After a bit we enter Big Cypress National Preserve, and see even more alligators, and birds. The visitor center is busy. People watching wildlife. Wildlife watching humans, and people with permits driving their swamp buggies out into the swamps, or just aboot anywhere from the looks of them.
Florida V8 Swamp Buggie
Further along we stop at one of the boardwalks and armed
with big glass I hope to shoot the elusive Rosita spoonbill. An Egret is spotted
then two large wading birds. Could this be the elusive spoon bill?
Wood Storks
After shooting lots of shots it turns out to be Wood Stork.
The spoonbill was not to be seen on this trip.
We turn north on highway 29 and roll through rural Florida.
Orange groves ,and other crops are just off the road. At Le Belle we turn east
on highway 80 and watch the cows and orchards roll by. At Clewiston we meet up
with Lake Okeechobee. This is the largest lake in the state. Its waters flow through the Everglades, and nurture crops, and humans in the entire southern part of Florida.
Northbound through Pahokee and Indiantown we see more crops.
Several little bergs have retirement communities, and lots of license plates
from Ontario. All these Canadians could only mean one thing. It’s a government
plot to turn this red state blue. Viva La Canada!
Stopped for the night in Okeechobee at the Flamingo motel. Pink
neon and a clean room.
I love Neon!
Didn’t have time for the pool, but dinner at the new Tin
Fish was very good, and I recommend the Tin if you happen to see one.
In the morning its north east to the Atlantic coast. Lots of
attractions are closed here on Monday. We struck out at the Manatee Center. The
Navy Seal museum, and a boat ride in the Indian River. 
Under The Bridge With The Fisher, Men, Women & Children
The sunshine lunch, picture taking and wading in the ocean
keep us busy until we program Zumo for Buddy’s and Kathy’s house. Zumo knows we
don’t have a clue where we are. She leads us down the highway for a while, then
it’s a right turn. Left turn. Right turn…We think we are getting close as we
drive through neighborhood after neighborhood. In Key West Zumo led us to the cemetery
instead of out of town, so we keep our eyes peeled for hearses and flower
shops, but it’s more left and right.
Florida Swamp Hearse If You Can Get In You Can't Get Out
Finally we turn on the street and into the driveway.
Buddy and Kathy are great! Buddy wiggles all over, and wants his belly rubbed. Kathy makes us feel
welcome in “Buddies” house. We have a great visit but have to get down to Fort
Lauderdale since we have an early morning date with an airport that only Zumo
knows where it is.
Our last night in Florida we spent at a Motel 6. Not my
first choice for lodging but what surprise to find a remodeled modern room with
plugs and light switches by the beds. A clean wood floor. Modern shower. A flat
screen tv on the wall with inputs for computers. The only downer is Motel 6
charges for Wi Fi. So even though a nice room staying at another is a last
resort because of the charge.
Zumo gets us to the airport without a glitch. Except I
programed her for arrivals instead of departures. That always confuses me
anyway. I’m arriving but departing.
Delta gets us both were to where our bikes are, and Alaska
Air take note. Delta’s 757 although not spacious offers more room and actual
padding in the seat, than your sardine can 737-800. Next time I need a sky carriage
Alaska you will not be my first choice. Tomorrow it’s two wheels east to the mecca of California Barstow.
Easy Read The Only Way To Ride
Get one of these Easy To Read maps when you travel. I recommend
it….
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