Date:         Wed, 6 Jan 2010 21:41:39 -0600
Reply-To:     Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: heading through the deep south soon, anyone on my route?
In-Reply-To:  <71788.91736.qm@web83608.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
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I am near Huntsville, in North Alabama. I do a lot of work for Alabama
State Tourism and am Executive Director of the Alabama Scenic River
Trail (alabamascenicrivertrail.com). I lead hikes all the time in
Bankhead National Forest, and have published several books about the
outdoor aspects of the state. I can put you in touch with anyone,
anywhere in the state for a recreational, civil rights, civil war,
naturalist or other experience you may want. Just let me know what
you're interested in.

Jim

On Wed, Jan 6, 2010 at 9:26 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> Florida...one of the best experiences of my life was swimming with the manatees in Crystal River, Florida.  Costs $50 for guide, boat, snorkel equipment, wetsuit.  Excellent.  Usually groups of about 12 in a pontoon boat.  Many places to book tours the day before in Crystal River...I went to "Birds".  Just check the internet.  About a 4 hour experience.  They put in the water at dawn...water is super clear.  Manatees like you to rub their underarms and bellies.  The best time is NOW...winter...when the ocean is cold they move inland into the freshwater springs, so that's where the pontoon boats go.  Prime season is November to February.  Do it..you won't regret.  Vanagon camping (required vanagon content) is nearby, or a cheap local mom and pop motel like I did because it was only late October and still a little warmish and humid, but we still had lots of manatees.
>
> Rich
> San Diego
>
>
>