Day 11: back to Florida

. . . and just like that we are off the boat.  It was an easy process getting off the boat, collecting our luggage, clearing customs, and finding a cab back to the airport . . . crowded but very efficient.  We never stopped walking during the process so that made it seem quick.  We picked up a rental car and are headed south again!  Due to the cheap flights, we would be staying in Florida a few more days which is good because it give us time to explore another one our fabulous National Parks!  Again, the GPS lead us all the way to Homestead, Florida with no troubles.  Our mission today was to explore the southern part of the Everglades National Park.

The traffic was non existent which made the day even better . . .

. . . until I pulled into the parking lot of the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, opened the car door, and was immediately stung by a mosquito!  We were given some suggestions for short hikes and told to be sure to use plenty of bug spray in this area!  Our first hike was to the Pa-hay-okee Overlook . . .

. . . only critters we saw were tons of dragonflies . . .

Back on the road to the Royal Palm area for two short hikes . . . Anhinga Trail . . .

The majority of the trail was closed so we saw next to nothing except these huge grasshoppers!

 

. . . and finally Gumbo Limbo Trail, my mom and Colin headed for the air conditioned visitor's center while my dad and I set out on the short trail . . .

. . . this trail was awful with mosquito.  They were constantly buzzing in my ears . . . thankfully the bug spray worked well and only had a couple of bites.  It was back on the road and we were finished with the hiking for the day.  On the way back to the hotel we stopped at an amazing farm stand called Robert is Here . . . I had read they have amazing fruit and read a many rave reviews about their milkshakes too.  So we ordered us a Key Lime Milkshake to share . . .

. . . tasted just like key lime pie!  It was very rich and yummy so good thing we got three spoons.  Colin insisted on his own which was boring vanilla but at least he ate it.  We were finally able to check into our hotel so we could relax.  We were all tired and having cruise ship withdrawals so we walked next door to Wendy's for dinner.  As we were leaving the hotel there was a duck standing looking into the hotel lobby.  When we arrived back to the hotel we were greeted by these guys . . .

. . . of course Colin had to feed them.  The plan was to go swim but a storm rolled in so it was time for pajamas and total laziness watching television.