Dolphin Encounter in Clearwater

We had arranged for Erin to enjoy another dolphin encounter today at Clearwater Marine Acquarium.  We picked the perfect day to do this, as it was pouring buckets all day long.  Erin and I got up early in the morning to drive up to Clearwater.  The Acquarium specializes in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of otters, dolphins and sea turtles.  This little dolphin here was separated from her mother while at sea.  Left alone, scared, and dehydrated, she was rescued and brought to the Clearwater facility.

 Erin was the very first patron at the Clearwater facility to ever have an encounter with this particular calf.  She was thrilled to be able to bottle feed the dolphin.  At one point, the dolphin decided to swim between Erin's legs, almost knocking her off the platform!

Yes, the animal below IS a dolphin.  In December, 2005, Winter the dolphin became entangled in some fishing wire and almost died.  She was rescued and brought to Clearwater where she recovered, but lost her fin.  A movie about her ordeal will hit theaters later this fall.

As Erin and I drove home in the monsoon-like rain, she couldn't help but compare this dolphin encounter with her last one.  She admitted that while she enjoyed her experience at Brookfield Zoo at little bit more overall, there is no comparing the feeling of being the first patron ever to bottle feed the dolphin calf.

Once we arrived back on Siesta Key, we collected the rest of the family and ate at Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar, a live music joint frequented by more locals than tourists.  We enjoyed Boom Boom Shrimp, Gator Bites, and lots of shrimp and grouper for supper, all while listening to live music by a Beatles tribute band.  Such fun!