Florida?� Don't forget the mermaids as Weeki Wachee Springs. Tacky, '50s-style theme with underwater show.� Manatees may be more tasteful and enlightening, though.
�
Stephen

--- On Wed, 1/6/10, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET> wrote:

From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: heading through the deep south soon, anyone on my route?
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 10:26 PM

Florida...one of the best experiences of my life was swimming with the manatees in Crystal River, Florida.� Costs $50 for guide, boat, snorkel equipment, wetsuit.� Excellent.� Usually groups of about 12 in a pontoon boat.� Many places to book tours the day before in Crystal River...I went to "Birds".� Just check the internet.� About a 4 hour experience.� They put in the water at dawn...water is super clear.� Manatees like you to rub their underarms and bellies.� The best time is NOW...winter...when the ocean is cold they move inland into the freshwater springs, so that's where the pontoon boats go.� Prime season is November to February.� Do it..you won't regret.� Vanagon camping (required vanagon content) is nearby, or a cheap local mom and pop motel like I did because it was only late October and still a little warmish and humid, but we still had lots of manatees.

Rich
San Diego

