I get the girl child for spring break every 4 years - at ages 8, 12, and 16. When these arrangements were made, I told my beautiful little girl that at 12, she would get to swim with the Dolphins. I knew it was expensive - but wow. Anyway - Momma has delivered. When we get home, I will add pics to this post. All in all this has been an amazing spring break.
We left after school and Friday, with the intention to stop in Naples, the Gateway to the Everglades, so we could stop along the Tamiami trail for photo ops and fun throughout the day on Saturday. Our first stop was Oscar Scherer state park. I have always wanted to stop there, and it was pretty nice, except right next to the freeway, and close enough to civilization that it attracts people that are more interested in seeing nature than taking care of it. Weird little phenomenon - if you are going to take the time to scoop your dog's poop into a bag - why would you leave the poop bag on the side of the trail? all 4 or 5 of you with various colored bags of various ages? Weird. The coolest thing we saw was a tortoise, he seemed a little nervous, while posing for pictures, but not in a huge hurry to get away. We left him at the side of the trail and walked casually toward our goal. Scrtchy, Scrtchy, scrtch. What is that? louder and faster. We turned - to see the tortoise hurling down the road at break-neck tortoise speed, heading right toward us. He stopped when he saw us looking, and turned into the brush at the side of the road. We moved on. Scrtchy, Scrtchy, Scrtch. Quickly we turned, he was back on the path, closer now, more determined. As soon as he saw us he turned back into the bushes, but he did not stop. Under the protection of scrub and palmettos he continued is quest, closer and closer he came. Rushing tortoises are not very fast, and we soon decided to not wait for the attack of our stalker tortoise, and we again turned down the road toward our car. I'm sure he was relieved to have our backs to him once again, because he popped back on the trail and continued towards us. It is sooo much easier to pull a sneak attack if your victims do not keep turning around to look at you. Oscar, as we came to call him, eventually tired, his footsteps came slower, and fainter, he headed toward a log, probably to rest, not knowing that he was losing his one chance to ensnare the paparazzi child that had plagued his life. We escaped. Breathless (with laughter) but safely back on the road.
No matter how scenic you expect it to be - I do not recommend US41 from Venice to Naples. Took way too long. So glad to stop at the hotel around 8:30pm
Everglades. US41 (the Tamiami Trail) IS the way to go south if you have time to kill and want to see real Florida. We take the trail either south or north everytime we come, and have never been disappointed. Our first stop was at some little state park with a board walk on the East side of the road. barely room to park two cars, couple of port-a-potties and the typical "Florida State Parks" sign. We pulled in behind a small van of birders. As we got out of the car we heard a very large bull-frog, I teased the girl about it being spring, and how the 'gators were mating, you have to be careful. Interesting question from the photogirl - why do bird-watchers travel in noisy, chaotic packs? looking up at the trees, all dizzy and disoriented arguing about the little specks flitting in the branches? Wouldn't it be easier to go alone? quietly? We soon scurried past them, leaving them to their flock.
One thing about swamps, once you are in it, especially around the edges where the cypress and oak trees cover everything, they are quiet. and eerie. We saw some really interesting tree formations, squirrels, birds. At the end of the board walk there was a HUGE alligator in the water. We watched him for awhile, got a few pictures, noticed some immature Ibis' that distracted our attention, then the 'gator let out a noise. Bull alligators are said to sound like bull frogs. NADA. Raising its huge head straight out of the water, puffing its throat up in preparation, tail and body undulating out of the water like a giant dragon dancing to mesmerize its virgin sacrifice, he Bellowed. Deep, and loud, a cross between and angry bull and a triumphant lion. He split the forest with his call. Whether seeking love, or issuing a challenge I don't know, but it was Awesome, in the true sense of the word, inspiring reverence and awe.
One of those "once in a lifetime" "change the way I look at the world" experiences. Nature hikes in the spring? only on board walks or not near water. Let my child swim in Florida in fresh water in the Spring? NO! I have always felt that nature is safe if you respect it, are aware of your environment and not stupid. I now think being in water near alligators in mating season is stupid, disrespectful, and shows a complete lack of awareness of your environment. Just my opinion, but one I will act on.
Still to come - key deer, dolphin swim, dry tortugas
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