Everglades City, Airboat, Plus …

It didnt’ take long from Christmas and all the festivities to roll into a New Year.  2016 is here.   With all the past forecasts of doom and gloom, it’s a wonder we’ve made it this far.  We have and that’s something to celebrate.  And, that we did.  However, I must admit most of the folks we were with on New Year’s Eve probably had no intent of welcoming in the New Year then.  That’s something left for the young, the very young.  Our only option was to welcome 2016 along with all the others living in London as that time zone worked best for us.  So, Happy New Year  on London time.

We have totally recouped since arriving back in Florida.  The temperature remains as hot as Hades.  It seems the Hyders saw their temperature gauge climb to 106 yesterday.  I think the actual recorded temperature was probably in the 90’s but 106 seemed more on spot to me.  Our air conditioner was running non-stop while we tried to cool the RV down below 80. 

Everglades City was part of our plan for last week.  It was just a short 55 mile jaunt and another place we hadn’t visited. 

Our thought was we’d visit real quick and then head on down Hwy 41 towards Shark Valley which is described as the “True Everglades”.   That didn’t happen.  We discovered Erv’s Airboats and Erv’s Alligators and spent much longer there than expected.  So, Shark Valley will be put off for another day. 

There are several different airboat operators in Everglades City but we were glad we discovered Erv’s first.  There  you can also stroll on the boardwalk , visit with the local alligators and even cozy up to a 2 year old baby gator. 

I wasn’t too keen about holding a gator at first but once I saw that Terry survived,  I figured I might too. 

We learned a great deal from the guide but not so sure we’d feel comfortable playing with an adult alligator and especially when it came to checking his teeth.

The airboat ride was fantastic.  We loved zooming through the Mangroves and speeding in the open areas.  What fun! 

One airboat driver had a thing for raccoons.  Evidently they love him visiting.  He usually brings canned soda and the raccoons get a drink.  They also played high five.

Wednesday was the first day of the big Cornhole competition. 

It may not really have been the first day but it was the first time I had played.  The idea was to toss what appeared to be bean bags into a hole.  Considering it was my first time, my partner and I did okay.  We won two and lost two. 

However, Jerry Hyder and his partner ended up with high score!   I think he’s a big show-off but don’t tell him I said that!

We also did a tryout on a couple kayaks.  Estero Outfitters lets you actually try kayaks that you might be interested in buying …. or not.  So, we decided to give them a try out. 

Check out this rooster.  It was made from an old tire.

Then, there’s my absolutely favorite breakfast.  Out with my Ninja, bananas, strawberries blueberies, ice and diet Sierra Mist.  Nummy.

And, here's the latest in breakdowns.  Terry's computer seems to be having an issue with the system fan.  So here's the dilemma and not sure what I'm going to do yet.  I could move his hard drive to my old computer where the hard drive crashed.  Or, I could take the system fan out of that computer and move it to his.  Hmmm.   Not so sure which is best yet.

And, now Friday rolled around.  That means it’s Dollar Daze at the dog tracks.  That’s what we’re going to do today with the Hyders and the Hintons.  I’m sure we won’t win much but we also won't lose much.  What we will have is a great time.

Happy New Years

‘Tis life on the road.