Gator Park (February 13th)

All over Florida are advertisements for Airboat rides.  I rationalized that the best, most "authentic" experience would be when we were south in the Everglades.  I found out later that airboats are actually not allowed in Everglade National Park because of the negative environmental impact.  After a little research we found a company near the park that seemed to follow a high standard of environmental protection.  After we purchased our tickets I was shocked to see that the snack bar served "Gator."  I thought maybe it was a joke, but some locals filled me in later.  Apparently, this is acceptable. The American Alligator is not a protected species, and due to their abundant numbers they are indeed hunted.  When in Florida...........Nope...Still could not compel me to try that culinary delight.

Don't let anyone tell you different, these boats are fast ...and loud. 

The sun was out and so were the gators.  This actually looked fake; then he moved. 

Must be a space issue in the Glades.  Two turtles, one bird, one rock

We were thinking we had gotten our money's worth, speeding through the grass, checking out all of the gators.  Then the tour guide stopped the boat and told us about some little friends she liked to visit.  (Incidentally our boat of 10 was us, and a group of non-English speaking Brazilian tourists, who might have thought we were having engine trouble.) 

When you focused on the grass you realized it was literally crawling with baby alligators.  We counted around twenty swimming and climbing around.  

No worries, Mama was watching out for her babies the whole time.

And lo and behold, in the middle of the lily pads was Andy's favorite bird (still haven't gotten a bird book).

Andy has been begging for a new pet.  I think this one might actually eat his cat. 



Mommy, there is something a little off with my new friends.