Last Friday, we checked something else off our "things to do while we're in Florida" list and went for an airboat ride! After leaving Maggie at the kennel in Palm City to play with her friends, we drove straight west toward Okeechobee. This area is a mecca for winter visitors wanting to enjoy the laid back small town atmosphere and lots of great fishing in Lake Okeechobee - touted as the start of the Everglades.
We were really enjoying the beautiful drive through the Florida countryside when .........
....... we came upon dozens of turkey vultures finishing off a dead deer laying in the ditch.
We finally arrived at our swampy destination, recommended by someone Hubby knows at work. It was a small family owned business with one airboat - which I forgot to take a picture of!!
However, I did get a picture of our airboat guide/driver. Hubby and I were both thinking "Swamp People" but, fortuntately, we didn't quite need subtitles.
Ear protection in place, we were soon flying over the shallow water in search of wildlife.
Our tour guide sure knew his swamp because, in just a few minutes, we came upon this huge fellow.
Turning off the airboat engine our guide moved us in for a closer look at what he estimated was a 10 foot long gator.
The airboat just skimmed over any water plants.
So much beautiful scenery to see while we looked for gators.
We didn't see anymore big fellows, but lots and lots of baby alligators were everywhere! All too soon our airboat ride was over and we headed back to civilization, but not before we.........
........... stopped in town to have some alligator for lunch. It tastes like chicken (you knew that was coming!) only chewier. I can check "eating alligator" off my list now. I think I'd rather have chicken.
I came across your blog a few months ago and I was so eager to comment. My problem is I can't figure out how to! So...here's hoping that this will finally work. I've enjoyed reading all about your Fl. adventures. I live in Okeechobee!
ReplyDeleteNancy
Wow - what an adventure. I've always thought those airboats look like fun. Great pictures - as for eating alligator, I think I'd rather have chicken too - or pork!!
ReplyDeleteLord, have mercy, you're living life dangerously! That does look like it would be lots of fun! Now that gator is some scary business.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
i'm chicken to do what you did!
ReplyDeleteYou're brave,
d
YIKES -- he sure would make a nice few pairs of shoes, though...
ReplyDeleteI could just see Cap'n Richard being an air boat driver! You guys would make awesome swamp people. hahaha! :D
Sounds just like the day we had when we road the airboat and of course we had to try gator too. I didn't mind it and like you said, now we have done it!
ReplyDeleteWhat is it with all the turkey vultures there? I'm glad you ate some fried gator. Yummy!!!
ReplyDelete