02 Long Pine Key

Trip Start Jan 15, 2008
1
2
9
Trip End Jun 08, 2008


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of United States  , Florida,
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

The move from Flamingo went smoothly and I quickly grabbed a campsite overlooking the small lake and zoomed into town for provisions, including some beer. Had to move the next day, or kill a new neighbour, due to an extremely loud chinese generator that ran continously until 20:00 then on again at 08:00 -- never saw his wife but I assume she was soaking up the soaps on a giant screen satellite TV. By moving, I actually ended up with the best campsite in the campground overlooking the pond - the tent rode on top of the van to the new site..

This campground has no showers (Flamingo had cold ones which is acceptable in the heat) -- since I have the van, I am now the proud owner of a six dollar solar shower that works impressively well. Show time is usually late afternoon behind the van before I cook dinner :).

One afternoon about 16:00 it poured for two hours; most of the time you could only see six feet -- the tent survived with no major leaks (Smokies waterproofing worked) 01-Long Pine Key sign
01-Long Pine Key sign
 . The night-time amphitheatre ranger talks have been good; especially the hoped for restoration of the park by giving back some of its original water flow (the Everglades currently survives on rainwater which has reduced the bird population to less than 5% of th 1900's level).

Did another night stalk of the gators - still impressive and they ingested lots of frogs, fish and the odd turtle. Went early the next day and was really lucky to catch a Red Bellied Woodpecker and a rare Night Heron (immature yellow crested). Loved watching the Moorhens and little Green Herons who are hard to spot sitting still on their branches waiting patiently for minnows. Finally got an appointment for baby's tuneup next week - she just went over 20,000 km; the van now has over 100,000 km (started at 74,000).

My luck with birds is continuing to be good (and envied by the $5++K camera crews) - I tell them it is beginners luck, when actually its patience; snapped an elusive American Bittern, more of the Long Eared Owl and a georgeous shy Night Heron (black crested).

Dad returned to hospital on Sunday :( -- in a wait and see mode at the moment (the wait may likely be my bike which is going into the shop on Wednesday til Thursday night or Friday morning - but we'll see) 02-Home 2
02-Home 2
 . Moving higher up the peninsula to Miami Beach and Vero Beach for meals with Toronto locals; will pick up baby on the return then decide next steps. Sending script out a day in advance due to timing...

Tidbits:
- Walmart ice is $1.50 a gallon :)
- Beer in Florida is cheaper than Gatorade - guess what I drink :)
- If you only go one place in the Everglades, make it the Anhinga trail - most of the large birds and gators put on a good show in the dry season and it's only five miles into the park.
- Gun Control is hitting where you aimed (bumper sticker); and they mean it down here.
Slideshow Print this entry