For our final visit to the Everglades, we decided to visit the Shark Valley Visitor’s Center.

We were a bit surprised at all the traffic prior to turning into the park access road:

but then we remembered it was President’s Day and access to the park was free for the day. We also had forgotten that Shark Valley had a hiking and biking trail so many, many people had parked along the highway and then ridden their bikes into the park:

Despite the signs and all the cars, we pulled into the park area only to be 15 cars back with no movement for 15 minutes. I finally pulled the truck out and around and we found a place on the road to park and walked into the park.
Shark Valley has a tram that runs along the 15 mile paved hiking/biking path. We decided against the tram and opted to eat lunch while we waited for our turn to rent some bikes for the trek out to the observation tower and back.

The first thing we came upon on our bike trip was my good friend, the Purple Gallinule. Just love this bird. First of all, it is amazingly beautiful and secondly, I love to watch it “walk” across the water. It is sort of beautiful and goofy at the same time.

Then we scored some more little ones when we encountered a nest full of anhinga babies. It was right by the single lane bike and tram path.


A shout out to the Metzner clan, who were forever rescuing box turtles on their travels:

And an Ansel Adams moment for me, an Everglades lily pad:

Kim and I biked the seven miles along the path, stopping and stepping aside, as instructed each time the tram came by. I have to tell you, that turned out to be more treacherous than initially anticipated when we realized that there were alligators all along the path and barely enough room between the tram, the path and the side of the water where the alligators were sleeping in the sun, to get off our bikes, much less put our feet on the ground.

We covered the 7 miles pedaling with the wind and arrived at the observation tower fairly quickly.

As we began our trek back to the visitor’s center against the wind, we saw a fairly rare Jurdeman’s Heron:

This particular Wurdemann’s Heron ran the risk of becoming even more rare considering it was perched fairly close to and completely ignoring a reasonably large alligator:

I would like to take a moment and talk about the alligators we saw on our ride. We forgot to count them at the outset but heard a 12 year old girl tell her mother that she had counted 74 gators from the Visitor’s Center to the Observation Tower. Based upon her information, we believe we saw a over 100 during our 15 mile bike ride.
This is a group who were by the walking path at the observation tower:

As we walked by them, I watched an 8 year old boy walk up and pull an alligator’s tail! No parent in sight and when they finally arrived on the scene, they seemed quite impressed at their son’s accomplishment. Within five minutes, Kim saw an adult (and I use the term loosely) do the same thing.
Disclaimer 1: Before I just completely go off (and I am going to), I would like to state that for the most part, I am a very tolerant person. I don’t like to judge people and I don’t like them to judge me. I often see people doing things I don’t agree with and before I rush to judgement, I at least TRY, to consider what they must have been thinking or what might have caused them to do something that didn’t seem right to me. As a friend of mine says, I find that whenever I judge people, it usually comes back to bite me in the *&@$*#.
So all that being said, I just have to say, “REALLY?”
I was beyond upset and angry at what I saw. Where do I begin? My first thought was to snatch that child up by the shirt and drag him out of the park. Then I settled down enough to realize, it was the parents who needed an alligator to bite them in the posterior.
Disclaimer 2: I am not, nor have I ever been a parent. I think people who have never had children can not possibly know what it is like to raise one and therefore, for the most part, should keep their child-rearing opinions to themselves.
That being said, even I, who have never raised a child, know you have to keep an eye on them and teach them to act right.
I have two very good friends who have raised two wonderful boys and I can assure you, they would have:

A. told the boys prior to entering the park to beware of the alligators and to not approach or touch them
B. taught them to treat others as well as animals and nature with respect and kindness
C. made sure to keep an eye on them to ensure they were safe

and finally, if the boys had failed to adhere to the A and B instructions listed above, they would have flipped a coin to see who was going to invite the alligator to bite each boy’s tush to teach them a lesson.
Seeing a child possibly get hurt or killed out of ignorance and/or parental indifference combined with the complete disregard and disrespect for these animals and this place just kind of really flipped me out.
Sorry to be a Debbie Downer but I just had to get that out. OK, I am better now. Oh wait, one more thing:
“Please people, don’t be stupid.” OK, now I am better.
Now I would like to end on a happy note so here is one final picture of our alligator friends:

Despite the occasional rude visitor to their home, they are maxing and relaxing in the sun.

