Today I went on a search for a friend I met two years ago. He was a tiny tot back then, all round and chubby with cute little whiskers and eyes that seemed to peer into my soul. He chewed on my underwater camera housing, sucked on my hair as it floated in the water and photo bombed every other shot I took of manatees that were around us. I have shared his video and photographs with school children and adults and have shared the serious plight of the West Indian manatee with those who would listen.

I put my board in King’s Bay and paddled around until I got my bearings. After several false starts (paddling into canals with dead ends) and hiding from the ferocious wind, I noticed the bridge. I headed with a crosswind to the bridge and up the canal. And sure enough, found Three Sisters Springs.

As I navigated the narrow channel into the springs, I saw layers of manatees resting on the bottom. When I arrived at the open area of crystal clear springs, I allowed my board to float and simply quieted my mind and waited.

I could hear the sharp exhalations all around me as they surfaced to breathe. And finally, my little friend found me.

He was somewhat shy at first and then took his time to explore my paddle board. He swam under it, nosed the fin, nosed the nose, balanced it on his broadened back. My buddy and I were connecting once again.

Last time I was here I was snorkeling in a dry suit and he explored every inch of it as I lay flat on the water, video housing stretched out in front of me. He sucked my hair and even tried to nurse under my arm (where babies nurse on their moms).

He has grown significantly in two years. I saw a mom and small baby nursing and a few other small ones asleep on the bottom. But my buddy and I….well….let’s just say he now knows he is a rock star with third graders from Gulf Shores Elementary School and he’s not surprised. He is, after all, the most delightful manatee I’ve ever known.

I wonder if he understands there are less than 5000 of his kind left on the planet. Or if he wonders if the propeller scars on his friends back will heal. Most likely he’s just grooving on being an adolescent manatee full of curiosity and life.

My heart is joyful as I await two mornings of snorkeling with these delightful and beautiful beings. Dreaming manatee dreams.