Day 16 Rainbow Springs, FL; Crystal River, FL

For our last full day set up at Pott's Preserve we decided to take another drive to check out Rainbow Springs State Park, FL. This is one of many many springs here in Florida. The springs here at Rainbow Springs like many others is a steady 72°F year round. The water is crystal clear, as you will see in these photos. 

National landmark plaque

A view from the plaque overlooking the swimming hole

Carmen on the swimming hole dock

The clear waters at the swimming area

Trail map of Rainbow Springs State Park, FL
A view of the beautiful spring waters
Seminole Falls
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls
Another feature of the park is an old defunct zoo that used to showcase bobcats, raccoons and other native creatures to the area.

Old animal enclosure
Old animal enclosure
Japanese camellia
Another Japanese camellia
A brown anole spotted along the hike
A missive plant that was picture worthy. Aka Giant Taro
A palm growing horizontally over the water
A couple of ibis spotted just before leaving the park
After all the wildlife and the amazing sights of the crystal clear water. We head down the road to Crystal River, FL the home of the manatee. Manatees swim into the springs located here because the constant 72 degree water keeps them warm and alive. The ocean temps get much cooler through the winter months. Upon our arrival in town it was time for a bite to eat. When you are on the coast seafood is a must.

We stopped into Cajun Jimmy's Seafood Seller on Rt 19
Immediately to left when entering the doors is a fresh catch of the day seafood counter.
Next to the market counter is the raw bar area
And plenty of seating to the right of that. 
Cajun Jimmy's Seafood Seller menu
Cajun Jimmy's Seafood Seller menu

50ct little neck steamers for $15.⁰⁰ (served with garlic butter) no brainer...
Seafood gumbo that was delicious $8.⁰⁰
1/2 Lb of Seller's shrimp served with bread and Seller's sauce. (Quite possibly the best seafood dish ever. If I am wrong I would certainly enjoy tasting any challengers) the Seller's sauce is so out of this world I can't even begin to discribe it. I can say it is definitely butter based....a must try!! $14.⁰⁰
After filling our bellies feeling like a king and queen we detoured on the way back to camp to a brewery/winery. Copp winery and brewery had very fair prices and very tasty products.
The tasting room
Cooperage out back
The brewhouse is outside!! 10 barrel system (1 barrel is 31 gallons) 
10 barrel bright tanks and just to the right is a 20 barrel fermenter and bright tank not pictured for the double batches.
Beer menu
Wine menu
Wine menu
Beer flight 1 of 2
Beer flight 2 of 2
Wine flight 
We enjoyed our nightcap and sunshine sat happily at our feet. We have found most places we have been, allow small dogs. She is far from a disturbance too. We then headed back to camp to rest up for pack, travel, and unpack tomorrow near Daytona Beach, FL. Thanks for tuning in

Comments

  1. Audrey/MomJanuary 17, 2021 at 5:50 AM

    Another gorgeous day...excellent documentation. Phenomenal photos. Copp's looked amazing, too! Mom

    ReplyDelete

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