Last week in the swamp!

I came upon this huge vulture as I sped around a corner of a park bike trail.

Lucky I had 12 speeds forward  and reserve!

 Blue heron on the hunt.

 Colourful wildlife.

Jungle like growth on every trail. 

 Amazing root system.

 The park basin was a great spot for viewing all forms of wildlife. 

 This crew was returning from an over night camp out on the river. 

 Naples had many interesting Christmas displays. 

 Morning in the Naples farmers market.

Park Tree

It's true!

 Great fresh veggies. 

 Back to the everglades.

Watch your step! 

 An air boat tour is a must do.

New Years supper-shrimp, pork, rice and more!

This brings back memories.

In the mid 80's I flew into Fort Lauderdale and biked, with my 10 speed bicycle, to Key West and back.

Over the course of the 400 miles, I encountered many chain gangs carrying out maintenance on the highways. It was hot and when I stopped to ask a guard for some water, he denied my request but the prisoners shouted to him to offer me some water since they felt I was working harder then them!

Thanks to the bad guys!

Collier Seminole State Park

 Park Entrance

 Local wildlife warning.

 

 Campsite 38

 Canoe trip down the black water route.

 This is a not to forget experience.

 Mangroves line the route.

We are just realizing the importance of this plant.

 Alligator ahead.

 NICE ONE!

 The park guides were most informative.

 The route had a number of fishing boat and all seemed to be active.

 These water crafts looked interesting to us and the alligators!!

 Heron were plentiful.

 Hawks were on the hunt.

 Clean up crews at the ready!!

Memorial to Barron Collier, the founder.

 This is a very interesting "walking  dredger" used to build the road through the everglades over 100 years ago.

 The visitor center  was constructed in the shape of the buildings used by the Seminole natives.

Flowers dropped from a large tree.

LAST WEEK AT OSSP

Young Bald Eagle on an early morning hunt.

The park has a number of nesting sites for the bald eagles.

It normally becomes bald in its fourth year.

BEAUTY!!

My friend suddenly walks out of the bush.

Wildlife has been plentiful in park.

Our last visit to Caspersen Beach.

This beach is a great shelling beach.

Beautiful coast.

Eggerts were numerous.

This eggert decided to visit a local drive through..

Hope it isn't wing night!!

Pelicans in action.

Shells were everywhere.

Shell Tree.

Interesting rock formations.

Ancient shark teeth were plentiful.

Local surfer working the shoreline waves.

Farewell Venice Florida