We headed out for the gulf again this morning. The water was choppier, which made it a little more interesting. We opted for going out a little further, but there were some really shallow areas, and we didn’t want to get our boats stuck, so we turned around. Dad and Mom were leading, and Dad saw a manatee surface about 10 feet in front of Mom. It’s a little bit of a helpless feeling as one tries to get their boat off the course the manatee might be on, because one really doesn’t want to get dumped if the manatee were to try to surface again under your boat. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. We saw another manatee off to the side also surfacing.
We continued back, enjoying our time together. This afternoon, most of us have been inside, catching up on things. John and Jesse went in the kayaks to explore, and when I saw them coming home, I stepped out to the porch, and John called to me that I should go look for a manatee. I grabbed my camera, rushing upstairs to the second story. SURE ENOUGH! There he was. I was praising the Lord for being able to grab pictures to share with you all. John and Jesse had been following him downstream for a ways. Manatees are such amazing, gentle creatures.
We have been in prayer for this weekend’s conference in Orlando. We’ll be headed there tomorrow!
Love,
Sarah
“As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the Lord alone did lead him…†(Deuteronomy 32:11-12.)
Wow! The kayaking looks fun, but the water sure doesn’t! That great expanse of water looks deep! Glad you’re having a blessed time! Hope your next post about Uriah is a good report! Will pray about the conference!
God bless! Rebecca K.
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What is funny is that most of it wasn’t deep. In fact almost too shallow for the kayaks.
Steve
A wonderful day! My boys used to love seeing the manatee at the Academy of Science in San Francisco. His name was butterball and they loved to simply stand and watch him. A gentle giant.
You mention it being a little uneasy not knowing what the manatee might do, including the possibility of nudging one of the boats and one of you landing in the water. I see you are all wearing life jackets and this is a good thing to do. (Can you tell I’m worrying?:)
What fun you are having even as your travel plans have been halted. God is good, and we honor him in good and not so good times.
Continued prayers for a good week and travel plans to Orlando for a good God blessed conference.
Blessings, Mrs. Mari
Do you kayak in skirts? It seems like it would be easier if slacks or shorts were worn. Admittedly I’ve never kayaked so I don’t know.
I would like to see manatees. I was on the gulf coast of FL 2 years ago, saw dolphins but no manatees.
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Yes, the girls and Teri wore skirts.
Steve
Next time you go, bring a head of lettuce with you. Manatees love lettuce. I used to feed them in the warm waters off Ft. Lauderdale along the Intercoastal.
Aren’t manatee’s just one of the most beautiful creatures to experience in the wild!?…HOw exciting to meet them right next to your boat! We have bald eagles nest in our back yard (50 acres). THey are also wonderful to watch in flight!
Thank you for sharing with us! Blessings, Kelly in MI
I love the photo of Anna practicing music on the bed. Looks so comfy!
Praying for your weekend conference in Orlando. Know many Homeschool families in the area…they will be blessed.
How neat!!
~Joy C
Wow those are amazing pictures!
I have to ask, why aren’t you all wearing lifejackets? I’d be so worried about being in the gulf without a lifejacket on! It’s a good thing those manatees didn’t get too close!!
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Teri and I had approved flotation devices on the kayaks with us. We had to make do with what was available.
Steve