We made the most of our 3-day weekend together, hitting up some of the city's hottest bars and nightclubs in addition to exploring on the city's many ethnic dining opportunities. We pretty much covered the entire spectrum: a classic Jewish deli/diner, Thai, Mexican/Cuban, and a Vegan-friendly bar and grill. The options were seriously endless!
As spectacular as it was to explore the nightlife, my favorite activity was Saturday's air boat tour of the Everglades. It was nothing like what I expected. Growing up, we made plenty of trips with my dad (aka Grandfather) to the Okefenokee Swamp in Southeastern Georgia. It's an amazing habit made up of various dark reflective-surface waterways lined with Spanish moss-draped Cypress trees. That's was what I expected the Everglades to resemble. Wrong!The Everglades isn't swampland at all. It's a drastically different landscape, but still home to countless ALLIGATORS which is what we all wanted to see. Also on the must-see list...a python. Living in Florida, you read article after article about pythons destroying the natural balance of the state's eco-system because they aren't native to the region. They've been released by irresponsible owners who can't properly care for them when they reach their massive size at maturity.
Unfortunately, we failed to spot a single snake. Well, honestly, I wasn't entirely disappointed because I was seated on the outside of the boat, and I think we've established how I feel about the legless specimens. Not a fan! 
Our guide treated us to an hour-long tour of the area and during that time we spotted upwards of 20 different bird species. My favorite was the "swamp chicken." Obviously, I don't remember it's scientific name. I missed that fact because I was laughing so hard after hearing our guide with his thick Southern drawl label it a "swamp chicken." In that moment, I felt like I was living an episode of Swamp People on The History Channel!
The Everglades landscape is pretty, but I definitely prefer the beauty of a swamp. I guess that's my Cajun roots shining through! All I could think about as we meandered through the various waterways was, "I wonder how many people dump bodies out here?" Nice, right? I don't have a warped view of Miami at all!
I mean, these guys would certainly make quick work of anything dumped. Hopefully, I've just seen way too many violent movies and allowed my imagination to get the best of me. Yikes!
To a degree, it was eery to see these alligators. One might stare you down with unsettling intensity while others would casually swim along side the boat. Again, I questioned my decision to claim an end seat.
We were even lucky enough to see a nest of baby gators. Sadly, I couldn't get a decent picture because the babies were shielded by the water foliage. I was afraid to lean in for a better angle because we were unsure of the mother's location, and I've heard "momma" will fiercely defend her nest. I wasn't taking any chances. I like all my appendages!
This guy, evidently, isn't as fond of his! He's an alligator trapper that has developed his own sideshow to raise money to save more gators. He claims to be the only non-kill trapper in Southern Florida. Most trappers sell the gator meat and hides for profit. This guy prefers to force them into showbiz!
The gator selected for our demonstration didn't seem too thrilled about his new lifestyle. I can't imagine why?!
All in all, it was a great weekend filled with a variety of adventures, new friends, and lots & lots of laughs. However, by the time Sunday rolled around, I was ready to head back to my sleepy little beach town and my 3 boys. Girl time is nice, but truth be told, I'm completely happy to just be one of the guys.
Unfortunately, we failed to spot a single snake. Well, honestly, I wasn't entirely disappointed because I was seated on the outside of the boat, and I think we've established how I feel about the legless specimens. Not a fan! Our guide treated us to an hour-long tour of the area and during that time we spotted upwards of 20 different bird species. My favorite was the "swamp chicken." Obviously, I don't remember it's scientific name. I missed that fact because I was laughing so hard after hearing our guide with his thick Southern drawl label it a "swamp chicken." In that moment, I felt like I was living an episode of Swamp People on The History Channel!The Everglades landscape is pretty, but I definitely prefer the beauty of a swamp. I guess that's my Cajun roots shining through! All I could think about as we meandered through the various waterways was, "I wonder how many people dump bodies out here?" Nice, right? I don't have a warped view of Miami at all!I mean, these guys would certainly make quick work of anything dumped. Hopefully, I've just seen way too many violent movies and allowed my imagination to get the best of me. Yikes!To a degree, it was eery to see these alligators. One might stare you down with unsettling intensity while others would casually swim along side the boat. Again, I questioned my decision to claim an end seat.We were even lucky enough to see a nest of baby gators. Sadly, I couldn't get a decent picture because the babies were shielded by the water foliage. I was afraid to lean in for a better angle because we were unsure of the mother's location, and I've heard "momma" will fiercely defend her nest. I wasn't taking any chances. I like all my appendages!This guy, evidently, isn't as fond of his! He's an alligator trapper that has developed his own sideshow to raise money to save more gators. He claims to be the only non-kill trapper in Southern Florida. Most trappers sell the gator meat and hides for profit. This guy prefers to force them into showbiz!The gator selected for our demonstration didn't seem too thrilled about his new lifestyle. I can't imagine why?!
No comments:
Post a Comment