Magical, Mystical Manatee

It was very early and I could hear Jim saying, Babes get up it's time.  I rolled over and thought, time,what time ?  Then I remembered, oh yes I wanted up early to see the manatees-before the sun came up on Deep Springs.  I threw on my clothes,grabbed my jacket and camera and we started the 3/4 mile hike to the springs.

It's always worth it to get up early for those magical moments you encounter just as the sun is coming out.  Walking down the boardwalk was like walking through a primordial forest.  I expected a dinosaur to walk across our path as we hiked through the fog.  Spanish moss hanging from the trees and the songs of the morning birds were our only companions.

And then we came around the slight bend in the boardwalk and there they were-the sweet gentle creatures. Some rolling in the water,some splashing, some sleeping.  What a sight, you can't help but feel blessed and fortunate to share a moment like this with these mystical creatures.

This was the first time I have seen manatees and now I understand why sailors thought they were sirens of the sea.  They roll so gently and so gracefully and looks so at peace-it makes you want to join them.

We watched for quite some time, listening to the sounds of their breath as they came to the surface. It was amazing to see how they almost appeared to snuggle with each other and reach out and touch each other ever so gently. I felt honored to be able to share those moments.

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

Albert Einstein