July 1st one nighter.

**Jungle Jay** · 07-02-2013, 11:29

Hey Everyone,

Packed up and headed out to the Little Big Econ State Forest, through the thick again. Feeding mosquitoes along the way. I did get some video of that day. An Awesome thunderstorm that rolled over would be a precursor to the camping expectations that evening. I left for the Jungle soon after that deluge of liquid Florida Sunshine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm8Z61_GACY

I explored new ground and discovered excellent fauna laden geographical locations. I popped a few videos on my youtube channel. Took a few photos. The weather as always in FL this time of year was as I enjoy most. Rainy. I protect myself from the Mosquitoes buy covering up and Deet-ing Down. I have a saying, "If you not gonna DEET, you gonna get EAT". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRJPRPmNHXg

Many Whitetail Deer made an appearance both days in and out. Other than the frogs and the buzzing of mozzies, the night was calm and uneventful. It was a good sleep. I had dreams for the first time in the hammock, I can't recall details, I just remember having them. Which to me, was a good sign. My Fire burned well all night it had good protection from the wind and rain. I was up with the dawn and went through the morning basics. I was just taking down the last bit of my camp, the tarp, when on my left, in the river, was an unusual disturbance in the water. I spend a lot of time here and was confuzzeled by what was happening in front of me. It was then that a large body surfaced, bloated and kinda grey-pink, and then slowly dove followed by a large round tail. Manatees! Three of them swimming upriver on the econ. I saw clearly how many and how big. Two Adults and a Calf. I was amazed. I stopped what I was doing and grabbed my camera. I apologize early for not providing better footage. Sometimes the environment does not let you follow the river unless you are willing to get in the water. Which, I am not. I have seen gators bigger than my Kayak and No way. I had Hiked in this time. As I headed further and further away from my gear I was feeling less secure. No water, no safety equipment. I reluctantly abandoned my pursuit of these awesome animals and returned to camp. But with an excited heart and a mission. Get the word out. I called the FWC to let someone of authority know and hopefully put up notices to help slow down the boaters. They Love to rip through that river fast when it is this high. We have to do our best to protect what makes this state so awesome. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0NAMQaNkf8

It had been a good One-Nighter. I Hope you all enjoy the videos and the photos as much as I do getting them to you.
Thank You so much Everyone.

Jay

**Durangoz** · 07-02-2013, 14:00

Wow, any trip report including manatees is just plain awesome! One you will always remember. Years ago my eldest son and I were swimming in the gulf in Fla. and several manatees came up to check us out. They swam all around us for a bit close enough to touch them. I guess they were curious about us. Absolutely one of our favorite once in a lifetime memories.