So Florida-Manatee Viewing Center

We took a trip to Apollo Beach on the west coast

to visit the Manatee Visitor's Center

sponsored by our local power company.

The trip took a bit longer than an hour.

It was a beautiful day for a drive.

The first thing we noticed 

when pulling up to the parking area

was the array of solar panels displayed.

Another cool feature was the electric car charging station.

We'd never seen one in person before.

It's the wave of the future!

They have a very special parking space in the lot.

The center consists of an educational area, a gift shop,

picnic area and a boardwalk on which to view the manatees.

On this Sunday morning, 

there weren't too many folks visiting.

Great for us, as we don't do well with crowds.

We spotted two right away.

They wander to this area in the winter 

because of the warm waters

surrounding the power company.

They enjoy floating in shallow waters

and surfacing only to get a breath.

These critters are protected by law.

The diagonal marks on this one's back

indicate that it's been the victim of

more than one boat propeller.

These crabs covered the sand below the docks.

They would scurry back and forth, 

in constant motion.

Inside the educational center,

informative displays could be found.

Next to the informal picnic area,

a Florida-friendly garden greets visitors.

We saw scads of butterflies

 enjoying some of their favorites.

All of the plant species were butterfly attractors.

This was a most unusual looking specimen.

The name is fitting, don't you think?

These gallardia line the parking area

and add softness, color and life to the concrete surroundings.

Unusual planters were among the discoveries made.

Water conservation was highlighted

with these vibrant rain barrels.

 

What a delightful place to visit.

For the manatees, 

and nature-lovers alike!