Florida Factoid Friday

The tiny island town of Cedar Key, once the western rail head of Florida's first cross state rail line, is the number one producer of littleneck clams in the US. The salt water estuary provides ideal conditions for their growth.

Re the manatee...

SO sorry I didn't get back to those who commented, here and elsewhere, about the manatee excursions! Stuff happens, knowwhutImeanVern?

Anyhow, I have no problem with a person who has a little sense swimming with the manatees, or even touching them. Unfortunately, common sense is extremely UNcommon, hence the laws regarding same. My major problem is how a pack of mow-rons treats the poor critters after shelling out a few bucks to be hauled out amongst 'em, as if their payment grants privileges unseemly. 'Nuff said.

Hope y'all are having a bodacious year. Mine's been pretty crummy so far, hence the even greater than usual dearth of postings. But one day, the sun will shine again, right? And one day, it'll be over 60° again, right?

I'm mad!!!

I was just thinking what a nice deal I found - 1/2+ off a manatee or dolphin excursion in Crystal River - when I read what the manatee tour included. Isn't touching a manatee in the wild illegal?! Apparently, the same people who are supposed to be working to protect these wondermous creatures see nothing wrong with issuing special permits to bottom feeders looking to cash in on the docile nature of Florida's state marine mammal. What's wrong with this picture?!

I just watched a short video of divers 'snuggling' up to a group of manatees who couldn't get into the warm springs, as it was already overcrowded. They were cold and hungry and trying their best to stay warm and conserve energy. You cold see that they were trying to get away from the people who used them to push off, rode on their backs and chased after them.

DAWG! There's a reason there are laws against this stuff! But if you shell out a little cash, we'll let you do it, anyway.

Now I realize that there are two sides to every story. If anybody can tell me any part of the other side that makes this OK, please enlighten me. Coz right now, I'm kinda sick to my stomach.