Our second day in the Everglades featured dipping our toes and basically hiking in Florida Bay, seeing many more birds and gators and hanging out at sea level.
We grabbed breakfast, gassed up in the midst of a hundred, 60-something snowbirds on Harleys out for their Sunday morning drive and headed along the remote stretch of road leading to Flamingo. While this sign caused us a moment of pause:

we did see enough signs of civilization to convince us we were headed in the right direction. We reached the Visitors Center at about 10 am.


The center, as well as the adjacent hotel, sustained quite a bit of damage from Hurricane Katrina and were in the midst of being rebuilt. I was disappointed to find that not only were they not showing the requisite National Park movie, but they also did not have the visitor stamp for my National Park Passport book. You know, the stamp that proves to any and everyone that you were actually there when you said you were there. It is sort of the grown-up attendance sheet that you can show to the principal of the National Parks if called upon to verify your visit. I know it is costing millions of dollars to repair the structure and probably another half million or so to film “Son of the Splendor of the Everglades” but I really think $2 for a new Flamingo Visitor’s Center rubber stamp would not require Congress to appropriate additional funding. I am talking about the accuracy of one’s permanent record here.
I sulked from the Visitor’s Center over to the Marina and came upon something that perked me right up and was the real reason you go to the National Parks. Nature! We scored an Osprey nest complete with Mom, Dad and little ones right there in full view.

We watched them for quite some time. We saw Mom feeding the babies, re-arranging the nest and flying around in search of food. The babies kept peaking over the edge of the nest and pestering Mom for food.
I don’t like to stereotype but I will tell you that the alleged father did not appear to be supporting the family much past what he had already contributed. He basically sat atop a nearby pole with his back to the family, cleaning himself, posing for the camera and looking fairly self-satisfied and proud of his handsomeness. Just sayin!

I really could have watched them all day but a picnic lunch was calling our name. We always think of Peg and Bill when we are out in nature and it is time to search for the rare and elusive picnic table.

After lunch, we toured the Flamingo Campground that we couldn’t get into and I will say that there appeared to be plenty of open sites. Of course, we did what we always do which is convince ourselves beyond a shadow of a doubt that we do indeed, have the best campsite EVER anyway and we really didn’t want to camp there in the first place.
Our post lunch hike was the Coastal Prairie Trail from the campground to the Bay. We hiked through some mangroves and out through the prairie:



Finally, time and conditions conspired to force us turn back. We had so much mud on our sandals that we were sliding more than hiking.
OK, I know it doesn’t look like that much water but we couldn’t find any dry spots to walk and I decided that while it might not be enough water for an alligator, it was plenty for a water moccasin. I know, I am not a Marine Biologist but I really don’t like snakes so I chickened out and we headed back.
I am glad we did because we saw some amazing birds at Eco and Mrazek Ponds on the way out of the park. I finally got to see the Roseate Spoonbill up close and personal. Kim, Peggy, Tina and Lynn had all seen them up close and for long periods of time and I had only caught a fleeting glance of one flying so I was thrilled to see them in the Everglades.

We watched a White Pelican just sit in the pond and gorge him or herself. It managed to stop stuffing itself long enough for me to get a picture but I guess when the food is plentiful, you must take advantage.

We sat for quite awhile and just watched all the birds. Kim saw an Anhinga nab some dinner. She had read that they will swoop into the water, spear a fish with their beak, flip it up into the air and swallow it all in one fluid motion and sure enough, one performed that maneuver right in front of her. I missed it because I was having a moment with a Snowy Egret who was posing for me and the other tourists.




We decided our last bird jackpot was a great place to end our day in the “Glades.” We past this sign on our way out of the park and I include it for all you Coloradans who live at over 5,000 feet above sea level.

In Austin, Texas – we wore jeans, long sleeve shirts, down coats, hats and gloves and still could not get warm.
In Effie, Louisiana – we were attired in all of the above and a rain coat to ward off the freezing rain and ice.
In Crestview, Florida – we were only able to remove the hat and gloves as conditions remained essentially unchanged except for the addition of fog.
In Tampa, Florida – we were able to shed the rain and down coats but sadly, were still stuck in jeans and sweatshirts.
In Homestead, Florida (outside the Everglades) – we, thankfully, joyously, blissfully and finally, were able to throw all the clothing referenced above disdainfully into a tub in the back of the truck and don shorts, t-shirts and sandals! I believe before we actually put them on, we laid them out reverently on the bed and one of us may have actually kissed the hem of her shorts before slipping them on.

