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[KevinT]

On the way over, in the plane they showed videos of all the usual parks including one we had never been to which looked quite interesting on the film......Silver Springs near Ocala.
we mentioned it to my sister -in - law who had never been there either although she lives in Orlando, so she agreed to take a day off and come with us. The video promised exciting glass bottom boat views of the crystal clear springs, being able to stroke unusual animals like bear cubs,
a scenic, revolving tower ride, a big cat house and reptiles and other Florida resident animals close up.
Around two hours later via the Florida Turnpike and I-75 we were working our way through the suburbs of Ocala. The park was on the opposite side of town.
Arriving, it looked to be something similar to the old Cypress Gardens.
Having "watered the horses" at the restrooms we headed out for the excitement!
The glass bottom boats had quite grimey glass but you could clearly see the odd turtle and the blue coloured springs, while the "captain" raced through an obviously well rehearsed history talk.



Next we hit the resturant. The first one didn't have a great deal of choice So we opted for the Pizza House. The server offered us slices of the two
already made semi - pizzas, and seemed a little put out when we asked for a freshly made Hawaiian one and explained that on "slack" days they did not keep much stock! So I opted for the meatball sub!
Heading back outside we came across two giraffes and bought some "giraffe biscuits" (looked like Ritz crackers) at four for a dollar.
This , to me was the highlight of the trip as the giraffes have lovely faces and curl their long tongues around the biscuit (We discovered that if you broke the biscuit in half it was a doubly pleasant experience!! )



onward to the Safari trip - a small jeep towing a trailer with about twelve intrepid explorers along the very dusty trail where we spotted a bear
and various other animals including llamas, miniature horses etc.
Then we found the "petting farm". Bit disappointing as there were no exotic cubs to stroke, just donkeys, pot bellied pigs , turkeys!!
and miniature horses ( the only animals who ventured out into the hot sun to greet us and be rewarded with polo mints!)



Another glass bottom boat trip next. The Captain of this one was much more animated and seemed like he actually loved his job and was more animated in his delivery. More springs, turtles, weeds, fallen trees and birds. (But very entertaining).
Back towards the front gate we came across the "Lighthouse" - the tower ride. Only us to go on it , so we took our seats and were hoisted up. the seats rotated at the top and we saw all around, although at some speed! after a few turns we descended again.
Stopped for an ice cream in the ice cream parlour then off across a bridge to another glass bottom boat ride (decided to give this one a miss!) and various animals in enclosures like a huge 200lb tortoise,
capybara (not sure how you spell that - its like a huge rodent), parrots
and alligators. Finally off to the Panther House. Two pacing Panthers was as far as we got....the rest of the area was "closed for maintenance and rebuilding"!
so.....just not quite what we expected from the video. A pleasant enough day but I felt that we had been a little misled by the glossy advertising.
Would be a bit tame for kids wanting an action day out, but the surroundings are nice, the weather was good and ....what the H3££.. its better than working. Love the giraffes tho'....want one!!

[Next Door to Mickey]

Great report Kevin, and great photos too. Always love to see the photos!!

It sounds like this is a little bit of Florida that has yet to catch up with this tourist thing!! A little removed from the well polished and very rehearsed major theme parks, which might actually be nice for a relaxing change.

The giraffes do look very cute, however, I don't think I would go as far as saying I wanted one.

Many thanks anyway.

[KevinT]

Hope it wasn't too negative Craig. Don't want to put anyone off seeing it.
as you say ....I think it just needs to catch up a bit but it is well...
different in an old world sort of way.

Forgot to mention....they are doing a special offer at present.
If you take any Coca Cola product to the gate with you (just one item between six people will suffice) you get $8 off each adult admission (usually$33) - so quite good value.

[Next Door to Mickey]

Great offer.

I forgto to ask, are these your photos?

Love the one with the bear in the water. Great shot.

Feel free to post general photos in the photo section, I love looking at piccies of all things Florida.

[KevinT]

Yes they were taken when we were there Craig.

Here's a couple more. I think the giraffe is the one with the long neck!!


Love the bear's hairdo!!

[HD]

Lovely photos... we haven't been there... but your pictures make me think we may be missing something fun...