Today was a busy day, and I think I am too tired to write it all down, but I wanted to get a few things down.
I slept in, had a leisurely breakfast, got some starbucks, gassed up, and was back in the park around noon. I had a great conversation with the ranger at the desk, and then finally watched the park video. It was a little hokey, but it introduced me to Cyprus Domes (when a low depression fills with water and can support the Cyprus trees). I have a good line on one I may walk out to tomorrow and explore, though I will need to get some mosquito netting first!
There was a ranger talk at Royal Palm that I went to next. It was well attended by a great group: a couple from England, a family from Georgia, two backpackers, and myself. Right off the boardwalk there were two alligators, and I got tons of great pics.
Next I went to Pa-hay-okee overlook. I was super excited, until I got there and realized that it wasn’t the Shark Valley Observation Tower like I thought it was.
I returned to Flamingo Marina and took the Florida Bay Cruise. It was fairly uneventful, though there was a great family of ospreys. There was a pair of dolphins playing one we got out far enough, but they were very camera shy. Hopefully I’ll have a few good ones.
Then, it was back to the hotel for a shower, postcard writing, blogging, social media updating, family guy, and bed. Tomorrow I move to the Everglades Hostel, and Sunday to Key West!