Rewiring in the Everglades

February 7, 2016

Windy day. Glad we aren't biking, although it was all out of the northwest, so we would have had a good tailwind! But today was a rest day so we could do two boat tours. This will be mostly pictures with captions if I know what I'm looking at!

Mangrove Tour

It was an overcast day, and the sun could not decide if it was in or out. Eventually it came out. But we bundled up warm.

Down the canal. This was a completely open skiff-type boat that sat six on swivel-type chairs.

These embankments are comprised entirely of oysters and oyster shells.

The remains of shell mounds, used by Indians (that is the term used everywhere) to elevate their homes above high tide.

Most (in fact, all) of the wildlife we saw consisted of birds. I thought these were very pretty.

And this one was more than willing to pose for a close-up.

Looking for alligators, pythons, panthers, and bears . . .

A close-up. The high-tide mark can be seen; high tide essentially floods whatever land is available deeper into the "forest."

Back on land, safe and sound, with wind-swept hair.

Next stop, the 10,000 Islands Tour. We did not see them all (ha!).

Wind-swept water on the way out. This boat was larger and more protected. It could probably seat 35 or 50 people.

Lots of islands . . . but then we are talking 10,000 (give or take).

This was sort of cool. Lots of birds, some in flight.

This has got to be the smallest island of them all . . .

The "highlight" of the tour was the dolphin watch . . . we chased dolphins across the bay and watched them frolic in the water. OK, if it had been 75°F plus, this might have been entertaining.

So the morning tour of the mangroves was worth it. The afternoon of the islands, less so. But on a warmer day, maybe it wouldn't have mattered. We hit the Oyster House for early drinks and then came back later for an early dinner. Tomorrow we rise early. It's a long ways to Miami!

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