Now, that has changed. We can definitely say that today, swimming with manatees, was our favorite thing so far. In fact, it's pretty high up on the list of the coolest things that we've ever experienced.
We left Grandma and Pop-pop's at the lovely hour of 6:20 AM for our drive to Crystal River, FL, on the Gulf side of Florida. So far, on this trip, there haven't been too many early mornings, and we definitely have not gotten up before 6 AM, so it was a bit rough.
Since nothing was open, we stopped at McDonalds (yes, you read correctly, McDonalds!) for coffee. Even with their massive advertising campaign for McCafe, their coffee wasn't very good.
We arrived at the Crystal River Dive Shop (we did get a bit lost on our way - it was quite a small dive shop and we drove right by it) just before 8 AM. Had we known we would be squeezing into wet suits on our road trip, maybe we would have eaten less food... But, we do have to say that after squeezing (emphasis on squeezing), we didn't look all that bad. In fact, we did feel a bit like super heroes. That is, until we put on our flippers, then we just felt silly.
There were about 8 other people on our boat - a wide, flat boat that probably didn't go more than 5 miles an hour. In the manatee zones, boats must idle and leave no wake. Having said that, it was a long trip out to the bay where we swam.
Although it did take a bit of time, it was a beautiful boat ride. While on our way, the driver of our boat (we guess you could also call him a guide) told us of all the federal laws protecting the manatees, the rules of swimming with them, and more about the manatee species. Once in the water, you can approach a manatee if you see one, but if it tries to swim away, you cannot swim (or chase) after it. The refuge area has places that humans can swim, and places that humans cannot - these are designated by ropes and buoys, and people cannot even touch or hang onto the ropes or buoys. Our boat driver told us that manatees have virtually no memory, and are very gentle and curious - which is why they approach humans and boats (even though some have been hit by boats before). Many manatees are seriously injured, and even killed, by boats each year. Manatees are most closely related to the elephant (they are mammals and breathe air) and can reach 15 feet and 2,300 pounds.
We were very excited when we reached the refuge area.
Our boat stopped and we jumped in.
Our driver had mentioned that everyone is really excited to see their first manatee - until they actually see it and realize how big it is. Katrina was not nervous because she thought that she would see a manatee (they are big!) before feeling it. This was not the case. Shortly after getting out of the boat, Katrina felt something rubbing on her leg. Now, with a bit murky water, it was a bit disconcerting at first, until she realized that a manatee had approached her and was saying hello. It was just a little guy, maybe 400 pounds or so, and Katrina hung out with it for quite some time until other people realized that it was there.
During the couple hours that we were in the water, we saw quite a few manatees. Below is David petting one of the manatees.
And here is Katrina petting one too.
Closer to our boat, we encountered a manatee that was a pretty big guy - our boat driver estimated him at over 1,000 pounds. We also encountered a manatee that really liked to have its belly scratched, and each time it was touched it would roll over on its back to show its belly. We also got to see two manatees engaged in a "mating roll" - as cool as it was to see, it was also kind of sad. As honeymooners we wonder who would want a group of people gathered around watching while a "mating roll" was taking place?
Touching the skin of a manatee was very interesting - some actually felt like there was algae growing on their backs. Their bellies were very soft, and leather-like. Their faces seemed very small for their big bodies, and were very cute (especially when you got to look at one up close!) Their tails were like big paddles, similar to beavers, and they had little flippers on their sides.
The experience being there with them was actually pretty indescribable. We have had many instances on our trip when pictures don't even come close to doing justice - this definitely was one of those experiences.
After a couple hours in the water (and our boat driver getting a good nap), we headed back to the dive shop. We returned our gear, and picked up a small, stuffed manatee souvenir. We named him "Mo' Manatee." (If only to keep Ernie company...)
After a couple hours in the water (and our boat driver getting a good nap), we headed back to the dive shop. We returned our gear, and picked up a small, stuffed manatee souvenir. We named him "Mo' Manatee." (If only to keep Ernie company...)
Lunch was next on the agenda, and we stopped a nearby restaurant - Charlie's Fish House.
We had some tasty seafood gumbo and crab bisque to start. Below is David's broiled catfish, along with hush puppies, corn and grits. Tasty!
After eating, we were on the road again headed back to Grandma and Pop-pop's.
Our afternoon was also indescribable - but in quite a different way. We did a bit of car maintenance - got an oil change, two new front tires, and even got our "Check Engine" light checked. We picked up some more snacks for us while traveling in the car and some shampoo.
Very exciting.
All in all, one really great day.
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