san marcos pelican class c

 Today we made a visit to San Marcos Island to check out the beachs there and to see the haven of the northern snowbird. It is a very wealthy area and one where the average age must be at least 60 since we saw almost no young people on the streets. In fact, we didn't see even one school or school crossing in the entire visit. They must be home to the world's most friendly polican population!

On our way home we stopped at Wal-Mart near Naples and that is where I took the picture of the class C shown here. That shed is mounted on rail extensions from the frame rails of the chassis. That thing must be a real chore to drive with the front so light and the rear so overloaded!

The question frequently arises as to if we have crocodiles or alligators. It is lesson time!

alligator walks  crocodile

 There is actually quite a bit of difference, once you know how to tell. The easiest thing is that alligators live in fresh water and crocodiles in salt. But there are a few places where there are both, so just to make sure that you know which is eating you, I'll try to make this simple. 

The thing to remember is that an alligator is black and the corcodile is gray. Also, since you will be seeing the eating end of the animal best, remember that if the nose tapers down to a narrow front it is a corcodile but it the nose is broad and flat with a rounded front it is an alligator. This way, should you happen to survive the event you will have accurate stories to tell to people you know!

On Jan. 29, at 7:30 am we were down on the waterfront for the trip to Dry Tortugas National Park.

entry sign moat lighthouse

 The park is fairly small but very interesting. The boat trip was fun and really quick as the distance is about 70 miles and we got there in just over two hours. The boat feeds breakfast and lunch and provides drinking water for the trip. They also give a guided tour of the island.

On Jan. 28 we and some friends from Chekika Area (the Holland's) made a trip to the southern tip of the USA to visit the city of Key West.

     key west  marker

 Key West is an interesting city and while we are glad that we visited, it is mostly one big tourist trap in our view. We did enjoy a tour of the city and the evening that we spend in Mallory Square, where there are many street performers each evening. We spent the night in a B&B to head for Dry Tortugas early in the morning.

On a trip to the Flamingo Area of the park we found just the place for the lovers of mountains who visit this website. Who would have thought that a place like Everglades National Park would have any mountain passes?

         rock reef pass  

At the observation tower we regularly see many birds and alligators, but while there are some deer in the area, sighting one is a rare thing. I did see one at the lake near our RV site once but on Jan. 27 I spotted one while doing roving interpretation work out at the tower! It was the first reported in that area since the first of the year.

       deer

He was a long way out but I think it made a pretty good picture even so.

On Sunday evening, Jan. 18 there was a very exciting event! Pam & I were sitting out side of the visitor center waiting for time for my evening alligator walk, when a girl of 12 was approaching on her bike at a speed that was a bit excessive for the crowded walking/biking area where she was. A small child pulled a little bike directly into the path of the young girl, causing the girl to lock the brake and loose control of her bicycle. When she swerved off of the paved path she screamed as she was heading directly toward an alligator of about 9 feet in length! I immediately began to run in the direction of the impending accident. 

            alligator row

The alligator headed for the water and safety, but not quickly enough as the girl's bike hit the gator's tail about midway up the tail as the gator retreated. In it's rush to swim away the tail threw water,  the bike and girl splashed into the water and for a few seconds I lost track of the entire event. Once at the scene, I found the girl wet but uninjured, the mother present and in panic and the gater long gone and probably far more frightened than either the girl or her mom! Today the girl and her mother have both recovered and the alligoator is fearful, but may eventurally return to his favorite spot. All is well that ends well!

Somehow we seem to have lost several pages in some housekeeping work so I will try and recreate them.

About Jan. 21 I posted some pictures of Pam as we visted the post office from which our mail comes. It is the smallest USPS building in the country. 

postal office   pam at window  sign

This office is about 25 miles to our west in the direction of Naples and along US41.

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