.........................Lines from the Loehrs: December 2011

A little background: I have loved, loved, LOVED manatees every since about the 2nd grade. I saw a "Reading Rainbow" special on them, and it was all over. Every book report from that point on was on my favorite animal, I became a walking encyclopedia about the subject (they won't harm anyone or anything in self defense or even to protect their young, and are known as "gentle giants," they eat sea grass, and live almost solely in Florida.) I've had the jewelry, t-shirts, figurines, and even a stuffed animal named Max, that I slept with until I got married.

It's accurate to say that I've waited my entire life to actually see them in person. In every book I've ever read, the only place you can go to see manatees, and snorkel with them, (scuba bubbles scare them off) is in Crystal River, Florida. In August, my slightly unique dream came true, and Dustin and I headed to Florida! Insert squeals of excitement here.

Words can't even express how happy these pictures make me! Manatees are so friendly and curious. Dustin even got a kiss from that whiskery face! Much like our dog, Marlow, they looove to have their tummies pet. They eventually sink to the bottom like that, and then swim up and roll over again.

Meet Lumpy! He hung around us the entire time we were in the water. We found out that manatee moms love to use humans as babysitters. They come check out the divers to see if they're trustworthy, and then they bring their babies over. After that, they go eat on their own, and occasionally come back to check in with their young. It was hilarious, and so much fun!

This is Glen our tour guide whose former career was alligator wrestling. No joke. He was hilarious and an awesome guide.

After swimming with the manatees, we headed further up the river to the "Three Sisters". What an incredible place to snorkel! At about this point, it occurs to me that no one has asked the obvious question: are there alligators here? So before I even stuck a toe in the water, I asked Glen... He informed me that being cold blooded creatures, swimming in a cold river wasn't something they like.... So I trustingly jumped in....

(My favorite rule is "no riding" the manatees.)

....then after I get back on the boat Glen says, "Aw, Jessica I was sad I didn't see my 4 foot alligator friend today," as he starts to laugh. I just stared and he said, "What? I knew you'd never get in the water if you knew there were alligators in there." Touche.