Hillsborough River State Park, Florida

Today we purchased our Florida State Park Passport and got our first stamp at Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa. Say that five times.

The park features about 7 miles of its own trails which are configured in interconnected loops. The park also connects to the much longer Florida Trail.

The Rapids Trail took us along the banks of the Hillsborough River.

The river was a slow mover today.


Marlon stands under a tall tree waiting for ticks to fall.

The final leg of our hike is almost over.

For more pictures, click here .

To be continued...

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, Indian Shores, Florida

Today we visited rescued birds who are rehabilitating from their injuries at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.

Located near Tampa in Indian Shores, Florida, this free attraction provides medical care and a home to injured seabirds until they are ready to return to the wild.

As injured birds recover they are transferred into larger open rehab pens where some are able to come and go as they please.

Birds can often be seen on top of the netted enclosures just begging for entrance.

Birds which have permanent, crippling injuries are provided with a home for life either here at the Sanctuary or at other qualified zoological parks around the world.

Residents of the Sanctuary eat between 400 and 600 pounds of fish each day.

Wherever you go, there you are.
Somebody was born this month and somebody pooped on their sign.
This bird followed us out the back gate of the Sanctuary to the beach and flew away.

Visitors were warned not to disturb the nesting area on the beach behind the Sanctuary.
See some footage of the birds in this video.

For more pictures, click here .

To be continued...

Lupton's BBQ

Today we thought we would catch some barbecue buffet at Lupton's Buffet in Temple Terrace, Florida near Tampa.

For just a little over $10 enjoy all-you-can-eat ribs, chicken, brisket, pork, collard greens, mashed potatoes, green beans, baked beans, sweet tea and more.

Even better...find BOGO coupons from Entertainment!

To be continued...