By Stevef Rae: Friday, August 13th found us gathering at the front of the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton in eager anticipation of a 2 hour, docent-led tour. Joining us for their first section event were Mark and Kit Whittington, As Nick and James led us on the tour, they expertly discussed megalodons, manatees, mastadons, crocs vs. gators, and moon rocks. We were met by Matt Woodside, Head Curator, who averred that at one time a fully-restored classic Mercedes-Benz 540K was prominently displayed in the museum. Who knew?
We then assembled in the Planetarium for a spectacular presentation of the show, "Passport to the Universe". Our tour concluded with a privated aquarium vieew of two manatees the museum is hehabilitating before their eventual release back in the wild. The museum offers so much more than ancient artifacts.
For lunch we traveled a short distance to the Riverhouse Restaurant, featuring beautiful views and tasty seafood out on the Manatee river in Palmetto. What's more to like than taking in a little history, memorable shows, fascinating animals, and good food with our comrades.
