Feeling a bit scratchy after the second night on the couch in Maimi we got ready to hit the road again. The decision was made to forego the drive down to the Keys and continue as planned through the Everglades to see some 'Gators. Chances are we would be back in Miami or the Caribean at some stage to do the drive. After a quick pit stop for fuel and some very strong Cuban coffee we entered the Everglades National Park. Highway 41 was slow going due to roadworks but soon enough we pulled into Shark Valley Visitors Centre to find out the best way to get up close with some wildlife. Any questions we answered immediately by the 2m alligator lying on the side of the road getting some sun.
We were amazed by the variety of critters we saw in the short walk form the visitors centre, gators, snakes, huge Herons and crickets all unperturbed by their human observers. It was a beautiful day to wander around such a pristine environment. We set out in search of an authentic Glades airboat experience. Abritrarilly we settled on "Tippy's Airboats" despite the slightly concerning name for a boat that travels through gator and python infested swamp. We certianly we not interested in any potential excersions into the drink. Our very friendly captain greet us and asked if it was our first time on an airboat and informed us it was his too. He the proceded to very competently guide us through the Cypress trees and jumping gators, although there was a noticable thump when he ran one over. The Everglades really is a place that deserves protecting as it is a truely unique environment. We all had a brilliant time during the ultra smooth ride, it is certainly the best way to explore the national park.
The ride over it was back on the road again for the reasonably long haul through to Tampa. We had accommodation booked in the seaside settlement of Treasure Island, part of St Pietersburg just outside Tampa City. At $87 a night for a two bedroom studio right on the beach we weren't expecting big things. The drive to Tampa was fairly uneventful save for numerous gator sightings up and down the sides of the highway. As we approached Tampa Bay we hit the Skyway bridge, an spectacular suspension bridge centred on an 11 mile causeway across the mouth of the bay.
Arriving in Treasure Island was remincent of Miami's houses on the harbour, only scaled back a few notches. The place had the feel of an off season beaside resort town, which is probably what it was. We pulled to the nearly empty car park of the Crystal Palms, our bed for the night and checked in. We were pleasantly surprised to find a huge studio room with ensuites, full kitchen and lounge. We felt a bit bad only paying $87 for the night.
This was quickly forgotten as we headed out to the Middle Ground, a seafood resaurant, for dinner. The food and service was top notch and luckily enough for us all wine was half price on Wednesdays. Next port of call was Mickey T's bar for a beer and some very low key Halloween celebrations. It was relieving to see that most of the locals weren't bothered enough to dress up so we didn't stick out any more than usual. A couple of good Tampa beers and some entertaining live Hendrix later it was time to call it a night. It's a long leg through to Panama City tomorrow.
Beer of the Day:
Cigar City Jai Alai IPA 7.5% abv - Draft Plastic Cup - Strong pineapple/passionfruit nose. Nice caramel malts to balance with a bitter finish. Just like my credit card bill; Outstanding.
Air boats are truly a great invention.
ReplyDelete