We had hoped to camp in Everglades National Park but some of the loops were closed and they were booked so we found a place called Miami Everglades RV Resort. We weren’t sure what to expect especially when we turned into the drive and were greeted with:

Luckily, it turned out to be a really cute place and despite getting one of the last spots, we got a nice site at the end of one of the loops with lots of space and some privacy:

The resort is primarily inhabited by snowbirds from the US and Canada who stay the entire winter but they have it going on. They had events going 24X7. Yoga in the Tiki Pavillion in the mornings. Bring your beverage of choice and appetizer to share every night at 5:00pm for Happy Hour. Nights devoted to Euchre, Poker,Texas Hold ‘Em, Mah Jong, Knitting, Bingo and Ping Pong. I am kicking myself for not participating in some events but we were busy getting after the Everglades. As we were checking out on our last day, they were having a Shuffleboard Tournament. Prior to beginning the competition, they sang both the National Anthem and O Canada and did a surprisingly good job.

If we all lived there, it would be hysterical. All you nuts would be participating in or coordinating some event. Richard, Ted and Rob would be organizing the daily bike ride. Renee and Claudia B. would have everyone knitting hats for the needy children. Kellye’s peeps would provide the Happy Hour music. Robin’s writing workshops would have a waiting list and Claudia Lenz would be the social secretary. Meanwhile, the rest of you younger folks would be in charge of cleaning and maintenance. Hey, my fantasy…..my rules.
But, as usual, I digress.

Off to the Everglades:

We spent our first day at the Royal Palms Visitor’s Center and hiked the Anhinga Trail. We pulled into the parking lot and promptly wrapped our truck in tarps:


Peg and Bill had warned us that the vultures seem to enjoy landing on vehicles and chewing the rubber off them. Many cars were covered and others were not, so we debated just taking a chance that Florida vultures would not have acquired a taste for Colorado Truck rubber. I am glad we went through the hassle of covering the truck because we later heard a man on the phone with his insurance company saying the “damn birds” had scratched the car all up and chewed all the rubber surrounding the windshield!
We had a phenomenal day watching wildlife! So yet again, prepare for more and more nature pictures. If you would like to see a larger version of the pictures, I believe you can simply click on the photo.

We saw Anhingas, who lack oil glands, which causes them to sit in the sun and stretch their wings out to dry each time before diving into the water to fish.

Without a doubt, my favorite bird of the day was the American Purple Gallinule.

Finally, I will leave you with one stereotypical Everglades photograph of an Alligator. I took at least 50 shots of them the first day but since you have been so kind, I will spare you. Especially since there are surely many more to come.

Gotta run for now! More Everglades to Come!

Disclaimer: The next few blogs will feature abundant bird and wildlife pictures ad nauseum because we ARE bird nerds. I know Peg, Bill, Claudia and Kellye will enjoy them. So sad for the rest of you.
We left Big Lil in front of Jerry and Cliff’s house (thanks guys for giving up your driveway and garage for us) and headed to Anna Maria Island to see Aunt Peggy and Uncle Bill. Bill had messed up his back so he was not a happy camper. Bill is an avid fisherman and spent most of the first day figuring out how he could get someone to cast for him so he could save his back and still fish!
We always have the best time with Peg and Bill because we just love to walk and see whatever there is to see. They had a really nice place on the water.

Unfortunately, beach restoration was in process so the view out their front window was a bit unusual (a massive pipe running along the beach).

We left poor Bill lying prone on his bed and took off to the wildlife sanctuary. He did come join us for our picnic lunch! Kim said that I need to add that we had our picnic lunch at a picnic table because that is what you do with Peg and Bill. Enjoy your lunch at a picnic table.
We saw a gorgeous Great Blue Heron who stands right beside all the fisherman on the beach.

Some non-birds to keep things interesting.


Yet another Heron:

We found some good restaurants in the area and one which was our favorite “Eat Here”. We actually ate and enjoyed BEETS of all things. Peggy took us to this really cute coffee shop, bakery, restaurant, gift shop with an AWESOME, florida Beach Bike parked outside.


