01 Flamingo
Trip Start
Jan 15, 2008
1
9
Trip End
Jun 08, 2008
Flamingo,
Florida,
United States
Monday, January 21, 2008
Chuckled again in Georgia passing a big pink chevy with an even bigger woman driver -- back window had a sign in large gothic print, "Phat Cat Diva."
After grabbing provisions in Florida City (and catching three hours sleep in the van on Walmart parking lot), I set off toward my first home for a week in the Flamingo campground. Slept for eleven peaceful hours the first night - I guess my body was making up for some lost sleep. The weather is hot, read mid-80's, and humid - my body loves it so far but had to shed my jean jacket while washing baby. So hot here, I even got burnt in the shade -- I will be more careful until my body adjusts to the new SPF-45 sun-block. The owls hooting early in the morning while on the prowl are nice to hear.
Took a seven mile return hike to Bear Lake while trolling successfully for mosquitoes - did not remove my jean jacket; definitely more of these little beggars this year but hopefully the "cold" forecast, mid-70's, will scare them away (not as bad as it sounds since I only got two bites). Saw a coyote which is not native to this region -- when I reported it to the ranger station, they didn't believe me but I think time will prove me correct (wished I had been faster with my camera).
Went for a night hike along the Anhinga trail to safely view alligators at night -- their eyes glow red when illuminated by a flashlight. It was really neat watching a feeding frenzy occur as the gators work together to drive fish, frogs and turtles into the middle for the slaughter -- glad I was just watching.
Rained horizontally last night; I was thinking of pitching the smaller tent which is more storm proof (but you need to do the wriggle to get jeans on in the morning) and definitely not as kite-like in these strong gusty winds (I'd guess 50-80 kmph) - I would miss the extra space though. Decided to tough it out with the large tent -- it survived but I had to staighten one of the poles when I broke camp this morning. The north part of the park offers different bird life and some trees to break the wind... Forecast is good for the next few days -- possible showers but warmer (80+ again).
Next saga from Long Pine Key after getting more provisions...
Tibits:
- Ice at the Flamingo marina is more expensive than gasoline; $3.50 for ten pounds which is roughly a gallon when it melts.
- Hurricaine damage to motel and marina still evident -- government in-action.
