Lake Murray Squadron Cruises Crystal River

by Lt Donna Dodson, AP

In the first of many squadron cruises planned for 2011, the Lake Murray Power Squadron traveled to Crystal River, FL, to frolic and swim with the manatees as they fed and played in the crystal clear spring waters the weekend of 25-27 February.

Sixteen of us loaded up on two rented pontoon boats with lunch, loaned and rented wet suits, snorkeling and SCUBA equipment to enjoy the day cruising to several of the springs in search of the elusive manatees. We traveled to such places as Three Sisters Springs and Kings Springs known to be favorite hang-outs for the manatees.

Wow, they are HUGE! And they were everywhere! Everywhere, that is, in pictures in the hotel lobby, on t-shirts and beach towels in the gift shop and even in the tile on the bottom of the swimming pool. Everywhere but in the water where we were swimming. So, despite the fact that it was the perfect time of year to go, the weather and water turned really warm and the manatees headed out to sea where the water temperatures suited them better and unfortunately we did not get see the first live manatee! But, regardless of the manatees being MIA, a great time was had by all!

Thanks to our cruise organizer and Boating Activities Chair, Lt Rich Barreto, S, we had the best time! After a quick seven- hour trip down to Florida on Friday to the resort, Rich had everything so organized including our block of rooms being all together so we could all enjoy social hour while settling in. That was just before we headed over to dinner at the restaurant right next door to enjoy great food and a great band! Then, we had the most relaxing Saturday morning while preparing to head out on the pontoons around 11-ish.

At our first stop, we dropped a hook, rafted up the two pontoons, donned our wet suits and enjoyed snorkeling at Three Sister Springs where the water was crystal clear! After enjoying lunch, we headed out to the big water and did the same in Kings Spring where we even had a couple in the group scuba dive and checked out the Manatee monument about 20-feet below water. We cruised back just in time to enjoy the hotel jacuzzi before heading out for another delicious dinner within walking distance; sharing tall tales of all “the huge manatees that were everywhere” that we did not see! Maybe next time!

Thanks to Chuck and Teresa Clark, you can click on the thumbnails below to see our fun and most enjoyable weekend. What a great way to kick off the 2011 Boating Activities! It’s Your Year . . . to Volunteer so there are many other opportunities to help plan one of the great cruises on the Boating Activities such as this. Thanks Rich!