The Paris Independent
22
February 3, 2024
T R AV E L C O L U M N On our first day of no rain, with sunshine when we got to the coast, we ventured south of Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico. The Tampa Electric Company (TECO) has established a sanctuary for manatees. As a byproduct of generating the electricity, TECO discharges vast quantities of hot, clean water into an estuary of the Gulf, which is adjacent to the power plant. During the colder months, manatees are drawn here for the warmth. The waters are about 87F. This is a very family oriented activity. Parking and entry to the park are free. There is a very nice observation deck area, with a cart manned by very knowledgeable staff who provide information on the manatees. It was very pleasant chatting with these ladies and my takeaway was that manatee bones are very heavy. Also known as sea cows, they offered a comparison between a cow and manatee bones. The manatee’s bones were significantly heavier, which helps to keep them submerged. They can sleep on the bottom of their habitat for up to 2 hours. Viewed from the deck, manatees strongly resemble a very large, floating baked potato.
Hours at the site are from 10 am to 4 pm. Even though it as during the week, it was a pretty busy place. The park also offers very scenic trails and an observation tower, with 78 stairs to the top! Views of
the Gulf are great from here.
Another invasive species are the wild hogs (pigs). These animals are Next up was the Myakka River capable of decimating extensive State Park. Just over an hour areas leaving the land looking like southwest of us, it was a great drive it’s been bulldozed. through flat, palm tree covered plains, bordering on being swamps. Of course you may have to share During the drive, we spotted huge your catch with locals hearts of cattle, which is a big (alligators). Humans are the biggest industry in Florida. there are huge predators of alligators and herds filling fields during the generally, unless they feel drive. The park was easy to find threatened, they will keep their using google maps. distance. Surprisingly, they can jump the length of their bodies. The entry fee is $6 per car, not per This can be up to 13 feet! person so it’s good value and easy on the budget. The park offers There was a small food truck for camping and day activities. Day lunch. The main cafe is still under activities include a boat tour of renovation from hurricane Ian in Myakka Lake with an up close look 2022. The weather was perfect for at alligators, turtles and birds. The this and we ate lunch at a picnic park also has a tram tour, bird walk table across the channel from gators and a canopy walk. It was the first and turtles. After lunch it was off to day for the boat tour and we were the canopy walk. excited to be going. The tram tour Built in 2000, the Myakka Canopy wasn’t running, because it was the walkway is suspended 25 ft in the driver’s day off. air, with a 75 ft tower at one end The cost of the boat tour is $22 per and a lower one at the other. You person but for a guided trip of just climb up the shorter tower and after over an hour, it is still a good deal. travelling the walkway, you can choose to go up the taller one or Myakka Lake is very shallow 2-3 back down to the ground. I chose to feet in most places, with the centre go to the top. The view is coming in at about 8 feet. The boat spectacular! The weather was has no propeller; it is jet propelled clear, with a sun cloud mix. This and the ‘gators seem to enjoy also made for great reflection lounging in the water jet. In the dry pictures of the river. season, you can walk out in the muck and fish in the middle of the …..to be continued next week, lake. The lake has an abundance of stay tuned! Tilapia and there are no limits on what you can take. It’s considered an invasive species.
