Although the day was cold, we were eager to jump in with the manatees. Dennis and I kept switching the camera back and forth and I really can't tell you who took which photos, but all of the manatee photos were taken by my husband or me.
A sweet baby with mama.
They would come right up and rub against you, or go between your legs, they really seemed to like people. This one is rubbing on Dennis. We were told to not pet them like you would your dog because it's not good for them to think of people too nicely, that's how they get caught in boat motors. We were allowed to touch them, just not stroke them.
Here he comes.
I was a little freaked out when one started nibbling on my foot. It didn't hurt but he did almost pull me under, it was pretty weird to have something that big gently gnawing on your foot.
One happily held onto Susan (a lady from our boat).
See, he's smiling.
Me racing the manatee, who will win?
I lost, surprise surprise.
This is my favorite shot from the day. Haden and the manatee checking each other out.
I was the first one back out of the water. I was so cold! My teeth were chattering. I just thought that even in February Florida would be warm, lol.
Once I got back on the boat I took a few shots from above water.
VERY cool pics Lisa!!! What a fun trip that must have been. I think I would be a little bit scared to swim with the manatees....they seem so BIG!!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing series of underwater photos. I like how tenderly the manatee holds Susan's leg.
ReplyDeleteIt looks that it wants to give you a kiss in the last underwater photo, as a compensation for loosing the race.
Wow, what an experience.
ReplyDeleteSo out of my comfort zone:-)
ReplyDeleteI don't know what I envy more: your courage or the fact that you were in a position to experience this.
Amazing images. I would have come earlier, but didn't know what a manatee was.
wow! aren't they strange creatures, sort of ugly but cute
ReplyDeleteI loved this post!
ReplyDeleteFlorida usually is warm in February, but this past winter was unusually cold and set new records! Apparently I brought the cold with me when I moved here in January from Wisconsin! It was unusually cold from then on, LOL.
Come back this next Feb! ;)
incredible
ReplyDeleteSo, so, SO SO SO AWESOME Lisa!!! Thank you for sharing these, they put a giant smile on my face! I love how gentle they are! I would be so scared but there is nothing that would keep me from participating in that. It looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI can't get enough of these pics....magnificent!
ReplyDeleteWhat a thrill to be able to swim with these amazing creatures.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I could do that! I admire you!
ReplyDeleteThose are amazing!!
ReplyDeleteFlorida usually is warm during February, but all our teeth were chattering last Feb. which broke many cold records for that month.
I think you took the first one.
ReplyDeleteWow. This is awesome stuff. Fantastic shots.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a wonderful thing to do! I hope you had a great time... even if it was a bit on the cold side!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the pic of you racing the manatee! Looks like much better weather under the water than above it. Florida was crazy cold this past winter. I felt bad for everyone who went on vacation for the warmer weather and didn't get it at all.
ReplyDeleteI really don't know much about manatees. I had no idea they were this large. They are cute in an odd sort of way. Love the hug shots.
ReplyDeleteoh Lisa
ReplyDeletewow fabulous pics, what a great experiance would luv to do that, sue,x
That is absolutely AWESOME!!! What an amazing experience!
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting for these photos ... so cool! I love how they look ... so friendly and sweet. You wish you could just protect them!
ReplyDeleteAwesome pictures ... too bad it was so cold. Love the photo of you racing. They really look like big dogs playing in water.
ReplyDelete