Looking for Mermaids
Greg and I opted to stay an extra day exploring around Crytal River. We’ve been in this area previously for a Spring Break and had great success finding manatees. Albeit, March is better to spot these “mermaids” since they come in more during cold weather. It is not cold in Florida in June. Always up for an adventure, we rented a canoe and headed out on Crystal River. Lots of turtles. Spoke to tourists. No manatees.
Not wanting to leave Crystal River manatee free, we texted our (former) local expert, Ryan Flatt. Having graduated from University of Tampa with degrees in biology, marine science, and environmental science, then working in the Tampa area for 2 additional years, he was our phone a friend for where to look. We drove down a bit to Chassahowitzka and that was an experience well worth the time. This area isn’t touristy. It’s a dock around where 3 springs kind of merge together. On the dock, we found a group of (not all of them that old) men passing the time with beer and tall tales. They were quite informative, friendly, and fun. Ryan had mentioned that they were usually there and had given him some teasing pointers when he had to back a trailer and launch his boat for work when he was there last. Anyway, we enjoyed our visit including stories of the alligator attack one year, and also the youth who tried to jump on a manatee. Now if you don’t know, manatees are protected, and it is highly illegal to even try and touch them. Jumping on the back of one would be an incredibly fragrant violation of the law. This youth did indeed jump on the manatee, and did indeed, land on its back—and then proceeded right though the manatee as it was quite dead. Sometimes Mother Nature takes care of her own justice.
We did see several manatees at Chassahowitzka including a baby. Ryan’s was spot-on with his recommendations. After taking our pictures and saying our goodbyes to the roosters’ social club, we headed back for dinner. There is a delicious place for Cajun food in Crystal River, Cajun Jimmy’s Seafood Seller & Cafe . If you’re every near there, you should go. Coincidentally, it’s located right next to a Thai restaurant—Thaiphoon!
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