• Locations 04.12.2009 No Comments

    Where Creatures Aren’t Animated or Mechanical and Where Dramatic Sunsets Replace the Glow of Neon.

    Yes in Florida there is such a place! Where creatures are not animated and where dramatic sunsets across the Gulf of Mexico outshine any neon or laser light show.  This area is known as ‘Florida’s Nature Coast’  by proclamation fo the Governor of Florida and it stretches from North of Clearwater to the Ochlockonee Bay. Covering counties such as Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and as far north as Taylor, Jefferson and Wakulla.
    In this area you are likely to be able to see up 19 endangered or threatened species in their natural habitat as well as more prolific residents.

    Wild Waters

    The area is littered with natural crystal clear springs that attract a multitude of wildlife.  The springs remain a constant year round 72 degrees F.  Citrus county is home to King Springs, Levy County is home to Manatee Springs and Dunellon is home to Rainbow Springs all of which are ranked amont the top 10 of snorkelling spots.
    The Weeki Wachee River in Hernando County offers opportunites for Canoeing and Kayaking or just lazing on the beach watching the wildlife pass you by.  Or try your luck just off the coast of Hernando County where world record Tarpon are caught. 
    State Wildlife Parks such as Homosassa Springs    run entirely by volunteers offers a fabulous opportunity to see many creatures that might otherwise remain hidden from view.  Homosassa State Wildlife Park does much research and works with other facilites all over the USA into West Indian Manatee.  These beautiful creatures are native to the area, moving between the freshwater springs and and with their distinctive prehensile features and gentle nature, they have just one natural predator, Man in his boat!  Homosassa Springs also offers a fabulous underwater observatory to veiw these extrordinary Can you believe that the Spanish Sailors who stumbled upon this area thought that these creatures were Mermaids?  Perhaps they had been a long time at sea!  In fact Weeki Wachee Springs in Hernando County has made a feature of this tail and has an underwater theatre and special mermaid show.  The Wilderness river cruise at Weeki Wachee Springs  offers a fabulous tour of the river with a knowledgeable guide who will point out residents of interest and identify any you might spot along the way, from Alligators and Egret to Mullett.

    Prefer Dry Land to Water?

    Hernando County has recently undertaken returning a large area to scrub habitat to continue to encourage this native wildlife to stay in the area.  The area between Hernando and Citrus Counties is a well known Florida Black Bear habitat.  Hernando and Pasco County also have a great trail that can be cycled or hiked along the Suncoast Parkway.  The trail here and also the Withlacoochee trail offers some great opportunites to spot some amazing wildlife. The Chassahowitzka forest also offer a chance to see  some of Florida’s blossoming rare flowers, ferns and huge shady trees.

    A Natural Vacation Wonderland

    Famous naturalist John Muir described the Nature Coast in 1867 as ‘A string of counties studded with emerald like gulf waters, deep springs and rivers, stretching along the same Florida coast.’
    Much of the area remains unchanged from John Muir’s observation.  The Nature Coast really is a natural vacation wonderland offering unique and affordable family adventures no matter how many times you visit.
    DJW Flights and Rental offers  beautiful Villa Accommodation in the heart of this area.  So if you want to exchange the Plastic for the Fantastic on your next vacation, do consider the Nature Coast.  http://bit.ly/c0Ong8

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