Leaving Fort Myers Beach today to go off and explore the Everglades, decided on the ‘fast route’ but took ages because of trying to find somewhere to get pancake breakfast. Somehow, here in the middle of America we couldn’t find a pancake house…not impressive!
Anyway, eventually we got past Naples and into Cypress National Park and then on to Everglades City, we decided not to go into the City and after consulting Customer Information worked out the best options for the rest of the day.
First off was to go on an Air Boat ride and we went with Jungle Erv’s and were escorted by Captain Dan! We saw a baby alligator immediately and then he took us deep into the Everglade Mangrove swamps zooming around, carrying out sharp turns and looking out for more alligators and wild-life. Luckily we had headphone protectors which were imperative as the noise was simply deafening. We stopped at one point where there was a large Alligator and we all got off the boat to take some photos and then Captain Dan cast a net and caught 8 fish just like that – fed them to the alligator which was impressive.
We then travelled round further and saw more ‘gators and vultures, the hour passed by really quickly but again it was another great experience.
We then got some dinner at Subway, a first for Tash and the family…I had to lead the way and got some funny looks from them for knowing the process ‘like a pro’!
7 miles down the road we took a turning and travelled along a dirt track – every couple of hundred yards there were alligators just lying in the water by the side of the road, stopped and took some photos of course, but couldn’t believe how close we were getting to them – didn’t actually get out of the car though…we’re not that brave!
Travelled further on and stopped a couple more times at Information Centres and saw more before deciding we’d seen enough and time to get going and find our hotel in Florida City. One thing about the road we were on, Highway 41, was just how straight it was, one of the stretches must have been about 20 miles straight – incredible. Also had a bit of a panic as there was simply nothing on the road and my petrol was low, luckily got $20 in the tank at an Indian Reservation…phew!
Anyway we got to Homestead in good time, only problem was that our hotel was in Florida City and not Homestead! Fortunately the two towns are almost joined so it wasn’t so much of a problem really.
There was an almighty thunder storm as we unloaded the car, it chucked it down and the thunder & lightening above us was incredible – quite scary in fact.
Once unpacked, we decided on cheap and cheerful and went to Denny’s for dinner, which we all like anyway.
Another great day, can’t believe it’s almost over, but we have 3 days relaxing by the beach ahead of us along with snorkelling and swimming with dolphins and whatever else we can think of doing by the beach! Should be fun!!!
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