2013 Airstream Trip South: Day 15 - Cedar Key, FL (Day 3)

We spent the day on a 165 mile journey to the Silver Springs Nature Park and back. The trailer stayed parked in our campsite at Cedar Key. We saw beautiful horse farms north of Ocala and the end of an era in Silver Springs.

The drive south on US 27 between Williston and Ocala was lined with large horse farms.

The Silver Springs produce 99.8% pure artesian spring waters and have been a tourist attraction since 1878. The glass-bottom boat was invented here. We visited in time to see the theme park's history coming to an end. The state of Florida has purchased the park and intends to return it to its natural state. Many of the animals have been removed (the alligators are gone) and the swamps are being drained. Some attractions are available, but attendance is way down. Transfer to the state is to be completed by October. Memories follow:

Carol forgot her tennis shoes

We're headed for the River Cruise

The water is crystal clear
(These turtles are at the cruise launch point)

Main spring
(Promenade Deck in the background)

View from glass-bottom boat

Entrance to Floral Gardens

These vines really get wrapped up

We watched the Bird Show at "Wings and Things of the Springs"

Red-Tail Hawk

Barn Owl

Screech Owl

Turkey Vulture

Next, we took a jeep tram journey on Wilderness Trail where we saw some of the remaining animals in a natural environment.

Emu and a Llama

More Llamas

Rhesus Monkey

The park still had some Kodiak and Black bears on display.

Kodiak bears

Jake plays in his pool

An old tire seemed to be his favorite water toy

Many movies, TV series and TV specials have been filmed at Silver Springs over the years ... Tarzan, Sea Hunt, I Spy, The Yearling and many others.

We had a nice "Cedar Key last supper" at Tony's Seafood Restaurant. The clam chowder and key lime pie were outstanding!

Evening views from the RV park ...