Wow!!!! This has been such an EXCTING day in more ways than any one could have ever imagined. Where to begin? Hmmm!!!!
After only 4-5 hours or so of sleep, the wake up call got us up at 4:30 am for our morning with the Manatees. A bagged breakfast waited for us in the breakfast area consisting of a muffin, a bagel, cereal and juice. We boarded the bus and departed for Crystal Springs just a little after 5 am. Mr. Hutton did not waste any time and by 5:20am he had already began his third nap of the trip. Most of us actually decided to take a nap and take advantage of the hour and a half ride in the dark.
Dude, Shawn and the Gang at the American Pro Dive Shop were ready for us as we pulled in the parking lot and everyone quickly got suited up in their wetsuits, fins and masks. After a short bus ride to the dock, the group was split up onto 3 different boats. We got ourselves situated and headed out to the manatee sanctuaries. It did not take us long to find the PERFECT spot to anchor and begin our manatee encounter. This was, according to Kristin, “one of the best encounters” she has ever had while out with a group. There were so many manatees. They were playful, approachable, willing to be touched and stayed closed to the surface. Everyone got to see, interact, and touch the manatees several times. The picture opportunities were many and great.
Back on land we learned that the belt to the AC in the bus had broke and we would have to deal with no “air” for awhile. Eric, our super bus driver, got on the phone and by the afternoon had new belts installed and the AC back in working order again.
Mr. Hutton took his second nap of the day and # four for the trip.
After watching the video at the Pro shop of our Manatee experience, we drove 30 minutes to Rainbow River for our river float. Lunch from Quizno’s hit the spot and was enjoyed by all before actually beginning the second activity of the day. The boats took us up the river about a mile, we got in and began floating and snorkeling down the river. With the clear water we were able to see everything. The eel grass, the fish, the sand and the bottom, even if it was 15 or more feet deep. There were opportunities to free dive, to explore and look for fossils. We got to see the Logger Head turtle and the Yellow Belly Slider Turtle, as there were plenty of them around.
As we traveled to our final activity for the day that took place at the Homosassa State Park, Mr. Hutton managed to fit in his fifth nap on this trip so far. At the park we participated in a fun scavenger hunt as we walked around and learned about the many different species of animals that can be found in Florida including Alligators, Flamingos, Red Wolfs, Barn Owls, and many, many more.
Dinner at Golden Corral was a hit with all. Eating as much as you want always works with a bunch of hungry teenagers. We watched a movie “Bee’s” and worked on our WS journals to help occupy the time it took to get back to the hotel. Surprise – Mr. Hutton did NOT take another nap making the total count as of now five.
Back at the hotel we had pool time BUT no sooner had everyone got out to the pool and began having fun, when the fire alarm went off. Everyone had to evacuate. Fortunately it was not serious and we were able to return to our rooms – no pool – fairly soon. Someone had cooked something too long in the microwave on the 4th floor, which caused the alarm to go off. At least we know it works and the hotel is well prepared to handle this kind of situation.
We all agree that it’s been a super great day and that we need a good nights sleep.
Tomorrow is Sea World Day, located only 5 minutes from the hotel. We get to sleep in until 8 am. How great is that?
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