BY KURT ZUELSDORF

Summer sunset storms skipped the fireworks and the sky was perfect for a show sponsored by Stetson. Thousands of people herded like cattle toward Gulfport beach to see a show chocked-full of “Real” Florida charm. Sailboats by the dozens & powerboats galore anchored up to get  a spot for the gala. Kayakers, yea don’t ya know, had the best show of all!
This is the perfect time of year for  beach launching and a couple from Boston may  agree. It’s only a  20 minute paddle from this launch to the entrance of Clam Bayou Nature Park which is a pasture for the feeding manatee groups that graze the bay. While moving quietly across the flats and admiring the day a paddle bumped a sleeping cow manatee near her calf.  A giant whale-like tale rose from the calm surface and slapped the back of the kayak and sent an enormous wake across the entire length of the boat! It could have been a holiday “bottle rocket” or maybe a “Whistling Pete” screaming over head, but more than likely it was the Mrs. belting out an ear piercing squeal of surprise…who’s to say really, but it sure was loud!
My cell phone rang. He barked a flurry of unfinished questions about sea creatures, alligators, killer whale’s, sharks & sea lions.  “Could it have been a manatee?” I asked calmly.  “What the #$%^ is a manatee and are they dangerous?”  she screamed  while he paddled -  like the wheel on a riverboat -  toward shore. Being from Wis I can honestly say I’ve never actually “tipped” a cow. But I hear this ’sport of farmers’  was created  by the largest consumers of beer in the country…need I say more? So…back at O’Maddy’s Beach Bar the couple shared their experience over a few beers over & over again to the friendly  locals who gladly acknowledged with applause, laughter & a congradulatory slap-on-the-back. 
When we launched for the fireworks the town was really rockin! We didn’t have to paddle  far offshore before we all settled in, kicked our seats back and floated side-by-side. The same family of manatee moved in close to us and watched a great fireworks display on a day of independence…oh to be free & green indeed!
So if your up for a little “Southern Style” sea cow tipping, load up a kayak and launch from Gulfport Beach. Head east to the Eel grass pastures of Boca Ciega Bay and watch for the critters that look like sea lions (I guess). And if you get up the nerve to try and tip one our best advice is to ware a life jacket & bring your own beer!