Sunday, March 12 - Been busy, I guess, so haven't posted for awhile. Looking at the weather at home, we aren't looking forward to the trek back, unless things pick up. May have to get the r.v. winterized, given the conditions at home for the next week. Maybe it'll warm up for us as we head north.

We've been active, doing some biking, particularly on Thursday, when we did part of the Withlacoochie Trail. It's a 46 mile trail, centered in Inverness. We found ourselves starting in hill country, in the Citrus Hills area, which is most unusual for Florida. But the first 8 or 10 kilometers were definitely up and down, with some good slopes. Not bad going with the wind behind us, but against a 20 mile an hour wind right in our faces, it was pretty tough coming back. However, we had a nice lunch in Inverness at a neat restaurant called Stumpknockers, so were fortified for the arduous return trip. Quite spent by the time we got back to the starting point, after a 40 km total. Will go back to Inverness this week to do most of  the rest of the trail, which is very nice once off into the woods away from main roads. Inverness is a charming town, by the way, surrounded by lakes. Worth a visit for sure. Another little known Florida treasure, which we always look for. Much preferable to the heavily populated areas, which abound all over the state.

Yesterday we rented a canoe, and spent nearly 4 hours on the water. We paddled up to the Wildlife Park in search of manatees, and although we were again faced with wind on the way out, we got a break by going up a couple of very quiet and lovely sidestreams or canals, which were very peaceful. Loads of people were at the end-point in front of the park, swimming, hollering, having a good time, and no doubt scaring off the manatees. Saturday, so lots of people. Going back was a lot easier with the wind behind us, so we coasted along, and enjoyed having a manatee right beside, then under our canoe, not once, but twice. A big one, but not at all menacing, as they are very gentle and quiet creatures. We ended up in front of The Shed, watching the pelicans, numerous in number as they are there. They sit on piers and posts waiting for the fishermen to come in to clean their catch right at the Shed. As the guts are tossed into the water, there will be 30 or 40 pelicans there scrapping to get a scrap. Major tug-of-wars often ensue when a sizable carcass is tossed to them. It's a neat way to dispose of the fishguts.

Every day so far, we've ended up at our favorite spot at the Shed, looking out over the water, enjoying good music (live bands Thursday to Sunday), sipping a Killian or two, watching the people in their varied forms. Lots of senior bikers, regulars, and temporaries like us from all over. Quite a mix of people. Then bike home to have dinner and a quiet evening. Not a bad life. We really like it here in Homosassa, so are glad we decided to stay an extra week.

Cloudy today, with showers predicted. And also tomorrow. Then sunny and cooler for the rest of the week. Beats what's happening up the coast. So we'll have to enjoy these last few days before we bite the bullet. Glad Ed and Sandy got home safely. Won't be long until we're sharing some stories. Looking forward to being back in the 'hood, and catching up with the MacKay clan, especially with the big wedding only 13 days away. Wish the weather were better during March Break for our Belleville family, but I'm sure they'll find ways to enjoy the week.

That's it. Brier final today, Koe and Gushue. Hadwin has a four shot lead...hope he wins. Raps lost another one.       More later. Stay tuned.