Our friends headed home to Michigan today but not without a great Florida send off from a Mama Manatee and her baby. Yesterday morning Tom was cleaning the boat and this big manatee was attracted to the fresh water from the hose. I commandeered the hose and Uncorked became Sea World. First we held the stream over her head and she opened her mouth to drink. Then, while getting in position to touch her, I accidently let the end of the hose go into the water and she latched onto it like a baby to a nipple. Seriously, I couldn't get it out of her mouth without really pulling. It was just like trying to take Ella's bottle away! This manatee was right next to our swim platform we were eye to eye. What a sweet and wonderful encounter. She let me pet her head and everything. None of us had ever seen a manatee so close up and it was really quite an experience. Her baby just hung out underneath Mama's flipper and showed no interest in the fresh water and Mama seemed to keep her away from it. Fresh water must not be good for baby manatees - it was like all the new human mommies who say "no dairy!" as naughty grandparents try to slip a little whipped cream into their mouths (not that we would ever do anything like that) I made a slideshow of our manatee encounter - if you scroll over the picture to the left and click, I believe it will open in large format. First try at this - no promises.
That was the last wonderful vacation moment for The Lozons. Yesterday they left for Miami to stay at the airport since their flight was so early this morning and on their way they realized that they'd left their winter coats on the boat. Then they received an email informing them of the Harsens Island Ferry shutting down until the ice jams could be cleared (could be days) The only way to get to their home would be on the uncovered airboat, which is not only scary but cold as hell (remember where their winter coats are??) They got up this morning at the crack of dawn to get through security at the airport with time to relax over a newspaper and a cup of coffee. You can imagine their disappointment in arriving at the airport and finding out that their airline only flies out of "Ft. Lauderdale/Miami Area" not Miami International Airport. In a panic they hailed a taxi to Lauderdale and $80 later they found themselves racing through the terminal and onto the flight. But - whew - they made it. So much for coming home refreshed.
Had a visit today from Chris LaBelle, Rick LaBelle and Jeff Sangster on their way to Key West. Mel stopped by as well. It's kind of fun connecting with people from home for quick visits. Tomorrow Bro-in-law Tim arrives for a week and agreed to be the Galley Wench (great cook - we will eat well this week!)
Wonder what wildlife we'll encounter next?
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Hi, this is Melon on Harsen's Island! I run the Harsens Island News website, www.harsensisland.blogspot.com. The Lozons will have warm, waterproof jackets to wear when they cross the river by airboat. These are provided by the Harsens Island Fire Department.
ReplyDeleteCheck the website later in the week and you may see pictures of them riding the airboat! A nice young man on the Island, Justin Sears, has been taking pictures and video of people coming and going by airboat so...when things settle down around here we are going to post them on the website.