Time to move again. From Naples we head
to Collier-Seminole State Park which is apparently a good spot to see
alligators. At Ten Thousand Islands we walk a short trail to the
observation tower. On either side of the path we can clearly see the
partings in the sawgrass where the alligators cross the path. We are
getting a little bit nervous and are happy we do not see any on the
path. From the observation tower we look out over the swamp land and
mangrove trees. Technically it's not actually a swamp but a very slow
fowing river. We see a few different types of beautiful birds:
Anhinga, Heron and Stork. But no floating logs...
Safely back in the car we drive on and
enter Big Cypress National Preserve. Next stop is the Big Cypress
boardwalk. We get out with the intention of getting some information
and start talking to some other people there (from Toronto no less)
that point out the alligators in the water right next to the car
park! We just walked by without even noticing them! When we look
closer we can see an adult alligator with just the eyes out of the
water. It gives us the shivers and certainly makes us back up a few
paces. We look around a bit more and eventually count four juvenile
alligators as well. They look so cute when they are small!!
Satisfied we head to
our campsite for the night at Midway Campgrounds. Although the
glamping sites are really comfortable, they do not allow open fires.
So, at the campgrounds we make a campfire and grill burgers.
Today: 120km - 2h15m
Total: 14,877km - 302h15m
