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Entering
Crystal River after dark didn't enlighten us to the nature
preserve we were entering.
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The only inclination we had was
the marker stating that it was a manatee area and that we were to
proceed with caution. After tying up at Pete's Pier we
retired for the night, but not before Winston explored the dog
walk.
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Awaking
the next morning we observed pelicans swimming by the boat and
sitting on the roof of the pier.
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Egrets
were walking on shore and perched on boats.
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By
seven o'clock we saw pontoon boats loading people on board to go
scuba diving or snorkeling. An hour later a bus load of middle
school students arrived to go swimming with the manatees. With
these suttle signs we knew this area was worthy further
exploration. So off we went finding that this little laid
back marina was an invigorating three mile walk to breakfast at
Grandma's Restaurant.
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We later discovered that the latest count of manatees
recorded 384 in the Crystal River area, the largest in the state.
Watching a mother and her calf rise next to our moored boat peaked
an interest into finding out more about these Gentle Giants.
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Manatees are gentle and slow moving mammals spending most of their
time eating, resting, and in travel.
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The manatee are herbivores
feeding on both floating and submerged plants eating between 32 an
108 pounds of food a day using their front flippers to bring food
to their mouth or for steering and their large tail for forward
motion.
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Breathing is thru nostrils
on the upper surface of their snout which close tightly like
valves when submerged and can stay under water for as long
as 20 minutes, but usually breath every 2 to 3 minutes. The
average life span is between 50- 60years.
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There
are no known predators to manatees, however cold weather and fast
boat travel has taken a toll on the manatee population. With new
conservation methods and public awareness the Florida population
has continued to increase.
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For the classes that are following our travels send
us a picture you have drawn of manatees and any interesting facts
you might have discovered and we will add some of your thoughts to
this web page.
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