084 USA; Everglades

USA; Everglades

As we are driving along I spot a sign that says Manatee viewing centre. It is by a power plant and the Manatees come to bask in the warm water of the outlet valve. There are about 20. Feeding, sleeping, playing. Several mothers and calf's. We can't believe it is free. Promoted by the energy company. So well done. A highlight.

This was so funny. There is just lots of air blowing down on his head. The 'thrill' might not have been there but we haven't laughed that much for ages. Best $2 we've spent :)

There are really panthers in the area.  They are nocturnal. The two locals we spoke to see them regularly but are currently very concerned as they say that cats are starving. It seems the protection of the alligators is reducing their food source.

There are alligators everywhere. Frank can't believe how close we can get to them. They are relatively docile but still you wouldn't want to provoke them.

Air boat ride. Fantastic. The ride was better than the wild life viewing. We had a slightly crazy driver, which suited us jut fine. Bit expensive, so we only went on the one but were very tempted to go back.

and yes, the bird is as close to the alligator as it looks.
The driver feeds the alligator marshmallows!

The fish almost jump into the boat. in less than a minute Frank has this on the line.

This little lad was just two years old. They don't need to tape their mouths like we do with the crocs.

This guy is a bit bigger than the one I'm holding. We were on a boardwalk walk when we spotted him and the reflection was just perfect.

Nearest we got to Eagles. We were about 2 weeks early for the breeding season.

This is a post office in the middle of nowhere.  The lady who's office it was, was possibly one of the happiest people you will ever meet. Whereas the driver was a grumpy so and so.

Frank was not comfortable with me getting out of the car, and perhaps my laughter was more based on nervousness?
We'd gone off road a bit down a road called the loop road. About 13km of unmade road. We stopped counting alligators when we got to 30.

There are still quite a few native American Indian tribes in the area. They hid in the everglades and managed to preserve their culture.

 If you look closely you will see the snake. There is an abundance of wildlife. The birds were congregating for the winter so we were very luck to see large flocks.

 

and that was the Everglades. so different. fantastic. so glad we decided to take the time to go.

 

 

Next stop: The Alorida Keys.