I am proud of Valerie and of me. We not only make it to Florida in one long piece, we also back the whole rig into my spot with no yelling or obscenities being exchanged. Since we both agree to volunteer at Three Sisters Springs for National Wildlife Refuge day we are busy with that event as soon as we arrive. In no time at all it is time for me to drive Valerie to Tampa to catch her flight home. Thanks again Val for your excellent navigation and calm setup assistance!!
Kayaking in Kings Bay
The Gulf waters are not yet cool enough to drive the Manatees toward the spring waters of Florida. To prepare for the arrival of the Manatees and their tourist groupies, I am training with experienced volunteers at the Wildlife Refuge. With such great teachers, I should be armed with enough knowledge to hold my own very soon.
After a scheduling struggle, I finally hook up with three lovely young women who train me on Manatee Watch in kayaks. I haven’t paddled in a while and I thank Tonya, Kerrigan and Alexis for their extreme patience with me. Next time I promise to carry and launch my own kayak!
My ornery GoPro joins me on this trip to capture the feel of the morning on video. I manage to get a lot of boat noise and a few good segments of the ride. Using only my knees to hold the camera (haven’t figured out a kayak mount yet) most of the video is a little shaky. Fortunately even the mediocre shots reflect the tranquility of our morning float. Share a morning paddle and a meeting of the manatees with me in the video below.
Did you take a break also or choose the other option ??
I avoided the need for a break and the resulting “Epic Fail” (as the young folks like to say) of trying to get myself in and out of a kayak at that dock because of these 2 factors:
1) I do not drink coffee
2) If I was a coffee drinker, I would (like you) use the wisdom of my age to refrain from downing any before embarking on a voyage that did not include an onboard toilet 🙂
Love you!!
I think you did pretty darn good with that kayak thingy, It was a nice ride and I thank you for taking me along with you. Glad you made it to Fl safely and are having a good time. Pictures were great as far as I can see, what is the difference between the manatee and seals? Good to here form you. GOD BLESS
JD
Jim
Glad you enjoyed the ride. Not sure of all the differences, but I believe seals eat fish but Manatees only eat plants. Also Manatees are related to elephants.
Hugs to you – D
Deb love the video and LOVE pic of the Owl!! We were at Three Sisters in April and the manatees had already left. It is a beautiful area, enjoy and keep posting. Text you soon:)
Theresa
That owl was so sweet. I was allowed to be his sitter for about 30 minutes. He was injured in a car encounter. Everyone wanted to visit with him!
We are so envious. Several years ago on a Florida winter day we went to Tarpon Springs and kayaked with the manatees. They would rub against the kayak as though it was a friend!
(Manatees enjoy warmth and I think seals are more into cool weather.)
Loved your video and you have a very nice campsite. You obviously did a good job with parking.
Enjoy your time there! See you in a dew months.
Val did a great job talking me back into space. It is beautiful here. Looking forward to seeing you in Feb!