It was an amazing experience. We weren't sure what to expect, but the varying ecosystems were amazing. We started with a boat tour of the Mangrove Islands. We saw several different types of birds, a dolphin family that jumped in the waves created by the boat, and of course the Mangrove trees, which Emaleigh had learned about from her teacher this year.
Next stop was the Williams State Refuge Area where we caught a glimpse of several different kinds of fish and about a dozen alligators hanging out under the bridge.
Then we had to make a stop at the Kirby Storter Boardwalk. This mile long hike through the grasslands ended at the most amazing point. A small pond that was home to several baby alligators hanging out on the ponds edge. We were able to catch a glimpse of one swimming from one side to the other. What a treat. Not to mention the turtles, the frogs, and the giant grasshoppers.
Our final stop was the Shark Valley Ranger Station where the kids became junior rangers. This stop allowed us to come up close and personal with the gators. We also got to cool off with an afternoon rain shower.
What a fabulous day!
The Big Cypress National Preserve
A side trip to show the kids what an air plant looked like. These plants live off the trees without needing any soil.
Becoming Everglade Junior Park Rangers!
An afternoon rainstorm didn't deter us from a stroll through the grasslands. The bugs were a little troublesome, but nothing a little bugspray could solve!
This was an interesting phenomenon...they are called solution holes. Limestone walkways that have been eaten away by water. Watch where you step...Critters might pop up through the holes!
Hard to believe, but this one was really only about 10-15 feet away from us when I took the picture. A little freaky, but kinda cool being so close!
A baby alligator out for a swim.
A boat ride through The Ten Thousand Islands...(Mangrove Islands that is...). They now think there are between 14,000-16,000 islands depending on if it is low tide or high tide.
2 comments:
Hello from Colorado. Even though we miss you all and the boys have been wondering if we will ever have date night again - we've all really enjoyed seeing all the pictures from your travels! I can't believe all the great things you do and see each day!! Keep the pictures coming! Happy Father's Day to Craig!
What an enjoyable read and viewing of all that you are doing...the memories you are creating will last a lifetime, I'm sure.
Now, about that alligator--holy toledo!!!!! Looked big enough to saddle up and ride--oh wait, that's on a horse, not an alligator.
Colorado Springs is experiencing a humid day today. I had forgotten what that's about. But then you could probably tell by my hair in the picture you took on your way to the Japanese lunch!
Take care and love to all!
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