Sunday November 11, 2012 From Tampa to Atlanta GA

(Recap of Busch Gardens)

What’s this? ....Day number 12. Yes!

N.B.  Even though I am not a “zoo aficionado” and do not like the idea of “zoos” and enclosed animals (with exception) I did want Cathy to see this wonderful park as it is today so I write with that in mind.

One big item yesterday  was the day spent at Busch Gardens. It is just two blocks from the Windham Hotel on 31st Ave in Tampa where we stayed.  Busch’s handicapped parking area was right up near the main gate so that helped a lot. There is a tram that takes people to the parking lot across the street some distance away, but we were up front so that was a break in time and distance.

Cathy at Busch Gardens Tampa

One of her first pictures was this 16 foot long alligator

She was excited to see one so large,and so close.

The day was mostly sunny and didn't cloud up until about 4:30 when we were eating supper at the Zagora cafe in the Gardens. It was 72 F .

Ruth had set up a pass for the three of us  so we included free meals (limited to three items) in our package tickets. It does save some and if you eat once you have paid for the price of the meal ticket. We ate twice so that helped.

Where to start?  It is a huge place 336 acres, and until 1965  Busch Gardens was a free admission beer hall open to the public to view the bird life there. Serengeti (the open wildlife area) opened that year and today it is better known for its roller coaster and thrill rides (THEY ARE VERY NOISY ALL DAY LONG). That was my biggest complaint as I remember the  quieter times when I visited here in earlier years. But the price of “progress” and profit comes high.

For us I think the Serengeti area was best with the exotic animals (see pictures) and the train ride that takes you around the area slowly so you can see and take pictures if you like.  Cathy enjoyed that the most along with the train ride itself. We actually went around twice. One trip we stopped at the sky ride which is a cable overlooking the entire Gardens. It has a rather “V” shape on its course so the entire park is pretty well covered. All three of us made that trip up in the air (Not Ruth’s favorite) Each train station  (there are four) has a stationmaster who guides people on and off. They were very kind and helpful. It has a handicapped lift platform  for wheelchairs and walkers.

The Serengeti Train that we rode

Tough to get pictures of the Black Rhinos from the train.

Each road crossing has a bell and signal gate that closes when the train passes

There was a lot of walking and at the end of the day we were all ready to end the day. We entered just after 9:00 AM and left at 5:00 PM. so that was a lot of walking/riding (when possible). The map in this blog will help see where the various venues are located. We did not take any rides other than the ones mentioned. The Park is becoming famous for its rides and various roller coaster type venues.

Cathy really “oohed” and “aahed”  when we saw the animals from the train.  Some were very close with the train actually running through the land on which the animals are living. Many African species, especially, highlight the grounds.  Elephants, giraffes, zebras and hippos were dominant. Many other deer types were present. A special feature was a presentation by the trainer of the cheetahs. There are six females and two young males. We did not see them run, but in the morning they do that at 60 miles per hour or more in short bursts. Would liked to have seen that. Cheetahs can be identified individually by...any guesses?,...their tail markings. Their tail is 2/3 as long as their body.That is so they can actually “steer” when they are at top speed. Otherwise they would tumble to a stop.

East African Crowned Crane

Reticulated Giraffe and Zebra (sp)

Water Buffalo

Many smaller exhibits we walked through  even though we did not get to all of them. We missed the original venue, the bird display, but saw most everything else.

We were ready to eat dinner at the Crown Cafe  and walked along way to get there only to find out that a group had their catered meal there that evening  so the dining room was closed. We walked a distance again to get to the Zagora Cafe , our last stop. Whew!

The cafe where we ended the day

The cafe line moved quickly. They were very well organized with 

just a few choices but well prepared and tasty.

No doubt you might think that the three of us were tired at the end of that day and that would be correct! Fortunately it was a short,  long two block drive home, taking more time to get out of the parking lot than to drive the streets home.

It was a great day. I am posting some of the pictures taken with Cathy's new camera,  to give you her view of what she deemed good sights!