Swimming with Manatees

Today was our annual day with my friend Tiffany and her family.  We are so grateful they take time out of their Florida vacation to spend time with us. Tiffany picks the best adventures and we have a great time. 

And today was no exception to the great adventures. Tiffany invited us to Crystal River to swim with manatees. Andrew has wanted to go for years, making this perfect timing.

We woke up at 6 am and got everyone ready for the drive to Crystal River, almost 2.5 hours away from our home. 

Gabriel had a horrendous time transitioning to the new activity from the van. Alex had a difficult time staying quiet and still when necessary. I want to blame  the fact that they got their medication late but I don't know, it might be due to having a bad day. 

We watched the mandatory two videos and changed into wet suits.  Egads!!  Wetsuits are tight and uncomfortable bits of clothing but wow were the kids cute in them. 

We had two mishaps that aren't even worth mentioning except that its something that would happen to us on such a neat trip.  The boat got stuck so our husbands jumped into the water to help free the pontoon. Later, when washing the masks and snorkels, the captain sprayed the alcohol and baby shampoo mixture into Lane's eye.  It isn't an adventure without a mishap! 

The captain found a young female manatee about 1.5 years old. She still stays by her mother even though she has a new calf and even learns how to care for the calf. Almost everyone on our boat swam to see the manatee. 

She loved human contact.  She pushed against the group and enjoyed being touched. The manatee rolled on the captains foot and had no fear of our group. It was amazing, to say the least. 

After Alex and Andrew swam back to the boat, Gabriel and I swam to meet the manatee. I became nervous when my feet touched the murky bottom. I have no interest in surprising a gator 

Gabriel had a tough time keeping his feet still but she went right up to his feet. I was slightly anxious about her grabbing Gabriel and the sheer mass of this creature was intense. 

The captain talked sweetly to her and told me later that the manatees learn his voice and will come to him as they get to know him.  The manatee's mom called her and shortly after showing her face out  of water, she took off.

Lane only got in the water for a short amount of time and didn't want to get in again.  Even though she can swim, she would have done better with a life jacket.

We also saw a dolphin and a small shark in the water.  The captain pointed out the spring and explained many aspects of manatee behavior and the river.  We also saw one of John Travolta's houses.  

After our manatee adventure, we headed to a seafood restaurant in Homosassa, Fl.  The food was great and we got to watch monkeys on an island outside the restaurant. 

Hooray for adventures with friends!