In January 2004, I made my yearly trip to Florida to see the Manatees.  I also made a little side trip to the Everglades to do a little birding and sightseeing. It's been quite a while since I have been to the Everglades. What a wonderful place. I saw at least 30 different species of birds, and had many wonderful photo opportunities. Then I went north to see my wonderful Manatees. It was cold in Crystal River, so there were quite a few animals in the Refuge (Manatees need to have warm water to survive, so they come here to get "out of the cold").  The water here is about 72 degrees year round, so it is one of the places the animals come in the winter.   I was able to get some good pictures and had some wonderful encounters with the Manatees.  It is always one of my favorite trips. I can't wait to go back next year.

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