EVERGLADES SAFARI
Our first adventure out to the Everglades was a guided tour that took us on a 3 mile hike, then a conventional boat tour, lunch and then an airboat ride.
Our first stop was a 1 1/2 mile hike into Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. Yes, Dorothy actually hiked the entire trail which ended up being a 3 mile hike!
We were the first ones on the trail so I believe we benifitted from by seeing the otters crossing the trail and being able to watch them closely. Our guide told us that he has never seen that in his 11 years experience.
BOAT TRIP
Yes, I actually got Dorothy to venture out on a boat. The trip took us up to the Atlantic & Gulf Coast where we were able to catch siteings of dolphins.
AIRBOAT RIDE
The airboat ride was amazing. You haven't seen an alligator until you have taken an airboat ride in the Everglades. This is where you truly realize, this is the real thing. There's a 14 foot alligator just along the banks and you're only about 8 to 10 feet away......you know you're not at Disney.
We actually even had a scare with one of the gators coming down off the bank and hitting the underside of the airboat. We couldn't believe how smooth of a ride it was gliding over the branches that you saw coming at you.
Our first day adventures on THE EVERGLADES DAY SAFARI was great, the only problem that we experienced was the seating in the van - the other passengers were cold and they shut the vents off to the back of the van (that is when we sat). I guess the 2 sweaters that they were wearing wasn't enough.
