Crystal River and Manatees

Flying to Tampa I joined up with a group of gals to enjoy Crystal River and search for a manatees (Sea Cows).  Crystal River Adventure Center provided the boat, a Captain, 5 mm wetsuits, and a guide.  The first stop we saw a couple manatees but the water was very murky.  Next stop we got a better look, the sun came out, and the water was clearer. We were told to snorkel, use only our hands, no kicking or fins, and to try to be still and quite. I was able to get a few decent pictures.  The next morning Betsy and I did a sunrise kayak trip and lucked out to find a aggregation of 10-12 manatees that were interested in mating.  We sat in silence and watched them play, swim under our kayaks, and splash!  They seemed to be oblivious to us. 

Early sailors identified manatees as mermaids…very plump mermaids!

The rest of the trip included more kayaking at Hunter Springs, a trip to Tarpon Springs and lunch at a Greek Restaurant, a history of sponge diving, and a boat ride and picnic.

Our final dinner was at Blackwood Restaurant in Yankeetown…the food was amazing. I had grouper, stuffed with crab, topped with shrimp in a garlic cream sauce.

My new Greek Sponge Diver friend, Demetri

                                                                             

                                                                          Plantation at Crystal River was our home base!