Manatee

My first encounter with a manatee was in 1951, when I was five years old and paddling alone in my aunt’s Jon-boat along an intercoastal waterway that emptied into Lake Worth. I thought I had discovered a sea monster! In the 70 years since then, I’ve encountered these gentle giants many more times in various streams, rivers, and springs around Florida. As a former Navy Frogman, these are underwater companions that are friendly, a bit shy, but still curious.