Camping in the wilds of Bayport, Florida, just a skip away from Weeki Wachee. Gorgeous setting on the banks of the Mud River where we saw an aggregation of manatees. I had to look that up as I thought it would have been called a school. I think we counted about twelve of them!  According to www.livescience.com, manatees often swim alone or in pairs. As they are not territorial, they have no need for a leader and when seen in a group, it is either a mating herd or an informal meeting of the species simply sharing a warm area with a plentiful food supply. Much of the group canoed or kayaked on the river…

Our campsites were surrounded by banana trees, stately palms, quiet (except for the Rogers/Taylor clan). At dawn, we were serenaded by a wide variety of birds. Some said they heard monkeys howling during the night. I never heard the sounds but wild creatures were definitely at work destroying our trash bags each evening making a huge mess. Breakfasts were plentiful with the highlight being Carl’s biscuits and sausage Sunday morning. We feasted on burgers and dogs Friday, three different marinated chickens Saturday, and the piece de resistance was an awesome filet mignon on Easter Sunday with absolutely scrumptious caramelized onions and mushrooms. Never ending champagne, bloody Marys, Coronas, and Bud Lights flowed freely throughout the days and evenings. Easter egg hunt for the little ones. Much game playing. Basically, a good time was had by all.