Weeki Wachee

Blame it on Tim Dorsey or Carl Hiaasen. They both describe old Florida in their novels. Tim Dorsey’s main character in his novels is a history loving serial killer. Serge Storms travels around Florida pointing out historical points of interests to his drugged out side kick Coleman.

Blame it on the developers. In the eight years I’ve been down here, I’ve seen the view of the Gulf of Mexico disappear from Gulf Boulevard. Mammoth condo building are replacing the beach bungalows that were built in the 40’s, 50’s and 60. Indian Rocks and Indian Shores are quickly losing their beach community charm, while Clearwater Beach strives to be a clone of Miami Beach.

Sunday was just another beautiful Florida day. Steve and Lisa had told us they would be here around 3:00 PM. We had time to drive up to see the Weeki Wachee mermaids. We had talked about seeing them, before the park becomes another thing of the past.

Oh you are wondering about mermaids.

For the last 60 years, along US highway 19 you can stop and see a mermaid show. Today it cost 23.00 and an additional 3.00 for parking. (They also have a small water park. The yearly pass wouldn't be bad if you lived in the area.) It’s not only a chance to see old Florida, but to see a part of America before the interstate helped wipe out the Mom and Pop places along America’s highways.

Sunday the Production Was Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid. The story wasn’t as interesting as the athleticism of the participants. These young people even lip sink to the songs while they are under water. (I know Blogger is trying to make it easier to upload video to the pages. Video would really allow you to see just how amazing this show is.)

The Sea Witch made her appearance, and the little girl sitting next to Linda, grabbed Linda’s arm and didn’t let go, until the witch was gone.

We didn’t take the canoe, because we needed to be back by 3:00. We did take a half hour boat ride ride. The first one left at 10:15 AM. The park opens at 10:00 AM and there was a mad scramble for the dock. We passed a couple, when Linda said she needed to use the bathroom. I watched that same couple board the boat as were told it was filled. “next departure is 11:45, after the mermaid show”.

We walked around the park. Took a few pictures. Like this one of Linda. That took up about 20 minutes. Linda was determined we weren’t going to miss the next ride. She had us standing in line 1 hour before they would begin to load the next boat. At least I can say I wasn’t bored. The eastern sky gave us a lightening show, while the fish lazily swam around the clear water.

I couldn’t believe how clear the water was, or how shallow it is. Because of the drought, the river is 3 1/2 feet below normal, according to the guide. If you look at the black spot on the cypress tree's trunk, that is the water mark during normal years.

Missed Steve and Lisa. We were a half hour late getting home. Ask Mayra or Deb, we are never on time.