We braved the kamakazi mosquitoes, torrential downpour, attacking vegetation and wildlife, and ramming watercraft to survive the kayak/canoe trip down the Weeki Wachee river. Actually, there was a nice, short cooling rain, we caused our own worst ramming problems, and wildlife was hospitable and amazing!
It must have been obvious to the other kayakers that we were on the clueless path, because we were aggressively passed by dozens of boats as we began our 7 mile journey down the spring-fed river. It shouldn't have been too difficult as we were following the current. But the river was not laid out in a straight path, and someone (God?) planted low hanging trees in the most inopportune locations.
We saw giant horseflies, schools of fish, large lazy turtles and....drum roll please...a baby manatee! Turning one of the many curves in the river, we happened upon a group of canoes and people in the water. They said they were swimming with a manatee. So, we waded over and sure enough. Lazily swimming across the river was a 6 foot manatee who apparently loved the human attention he (she?) was getting. He would roll over and let the kids rub his tummy. Then would stick his snout out of the water to breathe before diving back into the water for more attention. What a treat for us!
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