Another day on the road and today we are exploring the northern side of Everglades National Park. We picked up sandwiches for lunch and headed north towards Shark Valley Visitor Center. I knew there was a tram tour and we arrived about 40 minutes before the next tour which was perfect timing! We quickly had lunch since the breakfast at the hotel was just awful . . . I mean awful! Just as we were to board the tram tour, my camera died . . . it would not focus or take photos except on manual focus and they were super blurry. Are you kidding me? I was so upset but thankfully had my small point and shoot camera. I did let Colin take the 'broken' camera, and he snapped a million photos. I guess it is another reason to travel with more than one camera. So on the tram we were . . . our guide was fabulous!
He really knew his history and information and our driver was super too. The views were nice and the light breeze sort of made you forget how hot it was outside.
They both would spot alligators as we drove along. I never saw anything without them pointing them out.
The tram tour was one of three ways to get to the lookout . . .
. . . you can rent a bike, take the tram tour, or walk. I can not imagine walking since the alligators are all around . . . at least on a bike you could pedal faster if being chased. It was a clear day so the view was great . . .
Oh great a thousand unfocused photos . . .
As we were walking back to the tram the ranger/guide motioned to come look . . .
. . . a bit too close for my comfort! Back on the road, this is a nest where they lay eggs . . .
We did not see any baby alligators but did see some big and small along the drive . . .
. . . and as the tour ended Colin headed right for the store for a sweet treat I promised before the tour! How could I say no to a nice cold ice cream bar?
It was still early so decided to head up the road to the Big Cypress National Preserve . . . wasn't a lot to see there but the ranger gave us a suggestion on a scenic road to see alligators. I tried all day to get a photo of one of these guys with no luck; Colin was successful with the 'broken' camera!
Before we took off, I decided to play with the camera. I pressed a bunch of buttons again and like magic the camera started working. Seriously, it couldn't work during the tour? I guess at least it was working now, but Colin claimed it for the scenic drive. So off we went to the Loop Road. It was a gravel back road . . .
We hardly saw any cars but did we see a lot of alligators! She told us to drive and when you reach a bridge to stop and look. Wow, she wasn't kidding! We would stop open the door and they would swim right up . . .
. . . it looks close but we are on a bridge and there was no way it could jump that high; well at least I don't think it could but who knows. After a few seconds they would appear out of no where . . .
What amazed us the most was how clear the water was!
. . . small road kill . . .
It was back on the road to Miami but one thing we noticed on our drive was all the road kill. In Texas we are used to seeing small animals on the side of the road but in Florida . . .
. . . the alligators are road kill and huge! I can't imagine the damage it does to your car. It was so nice to be at the hotel . . . the last one of our trip!
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