Today we got up and went back to Shark Valley in Everglade National Park. This time we took our bikes. We rode down the same path we walked last night. We saw so many alligators along the way! We saw gators with the same frequency as squirrels back home. We learned pretty quickly that they have no interest in us. They sun themselves and hang out in the muck, but even when they're a few feet away they have no desire to eat us.
As we rode and admired the scenery we realized there was never a bend in the road. After riding at least an hour and a half we came upon an observation area and bathrooms. I asked a tram driver how much further we had to go and was informed that we came 7 miles and we still had 8 miles to go to get back! 
So, the Meile Family got hydrated, had a few snacks, and mentally prepared for the 8 miles ahead of us. We kept a pretty good clip considering we had already rode 7 miles in 80 degree heat mid-morning. It was exhausting, but the kids were real troopers. I was so very proud of them. After the ride we ate lunch at the Miccosukee Indian Restaurant. It was another amazing day! 
Did you spot any other wildlife on the trails? I only got to spend a few hours in the Everglades but we did see a red-shouldered hawk up close as well as plenty of alligators and lots of other birds.
ReplyDeleteMostly saw gators but we did watch a bird trying to down a catfish. It struggled because it couldn't get past the barbs.
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