I've held off on this post for a number of days to allow my fellows to return from the Socorro liveaboard (lucky them)...! I think the guys have input to add to this thread as not everything livin' large is off the Mexican Pacific coast 
Some of the largest and most endearing creatures you will ever meet gather in the warm Florida springs in the winter -- of course I'm referring to our beloved Florida manatee.
Me - well, since I couldn't afford to bop off to "Socorro", I've been "stuck" here photographing manatee...... Yes I know there are definitely tougher situations - for instance, several months ago I was contacted by Jeff Hartog to see if I would be able to show Alex Mustard a few manatee. B) Certainly not a very "tough" assignment but if you have ever planned for manatee well in advance you may be familiar with the incredibly variable and volatile weather conditions that can vastly affect not only manatee photography conditions but also how many manatee will even be around. I always get a bit nervous because I want everyone to see our manatee in their "best light", but of course "Mother Nature" has her own agenda which is pretty unpredictable, especially when you are dealing with weather fronts, winds, etc. in Florida during the winter.
But Alex assured me he was in it for the "adventure" and I believe he got his wish! Fellow honored guest from the "Crown", Peter Rowlands came along too and to put it short and sweet their first encounters with these charismatic creatures were mesmerizing.
There is a lot to tell and to keep this post from becoming too lengthy I've already posted quite a bit of data about the Brits meeting the manatee for the first time on my site. Other posts that might be of interest are my "user" experiences for the first time taking down the Tokina 10-17 and photographing manatee with it (after using only the Nikon 16mm on literally hundreds of manatee). Alex said that the Tokina is the "Perfect manatee lens" and I've added my take on it too -- I'll post links below for further (interesting) reading.
And Welcome Back, Alex, Peter and Jeff! Join in on this post with your thoughts and it would be cool if we all could post several of each of our fav pics - but that should probably be done and linked here in the Photo Gallery & Showcase. Also it was cool showing Alex my manatee photos right after I took them as I really learned a lot and gained a bit of validation also. 
Here are my top three photos + two that I like of Alex and Peter figuring how to best photo/video our manatee!
link to WP Photo Gallery/Showcase
This link for my account of "another" British Invasion:
Another British Invasion - This Time Crystal River, Florida
My take on and first pics with the Tokina 10-17:
Tokina 10-17 - Is This The Perfect Manatee Lens?
Also I like this post on:
Plus there's a plethora of other new material (and slideshows!) on my blog and another vast array of fascinating stuff to post. I've been industrious - but intensive manatee this coming week might curtail some of my replies so best to let the "guys" take over from here.
Best, Carol
