It was also extremely windy, so not the best day for photos:
These guys were playing right at the base of Blue Spring. 35 degree outside temp, 69 degree water temp in the spring. When the temperature drops, the manatees must move out of the river and into the springs to survive the cold weather.
This cow tucked her very young calf under the mangrove. She is checking on it.
They are so cute, but which one is Batman? Sorry I couldn’t resist. I like the photo 3rd from the last.
Those are great pictures! They’re such gentle giants. Running right through the center of Jacksonville, FL is the St. Johns River, a few miles from our home in Ponte Vedra Beach. The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring is 2 hours south of us. It is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home (mid-November through March) to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. The spring´s crystal clear, 73´degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner. Swimming or diving with manatees is not permitted and is strictly enforced. It’s hard to believe they were once mistaken for mermaids, with all that blubber and whiskers!
Maybe because they look voluptuous? The Whiskers I can not explain.
What keeps people from entering the manatee zone?
They are surrounded and protected by GSD’s with herding and schutzhund championship titles. Enter at your own risk!
Actually, during the winter season, the spring and spring run is closed to all water related activities including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and boating from November 15 through March 1. I haven’t been there, but I assume they simply post that area as closed, with consequences imposed upon trespassers.
You’re right, Julie – the “ideal” woman was far more Reubenesque in days past. Today, many men must feel like they’re sleeping with a bed of coat hangers!
I LOVE these pics, Carole!! Makes me want to grab my dive gear and hop in!!