05 Long Pine Key - Part 3
Trip Start
Jan 15, 2008
1
5
9
Trip End
Jun 08, 2008
Long Pine Key,
Florida,
United States
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Went for a free bicycle ride on an interpretive trail and saw some of the Florida tree snails that are now protected -- taking them from the tree will kill them during the dry season. Too bad there were too many bad cyclists - we only toured about two miles in two and a half hours :(.
Took the kayak into the other half of Nine Mile Pond - really pretty country when surrounded by mangroves and birds; the recent two inches of rain has raised the pond three inches
01-Deer
. Saw my first Glossy Ibis but couldn't get close enough for a good picture; also, loads of Egrets, Herons and Woodstorks in this neck of the woods. Had a 14 foot gator swim underwater next to the kayak in narrow channel with two feet of water - he was close enough to touch but chicken me didn't want to frighten this big guy in his domain.Had crab (unknown type) for dessert, courtesy of Bucky - this crab was so sandy, he must have been buried for a couple of months, but still delicious. Tried to break in my old hiking boots but my feet have changed since 1972 -- hopefully, Sally Ann can find a new home for them. Have been hunting for replacement tires for the van -- $600 for new paws is likely the best price I can find; total cost was $1000 including taxes plus new brake pads.
Took baby and a Park Ranger to the Conch Republic (a.k.a. Key West) on a nice sunny 88F day -- spent three hours wandering around town then had lunch at Ernest's Cafe. The street chickens were the entertainment and the local beer was exceptional. The ride was really pleasant - the various blues in the water made an interesting kaleidoscope.
When sitting on a boat (the day Miami lost its power) in a brisk breeze, one does not notice how hot the day has become -- definitely didn't feel like 86F
02-White Pelicans
. More thunder storms at night and a Canadian cold-front has cooled the glades to 65+F -- locals are wearing their long-johns and parkas :); night temperatures dropped to 47F - zipped the bag up for the first time since being here (normally sleep on top of sleeping bag using just a sheet).Noticing more and more flowers blooming as the wet season approaches. Kayaked in Florida Bay out of Flamingo - went into a strong wind (small craft warning was issued for the weak of heart) for about five miles then drifted (sailed) back in record time. Saw a giant Sting Ray in eight inches of water that was three feet across the "wings" and had a three foot tail - awesome. The menagerie of birds was also interesting along the shore.
Biked to Chekika, a closed part of the Everglades Park that used to be a state park. Lots of work needs to be done to undo the canal drainage systems and revert this area back to native everglades. Area had lots of hawks and got to see 10 "baby" gators about two feet long. Biked out of the park through the non-roads for which "baby" was built; on exiting at a canal pumping station, found out that access was prohibited :) - would have put on my weird Canadian identity if the Rangers caught me.
03-Protected snail
Walking old trails (Mahogany Hammock, Pa-hey-okey and Anhinga) -- it never ceases to amaze me how they seem to change with each viewing. Currently organizing for the road west - packed Baby and the tent today and will be underway early in the morning.
Tidbits:
- The Everglades: where the middle of nowhere is somewhere :).
- Interesting phenomenon: a jean jacket dipped in the ocean never really dries since the salt absorbs moisture at night -- one must wash it first.
