This is the second in a series of reviews on my one week trip to sunny Florida.
Traveling about 45 minutes south of Naples Florida (use either Rt. 41 or Rt. 75) you come to an area known as the Everglades. This area consists of about 10,00 islands and Mangrove jungles.
Loaded with many species of birds and wild life, this subtropical area is a must see. All along the road you will see signs for air boat rides. Some of the better known companies will offer discount coupons on their Internet sites for $5 or $10 off. Be forewarned you don't always get the best buy using these coupons. Seeing that the average price of these rides was $30 to $45 per person, I thought I was being a good guest downloading enough coupons for us and our host couple. Our hosts knew of a place that was cheaper than these better known places even with the coupon!We were able to ride the air boat for $22.65 which included tax at Wootens Air boat rides. They have a website at http://www.wootensairboats.com/
We weren't even out of the canal and up to speed before we saw two floating eyes staring menacingly back at us. It was chilling to realize there was a six foot alligator attached to these eyes. Even more disconcerting was how easily and smoothly they disappeared beneath the water without so much as leaving a ripple in the water. It reminded me of the space movies I had seen where the space ship just disappeared after turning on the cloaking device. Using this gator as an example the boat captain warned us not to reach into the water for ANYTHING that might blow off our person as the air boat picked up speed. You could tell he had seen it all as he recited a list that included everything from cell phones, ipods, toupees, wigs, camera bags, hats and more. Not only could you lose an item but your hand could be snatched and you could get dragged out of the boat too! (Are we having fun yet?) Small children are probably safer sandwiched between adults as you do slide somewhat as the boat turns at high speeds.
If you are going to be adventurous and take one of these rides be prepared. Leave any unnecessary items locked in your car trunk. You wouldn't be able to talk on a cell phone over the noise of the air boat anyway so leave the cell phone and purse there to. While we are on the topic of noise, bring earplugs to protect your ears. You can usually buy them for $1 a pair but bring you own if you're in a group it's cheaper. Stop at a dollar store before leaving the city and pick up one of those cheap plastic ponchos. When the boat picks up speed and turns, it can throw spray all over you. Also some bug repellent for the summer time is a must. Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from the sun but also flying bugs at high speeds.
Then climb aboard for the blast of a life time. The boats can literally just about fly over water that's only an inch deep! On our particular trip during the dry season (Nov thru May) we were gliding over as much mud as water at times. Your speed can go from just about moving to "take off " in the matter of a few seconds. Looking at the the roots of the mangrove trees, we could see the water line had dropped a good three feet since the spring.
They call the mangrove trees "walking trees" because they shoot out roots from the top of the trees that grow down and root and a new tree is born. The trees keep creeping across until whole groves are tightly intertwined. It is against the law to cut one down or even trim it. If you do, you have to replace it with two. (How does one do that when it is illegal to touch them?) The roots provide caves where the alligators hide. There are snakes and other swamp loving creatures at every turn, in this back country swamp. Out in the open water you'll see manatees and dolphins. Tropical birds of all sizes and descriptions are everywhere. On our way back into the canal where the boat was docked, we stopped to watch as an alligator stealthily climbed out of the river and gobbled up a duck in one big chomp! With feathers and wings hanging out of his mouth he turned and looked at us as if to say, "You got a problem with dat?" With a violent shake of his head, he and his lunch disappeared beneath the shallow dark water and were not seen again. All of this happened two feet from the boat! It was awful but at the same time you couldn't turn away! National Geographic material and my camera was off! Oh Well, it's something I won't need a snap shot to remember!
This is definitely something you should try if you get to this part of Florida. It is highly recommended for young and old alike! Just be careful!
Tomorrow : The Rod & Gun Lodge in Everglade City dining review.
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