Palm Harbor, FL. February 21, 2013

This morning we had planned a longer bike ride, but started talking about the Nebraska trip planned for June, and by the time we had booked flights, shuttles and hotel it was almost 11:00! We got on the bikes and headed to Tarpon Springs via the Pinellas Rail Trail.

Our first stop in Tarpon Springs was at Mama Maria's for lunch. We parked our bikes out front and sat at a shady outdoor table. I sure do appreciate the weather here! It has been sunny and in the 70s since I arrived, but apparently that was not the case last week!

We took our bikes down to the sponge docks so I could get postcards for the grandkids; that done we opted not to try the alligator...

We then pedaled over to Spring Bayou to look for manatees. There was one very large one close to shore just floating at the surface of the water. We saw half a dozen more farther out as we walked along the shore. This is a favorite place for them to hang out and get warm in the winter months when the ocean is still chilly. They are an endangered species and Tarpon Springs residents are both proud and protective of them.

After seeing the manatees we went to Fred Howard Park, another favorite place. Like I told Dianne when we were planning this day: we HAVE to go see the manatees--it's a tradition!

We got back on the Pinellas Trail, then stopped to watch a Roseate Spoonbill preening itself. I guess this was the day for endangered Florida species!