Saturday, March 10, 2007

Saw this guy on our airboat ride in the Everglades.

Up early this morning and took advantage of the continental breakfast. Then packed and left by 10:00. We went back via Rt. 41 because we wanted to take an airboat ride and check out Shark Key on the northern edge of the Everglades. We chose Coopertown for the air boat ride. Parts of “African Queen” were filmed there. Walked down to the dock to check out the boats and there was a snake on the dock (harmless water snake). Set the tone for the trip though. Was looking for snakes in the boat. Anyway, it was a great ride. He took us back through a trail in the sawgrass and we saw a bunch of stuff. So pretty—the water lillys are just popping out. At times he’d get going pretty fast and would go around a turn sideways. Fun. Left there and drove down Rt. 41 toward Shark Key. Pulled in and the parking lot was full, so we left ad took the “loop road” which is just off Rt. 41 (dirt road) and goes through mainly the Big Cypress Preserve. It went from open, vast, sawgrass to lush, heavily wooded expanses of mainly cypress, but many hardwoods and palms. At times the vegetation was so thick it went from one side of the road to the other—like a tunnel. Supposed to be what Florida was like centuries ago. Also supposed to be a good place to see panthers. Of course we didn’t. Lots of trails off the road. We went down one for a short way. Think I’d feel better with my snake gaiters on. Went back to Shark Key after stopping for lunch at the Miccosoukee Restaurant. Got to Shark Key just in time for the 3:00 tram. You can also bike the 15-mile round trip. They have bike rentals there. (They also have moonlight bikes which sounds fun—I think. A ranger goes with you) At the end there is a tower you can walk up. It used to be a fire tower but is no longer used. Quite pretty up there. There’s a pond below where you can see lots of turtles, fish, and of course the gators. Saw a hawk flying over with a snake in his talons. We left there and headed back. Mike had to stop at the restroom. I kept walking ahead and saw the tram ahead—leaving. I yelled to them to stop and they did. Had to wait for Mike. We almost got left there! He said it would be a 20-minute stop. Mike said it was only 18. I don’t know because I wasn’t wearing a watch. Wouldn’t that have been a lovely walk back—part of it in the dark! Back home to our pretty, peaceful spot in the Everglades. On the way back stopped at Checkers for dinner. Came back and unpacked all our stuff and put everything away. Shower felt good. Played cards for a while. I won both games (500 rummy). Went to bed and read for a while. A beautiful night with lots of stars.