Q: Hi! I have 10 days' vacation beginning Christmas Eve and will be heading for Florida to camp (in an RV, with a dog). I had a fabulous vacation in Feb/March 2000 in the Everglades (was there for Bird Week) and Ding Darling. Where can I go the end of December that there would be visible wildlife? I don't know how your "seasons" run there. I'd love to see birds of course, and manatees in their natural habitat. (Last year, I went to Homosassa Springs.) Thanks!

A: Great! Sounds like a fun holiday time -- one to remember.

On a broad scope, Florida has 2 seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The wet season is more or less hurricane season -- June through November. So you'll be in Florida in the dry season. This is the best time to visit Florida for the weather and for wildlife watching. (Native Floridians and people who have lived in Florida for several years can tell winter, spring, summer and fall apart from these 2 main seasons.)

It sounds as though you have traveled enough in Florida to know what you want. To see birds and manatees, the Homosassa area is fine -- especially if you take a side trip to the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge -- but it sounds as though you'd like to go someplace new. With all of Florida's natural areas, I don't blame you! I'd suggest a couple of places:

• Blue Spring State Park near Orange City. This park is well-known for its manatees and manatee programs. Many kinds of wading birds, and Florida scrub jays, can be seen here.
  
  
• St. Sebastian River Buffer Preserve near Fellsmere. A canal there leads to the Indian River, and you can observe manatees and waterfowl as well as woodland birds and sandhill cranes. Your best bets for overnight are at Sunshine Travel Park (800-628-7081) south of Sebastian or Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area.

I hope this is helpful for you and your canine friend. Happy holidays!

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