Florida wildlife

Wildlife was a prominent feature of our holiday. Dolphins were spotted three times (by some!) First, one ploughed along the canal at the bottom of our garden, then we saw two in an aquarium and finally we saw lots froliking in the harbour at Punta Gorda - the only highlight of a hilariously dull harbour boat trip. Also at the aquarium, we saw sea turtles and touched a stingless stingray. There were sea horses and jellyfish galore, but the highlight was the manatee, pictured here twice. These gentle giants are herbivores and have no defences and no predators. They just eat and swim. And I thought dolphins were smart.

Another trip we took was on a swamp buggy where we saw panthars and lots of alligators as well as some very skinny cattle and wild baby pigs. It included an alligator touching opportunity which everyone but Madeleine took part in. On the downside of Florida wildlife, however, I've got to mention the lovebugs. Quite a lot of them died on our car, but yet there seemed to be plenty more swarming about. They mate and then the female drags the dead male about with her - nice. Still, they didn't bite so it could have been worse.....although I feel for the first time in my life that I have an idea of what a biblical plague might have been like!

Of course no picture of the wildlife in Florida would be complete without the British wildlife we took with us. This is a typical attempt to take a nice picture of all three children smiling at once. It ain't easy.