Rookery Bay

We have been wanting to visit Rookery Bay.  They posted that they were going to have Estuary Days on a Saturday.  It looked like some fun with boat rides, kayak tours and paddle boarding.  Unfortunately, the little girls weren't tall enough to go on the boat rides, but we had some fun visiting their displays and laboratory.

This is a picture of some people paddle boarding.  They stand on these surf board type things and row.  Don't think I could do that!

This is a view down the river.  We learned that an estuary is a place where the rivers meet the sea.  It is very important for many wildlife.

We took a little stroll on the Snail Trail.

These were beautiful and vibrant.  It was so pretty how they stood out on the bushes.

We learned that they are called Beautyberry.  Very appropriate.

Kayaking down the river.

The kids had fun playing with the displays.

Erin, the dolphin and Kara, the sea horse.

Janiel, the dolphin (looking at Wes) and Ashleigh, the sea horse.

Waiting for our lab tour.  It was interesting to learn what they study.  They do studies about birds, turtles, fish and other creatures.  They also study the water and its many properties.

Ashleigh, Erin, Kara, Janiel and a cute Manatee.  During December Manatees hang out in the rivers.

This man taught us about different bones of different animals and birds.

Dolphin, crocodile and alligator skulls.

A little aquarium with some native fish.

Look at that wild one!

When we were in Key West, Wes caught this ugly looking fish.  We couldn't believe there could be such an ugly creature.  Then when we were at Rookery Bay, they had a mascot:  The Polka-dot Batfish.  Here is a huge version of that very ugly fish.