Crystal River

Reached Crystal River around lunch time so we went of exploring the river, when at a little harbour area 2 manatee's gracefully glided past us. I was amazed as for many years I had been coming here and never seen any. Drove round to the coast area for a nice walk, a few more harbours and a nice little area of the river where people swim and relax, Hunters Spring.

Checking into a hotel for the night and the receptionist said about eating in a place called Cody's. We took her advice and I had a great steak there, while you are waiting they bring you a bucket of monkey nuts so everywhere in the restaurant is covered with nut shells. 

The next day we drove around the same places hoping to spot some more manatee's. Parked up in Hunters Spring and two young girls were in the water playing when a manatee swam right up to them. I was amazed and we just watched this huge creature just sitting there in the water. It wasn't long before I was changed and in the water with this lovely creature. I had dreamt this moment for years and now I was in the water with one. Sally soon joined me and for a good hour we just watched and took photos, our fun was cut short by a jobs worth tour guy with a boat full of kids looking for the manatees. He said we shouldn't be swimming so close to them, shouldn't duck dive to take photos, shouldn't this and shouldn't do this. Anyway the 2 little girls mum went mad at him for shouting at her daughters and then a shouting match started and when yanks get going they don't stop. We slowly slid out of the water and waited until the group had left the area, but sadly so had the manatee. We stayed in the park and got some sun then went to the shops to grab some bits for a picnic back at the park. Some more manatees were spotted so we went to look but the water was very murky but could make out it was a mother and her calf, amazing. Spent the rest of the day there just chilling and watching these amazing gentle creatures.

Very tired and hot we started the last 80 miles home. Sad the trip was over but it's always nice to be home in your own bed.