We spent some time in Crystal River FL, the Manatee Capital Of The World! We kayaked with a manatee!!! How cool is that?!? We followed her for a long time, then she said “See ya” and ducked under a row of docks & boats and left us floating there, all alone. We were so close and she was so gentle, we could see her nostrils flair and hear her breathe as she came up for air. I gotta say, for someone who has issues with “things in the water” (those of you who have ever been near me when I’m near water know my issue well), I wasn’t the least bit worried about this 900 lb sea creature below my kayak. I actually thought I could possibly, maybe, snorkel with the manatees one day. Good thing for me, it was too chilly, so I didn’t have to put my money where my mouth is ….. I’ll just consider the kayak adventure a first step!
Unfortunately, the Manatee Capital Of The World is in peril right now. It is going to be a very interesting manatee season for Crystal River, very uncertain. Usually, 500 – 1000 manatees migrate to Crystal River in the Winter to escape the chilly waters of the Gulf Of Mexico and bask in the warm springs in the area. The early birds are just starting to arrive. Unfortunately, the late August hurricane that hit the Crystal River area caused a major tidal surge, and destroyed the manatee’s food source – the grasses that grow on the bottom of the rivers. Manatees eat a lot, over 10% of their body weight each day, so yeah, if your 900 lbs, that’s 90+ lbs of grass a day. You need a lot of river grass to feed those migrating manatees. And the grass isn’t there anymore. The locals are very concerned. The manatees are on their way and the buffet is closed. Nature is not always nice. No one knows what’s going to happen.
OK, enough of my Animal Planet spiel. On to us ……
Our travel season is over. We traveled far in 2023. 6,701 miles. 36 campgrounds. 19 states. We’re in Florida for the winter, official Snow Birds. We’re not doing much here, just living. Saw some family, saw some work friends (both C&L and IBM), saw some RV friends, and started getting back into a routine. It’s nice to be still. So far, we’ve been to the East coast (New Smyrna Beach), the West coast (Crystal River), and central (Orlando). All three areas are pretty well North, we’ll be going more South next. By Spring, we’ll have been all over this sunny, warm, wet and humid state. In March we start our trek back to Arizona. Expecting to be in AZ the whole month of April. Then off on our 2024 adventure in May.
Speaking of 2024, do you remember, the last two years, we left the adventure to chance, letting fate decide where we traveled by picking from a hat? Well, we’re controlling our fate in 2024 and we picked our destination. We’re taking the Big Rig to Alaska! We’re doing a July & August, 63-day, caravan through Western Canada and Alaska. We’re going with a company, they lead the way, make all the reservations and tell us where we need to be and when! All I gotta do is get us to Montana by the end of June! Anyone with an RV out there thinking of Alaska? Come join us! We’re excited.
After that, we think we might just be done with this vagabond life. We’ll have been at this 3 full years by then. Settling down is looking good. Where, you ask?? Not sure yet …. Still thinking it could be Mobile, but giving Florida a good look-see while we’re here. I’ll keep you posted.
The holidays have started. We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are thankful for you – for your love and for your friendship.
Great pictures! I had no idea the manatees were that large. they are bigger than the canoe! Have a wonderful holiday. Enjoy sitting still for a while.
Manatees are huge. Much longer, and wider, than the kayaks! They are so slow moving, and so gentle. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Did you do a family thing or just hang out together?
Happy happy Thanksgiving dear friend. Glad you will be still for awhile and hope we can catch up while you’re in Fl.
I always look forward to your blogs and what I will learn.. Really love the photo of you with the peace sign.
The Alaska adventure sounds exciting…do you know any of the other RVers signed up?
Back at you, my dear friend – Happy Thanksgiving. It is my favorite holiday. Remember our Vail Thanksgivings? Remember me in tears on the ski slopes when I got in over my head?!? I hope you do get to Florida for a little R&R while we’re here. You know what our guest room looks like – and you are always invited. That photo you like, me with the peace sign, I took to show my cousin what my new little white sweater looks like. I liked it too, so it made the blog. We don’t know anyone going to Alaska with us. Maybe my blog will convince someone to join us …… Love you!
Wow what a wonderful adventure with the manatees! Great photos of Florida! Makes me want to go back there for a visit!
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. We’re in snowy Salt Lake City. But it feels nice being in the snow during the holiday, especially with family.
It’s funny, even after 18 years of Tucson, I still think of snow at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m glad I don’t have to drive in it or shovel it, but I always think it’s appropriate! Enjoy David’s family for Thanksgiving! It sounds like you had a crowded table! I know you are enjoying your friends too. Nothing like visiting friends that you can just pick up where you left off!
Wonderful adventures for sure! So happy we could be incorporated with your journey 💕we will see you again soon!
I’m glad you are part of our journey too! Happy Thanksgiving! We’re back in the area the week before Christmas. Maybe we can get together again? I’ll txt you as it gets closer.
Great pics and fabulous story. We wish u come back to Az permanently, but we know being close to family is so important!
We just got home in time for our 51st anniversary and Thanksgiving after 80 Days RVing, 8,000 miles 14 States and Canada we spent our children’s inheritance on diesel fuel. (Giggle)
But what a Magical adventure!
You went farther in 80 days than we did all year! I guess that’s because you went all the way back to AZ. We took a pitstop in Florida! 🙂 I know what you are saying about diesel. I cringe every time we fill up….. Glad you are home safe! See you in April.
Love the stories and the photos, especially the birds!
The bird pics are always for you! 🙂