What a great time we had! We got to go to the Red Barn Flea Market which was quite an experience. We did more people watching than shopping and had a huge time. Got some Honeybell Oranges which were so sweet and the juice just ran down your arm and onto your shoes when you ate them. Delicious. We are still sending healing thoughts to both Bill and Peggy. Bill because his back still hurts like hell as they make their way back to Cleveland and Peggy for having to drive most of the way on her own. We love you both to the moon and back.
We spent two days with Tina and Lynn (not nearly enough time) and crammed in a ton of fun. We ate, shopped, hit two flea markets, played tons of pool and met some of their wonderful friends. Lynn let us win a bit at pool before deciding to administer a butt whooping on us. I would like to state for the record that her actions were extremely disrespectful. We are her elders after all. Lynn, that was not cool.
Tina and Lynn took us to Nauti Nancy’s on our last night. Not in the best part of town but we had the BEST time. We played some cornhole, drank beers and then enjoyed some of the best shrimp and grits EVER. Kim is determined to replicate the recipe! What a great time we have with Tina and Lynn. I want to say there are no pictures because they would be X rated but really it is because I was so busy laughing that I never thought to take any pictures.
We finally made our way back to Cliff and Jerry’s only to find that Cliff had discovered Kim’s dirty clothes, washed and folded them. We have been so spoiled on our trip with folks washing and folding our clothes! I have to say that I was very impressed with Beth’s and Cliff’s Laundry Service. We did get to see the Manatees that live in the warm water surrounding the power plant near Apollo Beach.



The manatee are so wonderful to watch. They glide through the water, float up for air and then flip their tails as they submerge.
Sincere and heartfelt thanks to Peg, Bill, Tina, Lynn, Jerry and Cliff for everything. Love, hugs and hospitality!!! We love you nuts. Next stop: The Glades as in Ever!

Greetings one and all,
I would say greetings from balmy Key Largo but I think many of you would hop the next flight down here to deliver a smack in the face to me in person. I saw a T-shirt today that had a weather map on it and every region’s weather said “Shitty” except the Florida Keys said “Not Shitty.”
I have been too long away from the blogosphere. My only excuse (even though I don’t need one) is that we have been stuck on go. First to escape the awful weather that seemed to follow us all the way to Tampa, then stopping all along the way to visit with all sorts of people as well as cramming in as many sights as was humanly possible.
Since my last entry was when we were in Effie, Louisiana, I have much to catch up on. We stopped near New Orleans and camped for quite a few days in Fontainebleau State Park.

I managed to convince Kim to drive on the huge (23 miles long) bridge across Lake Pontchartrain to go visit New Orleans for a day. We managed to navigate into the city and park. We strolled through the French Quarter despite a smattering of rain.


We really enjoyed being able to stroll with our sippy cups out on the streets. We ate some great seafood and walked through the French Market where everyone was talking about the impending ice storm and that they were staying home and cooking gumbo rather than coming to work the following day. We toyed with the idea of bugging out to beat the storm but since we had been high-tailing it southeast since we left Colorado to evade the nasty weather, we finally decided to just hunker down for a few days and let it pass.

We watched a John Wayne movie (Rio Bravo) while Kim replenished her potholder inventory.
After two days ice, we decided the roads were safe enough to drive to Destin, Florida so we could camp on the beach for a few days. Once again, if you want to make God laugh, make plans. We got stuck in traffic on I-10. It took us 3 hours to drive 3 miles and as luck would have it, that stretch of 3 miles had absolutely no exits. The good news is that Big Lil ensured we were never too far from a restroom.
When we called the Florida State Park in Destin to let them know we would be a bit late, they informed us that they lock the gates at sundown and we really shouldn’t bother coming. Nice!
Not to worry, there’s always


THE WALMART PARKING LOT!!!
We stopped in Crestview, Florida which is not far from Fort Walton Beach, Florida (where I happened to attend junior high). Since it was cold, we chose not to visit MJHS (Home of the Wildcats) and instead ate a below average pizza. I did discover this free source of dinner in the Walmart parking lot but sadly it was after we had already eaten.

The next day rather than stopping again, we decided to just forge on to Kim’s dad’s house. We were tired and wanted a shower and as Kim so delicately put it, “our personal hygiene is suffering.”
We had a wonderful visit with Jerry and Cliff despite spending an entire day prepping for what was a fabulous Super Bowl party despite a totally sucky Super Bowl game. We tried to be cordial to everyone at the party but damn those Broncos made us so sad and a bit cranky. Luckily, I am a Cleveland fan so this type of bad disappointment and heartbreak was nothing new to me.
Jerry and Cliff are doing well and they send love and hugs to those of you they know as well as those they do not. That is just how they roll. We hung with them at their wonderful new house.

We ate a few cuban sandwiches. We decided we needed haircuts so all four of us descended on the nearest Great Clips. I guess when you pay $7 for a haircut, you can’t complain but we all agreed they “snatched us bald.” We had a really great time with the boys! They spoil us every time we see them.
Stay tuned for the next installment of “Snowbirds on the Run!”