We haven't gone anywhere too exciting lately so thought we'd go see some of the local must see's. Manatees are very large (about cow size; thats why they're called sea cows, I guess) and live in the fresh water rivers. They don't like cold water and hundreds of them migrate to the local electrical generating plant because of the warm discharge water. So, if you want to see lots of Manatees you have to go there. Do you see them?
After shooting a dozen pictures, this is the best I got. The inlet was loaded with them, its just that they stay just below the surface until they need air, then they slowly stick their nose out and roll back under. In the previous picture, all the bumps on the waters surface are Manatees. This is the tail of one. Its hard to tell size buts thats about 3 feet across. After a half hour of this your mind goes numb.
I did manage to get a picture of this one anyway. Because they lay just below the surface they are often hit by boat propellers so they are collecting for rescue and repair. Pictures are available in the gift shop for a nominal fee for photographers who didn't manage to get as excellent a picture as I did.
Next we decided to go to the harbour front in downtown Sarasota. At the park entrance stands this statue. When VJ day (the end of the war with Japan) was declared hundreds of thousands of people crowded the streets of New York to celebrate. The photo on which this statue was based was shot by a New York Post photographer on that day in August of 1945 of two strangers who just happened to celebrate with a kiss and he took their picture. This is one of the most famous photos ever taken. The statue is made of aluminum and should be able to take hurricane winds. I just hope her dress can as well. This statue is a must see as well.
There is a lovely park at the marina with walking trails and fountains. The bay is filled with yachts and sailboats.
If you recall the Christmas boat parade we watched, it was at this bay. Its a little easier to see the sights during the day.
We also stopped at the same Tiki Hut for lunch. Its a lot more relaxing this time without the hundreds of revelers who were here at Christmas. Its a lovely day with a warm wind blowing off the water and the sun finally heating things up a bit.
On the far side of the park one can relax and enjoy the lovely day. That is Sarasota Bay in front with the bridge in the background taking people to St Armands Circle on Lido Key. Thats an exclusive shopping area we had wandered through in a previous posting. These warm days have been few and far between this winter so our timing couldn't have been better. Now if the rain will just hold off till we get home.
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