Looking for Manatee on Henderson Creek

When, on our arrival in Naples, Florida, we discussed paddling options with the local expert at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, he gave us four good ideas.  We had tried three of them, and we had one more day to try the fourth.  So today we ventured out on our easiest paddle -- one right from our own campground!

Our plan was to paddle up Henderson Creek, past the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, under the Collier Boulevard Bridge, up to the Tamiami Trail Bridge.  Our local expert told us that manatees were reported to frequent the stretch between the bridges because a spring there promotes the growth of grasses manatees like to eat.

This seemed like a piece of cake.  The total water mileage to the second bridge is 1.5 miles, making a 3 mile paddle in total.  Kathy and her crew were ready:

We set off from the boat ramp --

-- and headed up Henderson Creek, which was larger than we expected.  We paddled into a strong headwind, but we followed the incoming tide, hoping to get to the manatee area at high tide.

Before long, we passed under the boardwalk trail bridge of the Rookery Bay Learning Center:

Approaching the first bridge, we were passed by two fisherman as we observed the strangest palm-tree-like cell tower we've ever seen:

The fisherman stopped under the bridge to try to catch those finny beings that prefer holding under the bridge.  We, however, paddled on, and reached a community of small stream-side houses and RV parks, all with docks on Henderson Creek:

One property stood out as having the most beautiful flower garden we've seen in a long time:

This was Dave's favorite dock decoration:

Each of the RV sites in these campgrounds had its own dock and boat:

We reached the second bridge, our turnaround point, without seeing any manatee.  We took a break for a drink of water and looked around before turning back the way we had come.  We were at a flood control gate managed by the State of Florida.

Paddling back, we redoubled our efforts to spot manatee -- even as we rolled past the (very expensive) sites at the Naples Motorcoach Resort & Boat Club.  As one might expect, you have to purchase a site, rather than rent it for a short period:

One resident probably didn't have to buy in:

As we paddled back downstream, we were slowly approaching the first bridge, and we had seen no manatees.  However, we did see this wonderful sign.  Do you think it counts?