If At First You Don’t Succeed…

So I started this trip to south Florida back in early November, but got to the first night and started seeing swirls & floaters in my right eye. This led to eye surgery, the holidays & in early January started back out on a modified itinerary.

On the first day of the 2nd attempt trip, rioters stormed the Capitol and got inside. While that played out I found out that my youngest daughter (we’ll call her S because this is the Internet. If you know her, you know who I’m talking about. If you don’t, you’re fine.), whom I was on my way to visit, tested positive for the ‘rona. I don’t mind telling you that that Trumped (sic) the coup.

So, I spent the drive down to Crystal Springs trying to figure out if this trip was doomed from Day One (again) or if I should be finding a boat to Cuba for sanctuary.

We decided to go for it. She was past the worst of it and if things went south, I would feel better being close by to help out. But we figured we (S, myself & P [my son-in-law]) would have some fun appropriately distanced.

Side note: P tested negative for the ‘rona, which only reinforces my belief that he has not only stolen my baby from me, but he is the spawn of Satan. But I’m not bitter.

Day 1 – Crystal Springs, Florida

Stayed at the Plantation On Crystal Springs. This appears to be the best hotel in the area, but is a part of the chain that includes Comfort Inns, etc. A bulb was missing from a lamp & there was only decaf coffee in the room. The restaurant was strictly mediocre.

However, snorkeling with manatees was available right from there. The nearby springs maintain a temperature of 72F year round and the manatees flock here in the winter to stay warm. Lord knows, they don’t move around enough to get the blood pumping and generate some body heat.

Today – Marco Island

So, yesterday I drove around Big Cypress NWP. Lots of birds and a couple of gators. The weather has been rather cool by local standards. Looking forward to warmer weather for more activity.

Today (see what I’m doing there) – The Everglades

We took an airboat tour of the Everglades this morning. It was quite chilly perhaps because you’re sitting in front of a giant fan, but it was well worth it. I scored a bird that I’ve been wanting to shoot – the purple gallinule. Also, a palm warbler and common grackle. Additionally, we got the attention of a female alligator who started to come out at the prospects of getting a taste of one of the birds, but it was too cold.

As of this paragraph, I’m home & working hard to catch up on many things. Next month you can look forward to 2 weeks in the Everglades.

Stay safe, but enjoy the sane government.