April 28, 2019

April 28, 2019

This morning, we rose early and drove west from Miami. An hour later we reached Big Cypress National Preserve. This swamp is part of the Everglades ecosystem; instead of being added to the Everglades National Park, it was made a Preserve to allow hunting, fishing, and some limited private activities. After watching the park movie, we strolled the boardwalk, seeing dozens of alligators basking in the sun. We also were amused by these male Brown Anoles who would extend their bright red dewlap to mark their territory and attract females.

On the way back east, we stopped at Everglades National Park’s Shark Valley Visitor Center to buy a National Park annual pass. We continued south of Miami reaching Biscayne National Park after lunch. Biscayne is mostly a marine park enclosed by a mangrove wilderness. A Ranger recommended kayaking the bay. He said we might encounter some marine creatures. Aimee only heard Alligators and said no way. I only heard Manatees and said yes!

After a little cajoling Aimee and I paddled a two-person kayak across the bay to a fresh water canal. There we were pleased to see a bunch of Manatees or Sea Cows cavorting all around us. These fat blubbery sea grass-eating mammals have a whiskered face with a broad fan-like tail. Aimee figured out that she could attract them by gently splashing her hand in the water.

After an hour, we paddled back to shore. Biscayne is the start of the long chain of Florida Keys. These islands are the exposed fossil remains of a barrier reef that formed thousands of years ago when the sea level was much higher. We thought the Keys would be fun to explore so we drove nearly four hours along US 1 to roads-end at Key West. After this long driving day, we were more than ready for a welcome drink and then fish tacos and Happy Hour at the pool bar. This is Aimee’s favorite, a vacation from our vacation.