Towards the Manatees

Florida manatees swimming with delight

Growing up in Georgia, we felt envious that the state just south of us was a hot vacation spot year-round while our peach state was more like a rest stop—good for refilling the gas tank and driving through. Watching all those cars with out-of-state license plates heading south was once a pastime. I dare say most of them were heading to Florida, where the manatees still swim. If you happen to be going to Florida, via Georgia or not, visit Homosasse Spring Wildlife State Park. And if you're lucky, you may catch a mother with its dependent calf. Young manatees are known to be mama's boys and girls until they are in the advanced age of two. What's their excuse? It takes them that long to figure out where all the underwater highways lead and not all parents are good with directions. From manatees to white sand on Miami Beach, Florida should definitely be on your mind.