Panama Canal Day 1

The alarm got us up after only 6 hours. We didn't want to miss any of the day sleeping in. Breakfast was a passable hotel offering including make-it-yourself waffles. 

We then headed to the Everglades National Park and stopped at the Visitor Center for maps and information. After paying the $10 entry fee we headed along the main road hoping to see a 'gator jam' - people stopped by the side of the road who have spotted alligators. 

We decided to head to the end of the road then make our stops on the way back. As it was a 38 mile drive we stopped halfway at Mahogany Hammock Trail - an area with trees that were hundreds of years old. 

At the end of the main road is the Flamingo Visitor Center. After a brief tour we went over to the Marina where there were two osprey in a nest. Several photographers were enjoying the view and we joined the group viewing the spectacle. Also nearby was an American crocodile.

They prefer the salt water areas while alligators like the fresh water area more. We learned this fact during the 'Croc Talk' given by one of the park rangers. After a bite of our lunch from Subway, we explored the area a little more then began to head back along the trail. 

The weather by the way, is hot, humid and almost unbearable without air conditioning. The temperature got to around 28 C. After leaving -33 C yesterday you wouldn't think we should complain! But the humidity is the killer. 

And then, and THEN, we stopped at a photogenic little spot called Coot Bay Pond where we were devoured by mosquitoes! Although we really wanted to take more photos, we couldn't bear the swarming of the bloody-thirsty insects.  I can't remember when I was bitten so many times on such a short period. The next few stops were almost as bad. Dawn had some mosquito repellent along and it helped a bit but it did not contain DEET. 

A more pleasant spot was the Pa-hay-okee Overlook with a view of the Shark River Slough on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. A beautiful Anhinga bird posed nicely for us. 

We had seen no gators as of yet but were sure the Anhinga Trail would be a sure thing. When we were here last January it was amazing! Well this time we were surprised to see only birds. The water levels seemed to be higher than they were during our last visit. At least the temperatures finally dropped to a more pleasant range. The sun set around 5:30 PM and we headed back to our vehicle shortly after. There isn't much twilight at this latitude. 

After a hot busy day we were more than ready for a stop at a famous fruit stand called 'Robert is Here'. It is now a thriving popular tourist destination which was started by a young 6 year old Robert. He began his business selling cucumbers by the side of the road and  bit by bit developed the business into the success it is today. We had milkshakes, mine - key lime and Dawn's - black sapote - a delicious fruit tasting like chocolate pudding. We also bought a bunch of Apple bananas - sweet delicious mini bananas. 

We stopped at a Walmart for some necessities, grabbed a quick bite to eat and called it a day.