I just love new experiences, especially when they're fun and exciting.
I went snorkeling for the first time! I thoroughly enjoyed discovering the underwater delights of Weeki Wachee, FL with my good friend, Tosha. We saw schools of fish in various assortments; a gar that was all business with it's long snout rooting through the white bottom sand. Blue crabs scuttled and floated along as the tide went out. We were greeted by new sights in and out of the water with every bend we made.
We have a nice assortment of sea shells to add to our vase sponge displays. Tosha explained that they were swept up the river with the tide. No sponges, of course as they are 'sea' creatures.
Best of all was the time I spent swimming along side a manatee as it headed toward the sea. It made no notice of my touch, so my hand lingered. It was fascinating! I didn't have an underwater camera, so I'll just have to close my eyes, and remember... I guess this experience was meant to be personal. This is a neat manatee video -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ujTuu-O14I&feature=player_detailpage
Travis had loaned me his 'Weeki Wachee" mask. Having no diving experience, I didn't get the names' significance. Once in the water, I knew what he meant. The mask was mostly lenses, broken only by the seams. What a beautiful, panoramic view it offered!
Learning to use the snorkle wasn't as bad as I had feared. Actually, I quite liked the way it encouraged slow, conscious breathing. It was zen-like there in the currents of the beautifully clear river.
I told Travis later that
he lost his mask. I admit I enjoyed his expression, not unlike a deer in the headlights. I'm sure all sorts of things were flying through his mind at that point. One of which no doubt was that I was his mother. He kind of croaked out - "wwwhat do you mean?" I laughed and said, "No,
I didn't lose your mask,
you did - to me! I'm hooked". His relief was obvious. Hey, with kids it's usually the other way around, it was a nice change.
I totally see why he fell in love with diving Florida. I look around his house and I see all the treasures he has collected over the years of diving: barnacled fishing rods, glass bottles of all shapes and sizes, and, of course, sponges!
Sponges aplenty; 5 types - finger, silk, wool, yellow and grass (vase). All different sizes, all different purposed. From monster display vases showcasing sea treasures to small South Pacific silk, with it's unequalled luxurious texture that makes it a favorite for facial care.
George Billiris, International Sponge Merchant and our Mentor, proudly states that there are over 1,500 uses for a natural sea sponge - and I beleve him! But that's another page we'll add soon.
In the mean time, I hope you experience new and exciting things!
Enjoy!
Glenda
