Gators and manatees [Everglades]

Today we began the final push to complete the last few Florida parks we haven't seen before the looming government shutdown Friday night. So today was spent in Everglades NP. Awed with the amazing flocks of birds; wood storks, rosiate spoonbills, great and little herons, egrets, anhangas, black creasted herons, ... just amazing. Also caught 5 manatees lolling in the river.

Washing dishes this evening was more exciting than usual. The camp community wash basin is about 20 yards from a good-sized lake. As Lorraine washed Hunt held the flashlight but flicked it out to the lake where two glowing gater eyes watched us. We resumed washing with a bit more alacrity. Checked the lake. The eyes were closer to the bank. Rinsed. Checked. The eyes were gone. Needless to say we didn't get up for any midnight bladder relief.Read more