Shark Valley Slough

The day started off with an unsuccessful search for a diner so we ended up eating at the same joint where we had lunch the previous day. After we filled ourselves with fried food and grits, we headed to Big Cypress National Preserve where we meandered on a twenty-four mile dirt road. Naturally we stopped to gawk at almost every bird and gator that we saw along the way. Since we were moving so slowly, we could hear birdsong throughout most of the drive.

Our next stop was Shark Valley, apparently a popular destination. We waited for a parking spot before Lisa and I rented bicycles and Mary-Ellen and Karen hopped on the tram. It was the first time that I had been on a bike with foot brakes in many years! On the loop road, we found plenty of alligators (including babies) on the way in and a great selection of birds on the way out.

Halfway through, there was a tower that we climbed to get a panoramic view of the swampy grasslands around us. It reminded us of Nebraska...with alligators.

We are spending the night in Florida City, intending to explore the more popular parts of Everglades National Park tomorrow.