Everglades Tour

It was so sad to leave the ship but we were so happy to have something to do instead of just heading to the airport.  We booked an excursion that would take us to the Everglades and then back to the airport to fly home. 

The guy who led the tour to the everglades was amazing.  He knew everything about the everglades!  We reached the Everglades Safari Park and immediately were escorted to the air boat.  It was a monster!  It carried 15-20 people.  We left and explored the area and saw so many alligators!

View from the front of the boat.  We were in the back but there was more happening on the side of the boat than in the front.

We were fascinated with these creatures!  Everyone in the boat was quiet and just focused on every little thing that moved.

These are just some of the shots we took!  They were everywhere!  Just basking in the sunlight.  Not having a care in the world.

We learned so much about their habitat, the everglades, their eating habits, and much more!

We loved the air boat ride!  It was about 30 minutes but flew by!  There was always something to see.

When we returned to the park we headed to the show explaining more about them and seeing them interact with humans.  The video above was before and the video below is during the show.

 It is truly amazing how much they act like house pets!  I believe all of us could have been seen with our mouths wide open during the show.  What we didn't capture on video was the handler putting his finger through the bottom of one alligators mouth where he was injured and seeing his finger stick out from inside his mouth!  These people and reptiles were AMAZING!  I also love Debbie's dialog.

Once the show ended we had an opportunity to hold a small gator.  Debbie has always had a fascination (and fear) of these guys so she was both intrigued and terrified of this whole experience!

Jeremy holding the little guy.

This guy is here almost all the time.  No cage, wall or barrier.  He just loves to be warm in the sun.

Before leaving to return to the airport.  We loved this experience!  We recommend anyone who had the opportunity to take it!  The everglades are such an important part of this country and there needs to be more focus on saving them!

We returned to the Ft. Lauderdale Airport and had to wait some time before our flight was leaving.  We ate at Chili's and returned emails and phone calls.  The above photo was a little strange to us.  The guy is a wax figure and quite freaky!  We still don't understand what this was all about...

Upon our return to Salt Lake City.  It was a long day.  This was the end of our journey!  So sad.  We had the best time!  We loved being with such great friends and had the most amazing time with them.  We can't wait to travel with them again soon!  Thanks you guys for coming with us!  It was a blast!