to Blue Springs State Park.

Another big event of our visit to Florida has been going with my Dad to visit the Flea Market. Apparently he visits this particular Flea Market every Wednesday rain or shine. It occupies quite a large area and you can find just anything from guns and ammo to sharp knifes to peel the bontiful fruits from the many fruit and vegetable stands. For me the interesting thing was the cultural enlightment that one can have as I walked down the aisles. I do have to admit that there seemed to be a lot of friendly fishermen around but I have a feeling that I would make a more impactful connection if I were to brand a few tasteful tatoos. I'll consider that for my next visit next year. Definitely quite the cultural experience. Here is just a collage of a few of the sights I got to see.