More Kayaking and Exploring the Homosassa SpringsWhere

The grounds of the Moose Lodge are covered with these large pinecones.  They are the largest I have ever seen.

One of the highlights of kayaking the Homosassa River is Monkey Island.

The monkeys (originally 3 spider monkeys and 2 squirrel monkeys) came from what is now the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park.  They were brought back from Africa by Dr. Hamlet, but they were causing trouble at the park by escaping, stealing things from tourists and even biting.  One of the developers of the park also built the island from a pile of rocks in the river which boaters were forever hitting.  They moved the monkeys to the island and they have lived there happily for many years.  They island and the monkeys are privately owned by Riverside Resort and they are fed twice daily and their habitat is changed often so the monkeys don't get bored.

Everyone got a kick out of Charlotte's dog kayaking with her.  I don't think Fancy would stay still that long.

Just north of Crystal River is the Crystal River Archaeological Mounds.  The mounds date back  before Christ.  Some scientists even believe the mounds could be as much as 10,000 years old.  They were abandoned before 1200 A.D.  The museum has lots of pottery shards and flints, some that date back to 300 B.C.