The rest of my time before I sauntered down to the Florida Keys was spent giving full reign to my passion for wildlife and scenery. Had a wild ride in an airboat through mangrove canals. The driver seemed to fluctuate wildly between slow, leisurely glides, then, as soon as he spotted a small lake, cackled cruelly and accelerated crazily, culminating in several wheelies, seemingly in ever-decreasing circles, drenching us well and making sure we all grasped that hairline difference between excitement and stark fear!
Another circle and we happened across a family of racoons - clearly with reliable wristwatches as they knew we were coming, and posing happily for us as the driver gave them tidbits. I held my first alligator that day too! Went for a great ride in the afternoon, down more alligator alleys, through the brown swaying emptiness of the Everglades, and a more stately boat trip around the Thousand Islands.
This was noisy. Pelicans? Gulls? No - a coach load of about fifty raucous Colombians got there first. There are the noisiest people I have ever come across. Oblivious of the few other travellers, they conversed loudly and crudely, blocked views, spoke and laughed over the commentary so we couldn't hear a thing - and generally spoilt things for the rest of us. I was glad when we got back...just one of those experiences that ensures the balance of good and bad is kept in equilibrium!
It didn't matter anyway - the next day, though I didn't know it yet, I was to discover paradise......
Another circle and we happened across a family of racoons - clearly with reliable wristwatches as they knew we were coming, and posing happily for us as the driver gave them tidbits. I held my first alligator that day too! Went for a great ride in the afternoon, down more alligator alleys, through the brown swaying emptiness of the Everglades, and a more stately boat trip around the Thousand Islands.
This was noisy. Pelicans? Gulls? No - a coach load of about fifty raucous Colombians got there first. There are the noisiest people I have ever come across. Oblivious of the few other travellers, they conversed loudly and crudely, blocked views, spoke and laughed over the commentary so we couldn't hear a thing - and generally spoilt things for the rest of us. I was glad when we got back...just one of those experiences that ensures the balance of good and bad is kept in equilibrium!
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| We visited this fascinating but vulnerable island |
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