Getting Swamped in the Everglades

Knowing we had a big ahead of us, we got up at 6 and were off by 7. It took a little over 4 hours until we reached Shark Valley Visitor's Center in the Everglades. It's a 15 mile loop to the observation tower that can be reached by either tram or bike. Knowing us, of course we opted for the bike ride. As we started riding, the skies opened up and the showers began. Don't worry Josh we were prepared! We had water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray and ponchos. We even brought along lunch. Growing up one of my favorite tv shows was "Gentle Ben" a show in the Everglades about a park ranger and his little boy that raised a bear. Well, Mr. Park Ranger was always whizzing around the Everglades in his very cool airboat. Imagine my surprise in seeing a very dry grassland with trees and wildflowers. It almost felt like the Serengeti and we expected giraffes to wander across the grassland. We later learned from the ranger that this is the end of their dry season. During the wet season this area is flooded. Nonetheless, the canal that runs through the park is teaming with wildlife. Every nook and cranny houses an alligator in various sizes. They are hanging out in the lily pads, in the swampy canal, in the culvert and even on the trail. Living next to these sly creatures are a variety of birds, snakes, turtles and god knows what else. It was really amazing to be pedaling along witnessing all this without any barriers between us and them. The park rules state that you should leave at least 15 feet between you and the wildlife, gators especially. At times, this just wasn't possible so you just moved along quickly. The halfway point was the observation tower. It had rained on us off and on during the bike ride, but when we reached the tower the skies really opened up and the biggest thunder clap I ever heard went kaboom! We think the lightening struck the top of the tower. Sure scared me to death and I thought good, long and hard before actually venturing to top. We used the camera's self timer to take the picture of us at the top of the tower. Our blog picture for the day. After this excitement, and a bit weary from the bike ride, we finally reached The Keys. Tonight we are camped alongside the Atlantic Ocean with a lovely warm breeze to embrace us. It feels so good to know we are going to be hanging out in The Keys for the long weekend. Tomorrow we head to Bahia Honda State Park and actually stay put. Looking forward to sleeping in, getting in a little swim and chilling out. Today's pics - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Long Key State Park, The Keys, Fl