May 10, 2011
We noticed a large manatee floating near the dock yesterday. It was motionless. An hour later, it was still in the same place. I noticed a large gash near the tail and decided to call someone to report what I thought was a dead critter. After several attempts to reach someone who cares, I was told the gash, due to color, was most likely healing. At the same time, I noticed it slowly raise its nose to the surface and it snorted. Ok it is alive and just sleeping. Just then, a smaller manatee approached the big lazy one and nuzzled up face to face. With no manatee knowledge I could not tell if it was a baby or perhaps the big one’s mate. Either way, you could see that they were getting some really cool face time. Still concerned that old Biggie was in stress, I watched as it floated next to the dock still motionless. Just as I was about to call the manatee guru again, old Biggie raised its head, eyeballed me and produced a very loud, high volume, obnoxious gas bubble from astern and moved on, mate in tow. I am guessing my presence was irritating. I got the hint and went on about my business. So for communing with nature.

The picture is of the loving couple