I had been hanging out at the end of the boardwalk overlooking the Silver River for probably close to an hour. It was beautiful as I waited for any manatees to swim by. Suddenly, a cackle-like sound and I thought to myself, “That’s definitely not a bird.” We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto! I turn back towards the forest as the sound of a rushing wind grew. But it wasn’t wind. It was a herd (is that what it’s called with monkeys? A herd?) of wild monkeys swiftly approached the boardwalk area. All of the sudden, an overwhelming experience was upon me as dozens and dozens of monkeys hurdled by, some going under the boardwalk and others hopping over it. Big ones, little ones, fast ones, bouncy ones, all headed in the same direction and in the chaos of the moment I had no chance of getting a good photo. I tried, of course, but it was a lost cause with all the things I was feeling and seeing. These photos are basically just to prove it happened because if you don’t have a photo, it didn’t happen, right? Here’s part of the moment that felt like Outbreak Part 2.
It was frightening and at the same time mesmerizing and exhilarating. Definitely one of the more notable wildlife experiences I’ve had in a long time and probably right up there with the time I jogged by a rattlesnake or watched bison surround my camper.
Oh, also I DID see manatees. They were far off but it was pretty neat to see them. Also came across a deer who didn’t seem to mind a whole lot that I was nearby.
Silver Springs State Park is a place you definitely need to visit whether it’s for a day or if you can book a few days at the campground. I don’t think you’ll regret it. Just watch out for the monkeys.
-Out of the Wilderness
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Out of the Wilderness 