We have been in the water all DAY started out this morning with River Adventures, captain says we have to do scalloping first because of afternoon storms so out to the scalloping grounds a one hour boat trip. Perfect conditions hot still no wind, into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico the water was about 10ft deep and the scallops were plentiful. Sheena our guide showed us what we had to do but of course Paul was off and collecting scallops instantly. I on the other hand took a while to work out how to get down that far. It was a very relaxing and quite and addictive pastime floating with the current and diving to get the critters when spotted.
Mariah the captain was keeping a close eye on the horizon and called us in when the thunder could be heard so of we went with enough scallops for tea into the eye of the storm thunder lightning and stinging rain but it wasn't cold and we all had fun chasing the storm..
Once we were back into Crystal River we headed to the manatees and found them casually eating sea grass in the canals with suburban houses close by, near Hunter Springs where we had been swimming 2 days before. With wet suits on and strict instructions on quiet swimming we were in the water again swimming with the manatees huge gentle giants that weren't bothered by all the onlookers, they have the tourists well organized and the protected manatees are increasing in numbers.
So a great day was had by all I don't think I have spent a whole day in the water like that for many years.
