There were two destinations today, each very different. So after our walk on the beach (the other direction from yesterday) and breakfast, we headed out.
The first stop was John's Pass in Madeira Beach. It is an interesting collection of shops and restaurants. Originally it was a fishing village. After wandering around for a while, we had lunch at an open air restaurant (it was covered) with good food in a very casual atmosphere.
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| At John's Pass |
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| John's Pass |
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| A young Heron (?) |
It is by a channel with boats going in and out, and many sea birds, mostly looking for a handout. There were also several dolphins swimming through the area, seemingly going back and forth. Add more Florida wildlife to our list.
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| Dolphins in the channel |
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| Dolphin in the channel |
From there we headed to the other side of Tampa Bay, through Tampa, and south to Apollo Beach. Here the Tampa Electric Company has a power plant that discharges warm water into a channel. It seems manatees love warm water, so they gather there in the winter. The company has built a viewing and education center where one can see the manatees and learn about them. (They probably get lots of school groups.) It is very interesting, and we did see manatees, as well as some other fish. They also have a butterfly garden and other nature resources. Here is a little taste of the site.
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A creek at the Manatee
viewing area |
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| A small shark? |
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| Manatee tail fluke |
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| Manatee tail fluke |
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| A young one resting |
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| Young one coming up for air |
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| Fish swimming where the little shark was |
The first stop was John's Pass in Madeira Beach. It is an interesting collection of shops and restaurants. Originally it was a fishing village. After wandering around for a while, we had lunch at an open air restaurant (it was covered) with good food in a very casual atmosphere.
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