The Hendo's Dream Florida Holiday..Take Two- Day 10. Kayaking the Crystal River - I Spot a Manantee!

[sophsters]

Day 10 started about 10 am, we left the villa ... NO swim this morning and stopped in past Macdonalds for some breakfast. Our journey up to Citrus county would take us about 1.5 hrs, but we decided to go off the main highways and see some more country.

We arrived into Crystal river around 12.30, just giving us enough time to look round the gift shop we visited last time who sell everything mantee <3 and then my husband... without the sat nav... drove us straight to the Crystal river kayak company place remembering it from 3 years ago. I swear he's part pigeon! We watched the safety video warning us not to poke the manatee, and off we went to get our boats. Max and Niamh decided they were having one each this time, so i got one to myself, and Marc shared with Tom as he wasnt so keen.

We headed stright for the springs, past a sunbathing turtle, got our snorkels on and the Gopro out and jumped straight in. Eek its cold, but refreshing. We spent about an hour swimming about, watching the fish and having fun. Its to beautiful and clear and still, i could spend all day here if i could.

Then we hopped back onto the kayaks and went round the canals and out into the lake, before realising we were very close to our 2hr limit and had to about turn and paddle like we'd never paddled before. We were totally pushing it, and Max was struggling to keep up so i said id go ahead and tell them we were coming. As i went on down the canal i noticed a grey floaty thing that looked a bit odd... then it moved and blew bubbles... a MANATEE!

Omg i nearly fell in. Last time we visited in September and knew we probably wouldnt see any, and didnt, so we had totally written off seeing one in June but here he was right in front of me! A wild manatee... what a treat. I followed him along while signalling to everyone else that he was there, but he was moving fast... luckily towards the kayak docks so we just followed him in Hubby tried to catch him underwater on the Gopro and kind of did...

And when we docked (just in the nick of time) mr manatee was going about his business all around the dock so we could watch and film him. They are so sweet and strange, and he totally didnt care about us being there, it was hard to leave him

We stopped by Inverness (not to be confused with the Inverness Scotland we live in ha ha) for a mcflurry, and drove by Lake Henderson (my second name...) and noticed a huge storm across the Lake. So we stopped to watch the lightening. It was soooo windy.. but like being in front of a warm hairdryer.. a very strange feeling. Then it was time to hit the rd and head home.

We got changed and went out for food at Applebys, it was beautiful. A nice change from junk food, i had chicken with mash and veg and really enjoyed it. Would definitly return next time we visit.

So a very fun but tiring day as the heat had worn us out, but the manatee made it and was one on the highlights of the holiday

[Waltdisnae]

That sounds great! And a photo catching the lightening strike too.

[scottishnellie]

Wow that looks fantastic! My kids would love that so I think I will have a look at this.

Loving your report!