Friday, February 11, 2011
81° 23.259’ W
25° 51.505’ N
Rod and Gun Club Marina
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| Barb - Barb - Cathy Jim - John - Skip |
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| Gator |
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| Mangroves |
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| Gator |
Not the greatest weather here --- but good enough for an airboat ride! Today was overcast and damp with the feel of rain in the air. The six of us piled into the boat and the driver pointed the boat away from civilization into the red mangrove forest. The forest is so dense that only small animals like raccoons can survive here. We had a hoot of a time zooming through the narrow channels at high speed. The driver did slow down and explain the forest and its wildlife as we worked our way through the many intersecting channels in the forest. As we entered one larger body of water, we finally saw an alligator live and close up in the wild.
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| Peilcan on front of boat |
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| Momma & babies |
Today we had breakfast and lunch at the lodge that was constructed around 1860. Everyone in our group wanted to experience the unique surroundings of cypress paneling covered with mounted trophy fish and native wildlife so we had breakfast there. In addition to fish and game, the walls are filled with old guns and fishing tackle from 100 years ago. The reception desk of the lodge has two old nickel plated cash registers that operate with crank handles. The lobby is filled with heavy dark antique furniture from another era. Next to the chair I was sitting on was a stuffed otter standing on its hind legs and looking me straight in the eye! I had the feeling that I had stepped back in time.
The food served at the lodge was expensive for quality served! For the next two days, the remainder of our meals will be prepared on our boat or another restaurant if available!
The weather is not looking good for a few days, so will wait here for a weather window. At present it’s cold, damp and windy with small craft warnings posted! 
