Monday 29 December 2008

A Manatee Special Day!

Today was a very special day! Roxanne and Beth with their families from Washington State met mama and papa at Homosassa, FL to swim with the Manatee's! Some of our party actually touched Manatee's. Papa had a baby manatee swim right underneath him! We all wore wet suits and used masks & snorkels to swim with Manatee's. The water is spring fed and flows to the gulf. The Manatee's come to the spring area from the gulf in the winter to be in the warmer water.

After our encounter with the Manatee's we went to our place for a burger cookout. We had a great time - only heard one terrifying scream - precious Charlotte was holding a small lizard at papa's house when it jumped on a bare spot just below her neck. heh heh! Would have made a great GEICO commercial!

Papa and others wept as papa prayed and blessed the food as we stood and held hands. Roxanne also prayed and thanked GOD for our many blessings. Mama and papa love our blogging family.

23 comments:

CrossView said...

Sounds like Miss Charlotte squealed like...
a girl! =D

I remember when my k discovered that lizrds do indeed bite. And they have quite a grip! LOL!

You didn't do any (sea) cow tipping, did you??!! ;o)

JoEllen said...

Now did Mama actually get in the water? :)

JoEllen said...

Maybe you could demonstrate to Charlotte like you did to Blake how little ocean crabs pinchers do not hurt! I think there was blood involved with that one! :)

Anonymous said...

Papa, It must have been a thrill to share the water with such gentle, and beautiful, creatures.

As long as they did not mistake you for one of their own I guess you don't need to go on a post Christmas diet.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - She sure did squeal! lol It startled her! no cow tipping today!!

Jo - hi !! My favorite daughter! :o)Love you!! Mama stayed on the boat - most of the time you had to 'float' so being a swimmer is a must. heh heh, nope, no demo's from papa today!! LOL Shhhhh - don't give up your papa's secrets!

Indian Lake Papa said...

ED - it was a blast! The baby manatee's were so curious - but would stay close to mom. We had a great guide who worked with us well. I think I did confuse the manatee's as to who and what I was! LOL Welcome back!

CrossView said...

JoEllen- Do tell!
More! More! More!
LOL!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - my daughter had better hush! This post is about Manatee's - not papa's secrets! LOL

Anonymous said...

Sounds like everyone had a fun time. I did notice mama wearing a jacket in the picture...I've never seen her without a sweater or jacket. If she ever gets warm let me know. I want to witness that!!!!

From the one who is usually always too warm!!!

Janis

Indian Lake Papa said...

We had a wonderful time Janis - it was a little cool in the morning - we all shudder when we got out of the water!

Anonymous said...

I would love to swim with Manatees! We traveled down to the Ichetucknee River a few months ago and tubed and swam down it. It was so crystal clear and cold! No manatees though, only bass and snakes...but don't tell my wife about the snakes!

Anonymous said...

I'm so jealous you got to swim with manatees and my friend Rox! How fun! I've been e-mailing back and forth with JoEllen. I'm getting so excited to folow their journey for their new princess. Anyway, we're feeling a bit cold up here in Indy and are heading out on Wednesday for a last minute excursion to see Mickey Mouse!!! Love, Denene

Indian Lake Papa said...

Russ - didn't see any snakes! Several manatees and lots of fish. I love to tube float!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Denene - nice to have you drop by! We had a great time - today will be boring w/out them. Jo is working today - make money for their trip!

Peter Olson said...

I love that wedding photo of you, you both look so happy!

Flordia is a good place to see animals.

Your wife should write a book, "The Adventures of Indian Lake Papa and Me".

Peter J. Olson

Indian Lake Papa said...

Ha! Peter, I am afraid what mama might say in that book! LOL She is my best friend - 43 years. Mama could still fit in that wedding dress - me, thats another story!

Devoted said...

Sounds like another great adventure! I am just now getting around to catching up with my blogger buddies. Your post about the Christmas devotional was so inspiring. I pray you all have a wonderful rest of 2008. God bless you richly.

Strider said...

Have a blessed New Year. Thanks for stoppig by my site from time to time. Strider

Technonana said...

Oh I am so jealous!! Last year while visiting in Florida, my husband and I watch the manitee swimming around in the bay at Amelia Island. Beautiful, peaceful creatures!!!
Glad you and Mama are having such a good time!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Devoted - it was another great adventure w/bloggers. We had a great time with new friends.

Strider - I try to keep up with my blog roll each week. I feel like family.

Sharon - it was a blast with wonderful new friends!

"A Small Gift, but Well-Timed" said...

Papa,
We finally got an internet connection--slow, so I can't send pics yet--will do that as soon as we're home. Our day with you will NEVER be forgotten. We all had so much fun with you and Mama. Yes, I admit, I was the teary-eyed one and they were shed even more as we left you. You are all a special part of our family. God has certainly blessed us with you and our time together.
Love you,
Beth (for all the Pearsons and Burtons)

Anonymous said...

WOW. You've made some great friends and wonderful memories.

What a blessed life!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Beth - when I walk out to the driveway I sense your presence - I really do. Papa weeps - that was a very special day and memories were made. Will be praying you have a safe trip home.

Michelle - we are all part of a great family.