The Humble Manatee

The Manatee inspires from a different place than other facets in nature.

It is to me that the Manatee is a big, humble and loveable underdog

Slow, quiet and unassuming - they are defenseless in a fast paced world. 

Many of the lumbering sea cows are scarred as a result.

Yet they put up with us humans as we invade their space and endure us the best they can.

Case in point -  I took the picture below seconds before the giant swoosh of a huge and powerful tail flipped my kayak.   Yes,  I was standing in the boat as this manatee passed under me while also coming up for air.  When I saw it approaching, I'm ebarrased to say - I was frozen. 

The unexpected swim killed my camera . . . Doh!

So now I try to tell the story as often as I can to get my money's worth.

Still, they go about their lives in the midst of a complexity they were not designed to fathom. 

I see them as though they are a modern day Job.  They are hassled, hit and sliced from every direction.  They must feel terror as they hear the boat motor getting louder and louder - closer and closer, knowing the danger but unable to move fast enough to avoid it. 

 Yet, they are not repelled by our presence. 

 With all we do that upsets their world, They remain filled with curiosity and affection.

On my last birthday several friends and I had an manatee encounter to cherish.

This lone manatee, scarred as it was, repeatedly approached us - getting very close. 

So I kissed it!  Why not?  You had to be there.  I was obviously feelin' the love.
(photos of me and manatee by John Moran)

Manatees inspire us in such a different way. What an magical experience,  . .

 . . .  when you love nature so much and it reaches out and actually loves you back.

The Manatee Abides

(No Manatees were harassed  in the making)