When the people sat around on the porch and passed around the pictures of their thoughts for the others to look at and see, it was nice. The fact that the thought pictures were always crayon enlargements of life made it even nicer to listen to. -- Zora Neale Hurston
First night in camp; priority #1: get the fire going!!
After supper, a walk down to the Suwanee by the light of a nearly full moon.
A morning paddle on the Suwanee.
All those vultures in the trees. How many paddlers have they lost here lately?
Manatee Springs, in our campground.
My friend Miguel explores the spring.
In other circumstances, this would have been supper.
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I show off my Michelle Obama arms.
Our home for the weekend.
Well, if they popped right out, it wouldn't be very good camoflage, would it?
Sunday morning: Mike and Stacy's boats, ready to take us to the manatees.
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Cold air hits the warm water as we head toward the springhead.
Me and three of me mates.
Finally, into the water we go.
And I spot my first manatee of the trip.
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A young one approaches my friend Martin.
It takes Martin by the arm. "I like you. Will you be my friend?"
Aw!! Sweet.
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"Pluheeeeese, rub my belly."
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"I'm ready for my close-up, Mr DeMille."
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It was difficult to get full shots. Everytime I got distance on one, it swam up and stuck its face in the camera.
A manatee approaches my friend Ralph.
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One of me taken by Capt Mike.
Me trying to take a photo of the baby.
Later, at Homosassa Springs.
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