Florida Everglades

Today we left Miami Beach crossing over an expanse of water back to the mainland and bypassing Miami City. As usual big fwys, but the progress was smooth. Had b/f once we were out of town, and fueld the bikes and van. Our trip today was across the everglades to the west coast of Miami. On the way we took a loop road through the everglades "Big Cyprus National Park". The land is very flat, and several places offered air boat rides through the reedy plains. Other parts had trees and undergrowth so close you couldn't walk through it and all standing in water. Passed an Indian Casino and saw their houses in the isolated wooded areas.Occasionally we had the opportunity to stop and look at open water areas adjacent to culverts under the road. We started to see alligators snoozing in the sun in the water and a couple on land.

One of the alligators we saw today pictured above. Stopped for coffee on Marcos Island just off the west coast. Very nice, modern and quiet. After leaving Marcos Island we traveled past many subdivisions with beaut landscaped gated entrances, and bricked and landscaped walls. Could not see the houses but assume they are for retired people. Some advertising houses for $300 to $600k. Later passed through many miles of retail shops and car yards. The size of which boggles the mind. Staying overnight in Venice.