Hiking the Tamiami Trail

I'm not sure hiking is the correct term but walking along the Tamiami Trail (AKA alligator alley) rewards it's hikers with significant wildlife viewing. Every ledge has an alligator resting in the sun and little blue herons, egrets, anhingas, ibis and King fishers move along with you as you head up the road. The only challenge is the vehicles that speed by at 60 mph and the very shallow shoulder for your walking pleasure. At one point we spotted several new borns swimming near there mother just a few feet from where we were walking. Need I say we walked fast as not to disturb her. Can you spot the three babies In the one photo? Note the seven up can, human evidence is everywhere unfortunately.

The Old Florida

When I think of Florida, there are few places that scream Florida like the Everglades and The Big Cypress. Our home for the next week sits in the more northern of the two (Big Cypress) which is a key component to the ecosystem that feeds the Everglades. Our location is at the midway point between Naples and Miami and gets its name Midway from that location. As a part of the National Preserve, which makes up a large portion of southern Florida, it is home to the multitude of species, many rare or endangered and the parks and surrounding areas are rustic to say the least. Midway is a small slice of camping heaven that we have enjoyed in the past and I'm sure will be a part of our travels for many years to come. Today's much needed rains will keep us indoors but the views outside are full of birds, plants and reptiles that have stood the test of time. In fact the native alligator has changed little from the days when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The signs around the campground remind me that we are in a place that hosts some mighty predators including bear, panthers and both gators and occasionally a crocodile. My walk with Blue last night was a quick one with both of us feeling nervous with the new surroundings and potential danger. Especially after the campground hosts warning me to make sure I carry a light when walking at night because the gators tend to walk around at that time. This is the heart of the Florida panther territory, but as much as I would love to see a panther it's not likely to happen in the wild.

Calm before the storm

After a week of warm weather we had a fast moving storm last night. No issues in our location but Gary's brother who was heading home was stuck on the runway for 3 hours, making his day a very long one.

Days with Don

This week we enjoyed a visitor, Gary's brother Don. its always nice to have another person to enjoy the areas warm weather and good food. Our lunch in Fort Myers beach encluded a group of dolphins swimming by as we had lunch. So cool!

An Osprey a day...

Well I'm not sure what rhymes with that but I just like it as a title. The osprey are very busy around these parts and with much success in their fishing, unlike Gary these days!