Swimming with the manatees

Manatees and me

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.

Manatees

The day we went out to swim with the manatees it was cold, and rainy, but the guide said this was a good thing because there would be more manatees in the area of warm water we were going to. He was right, we saw about 200 that day!

They were pretty amazing! But I was also intrigued by the fish everywhere.

The lack of sun didn't help the photos any, but at least we got some.  Oh, and we bought the bag to put the 40D in, but it decided to stop working once it was in the bag, still haven't looked into what's wrong with it, and haven't got to try the bag out.  All these were taken with the little waterproof point and shoot.

More manatees tomorrow!