Everglades

On the way to Shark Valley in Everglades

.
Better be careful!
.

The first alligator that saw
was already before the parking lot...
.

Made a 2-hour-tour by tram

- there's a 15mile paved road

- it can be walked, cycled or by this tram
By the way the tram tour was a bit too long...

not so much to see,

1/2 hour would've been enough

.

Alligator having its nap
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This is the dry season
so there's not much water
nor mosquitos
.

These trees are very old
and not going to grow any taller
as there's not much nutrition on the grounds
.

Observation tower on the half way of the tour
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Alligator at its best:

doing absolutely nothing

'Gator holes (not this one)

are made by alligators hollowing

out ponds and depressions

during the dry season

to reach water below
.

Alligator pond
.

Everglades is not really a swamp

but a vast sheet river system

that moves sloely across a flat bed

of peat-covered limestone

The way back was rather straight
.

On the way back saw some birds

unfortunately cannot remember

the name of this one...

...not that one...

See you later!
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Naked trees in Everglades
- probably burnt,

looks really weird
.

Starving!

Didn't stop in Miccosukee Indian Village

for an alligator steak

instead stopped for late lunch/early dinner
somewhere in Little Havana
at this Cuban restaurant
.

Appetizer plate for 4 persons
- cheese, plantain, chicken,
beef & pork
- good!
.

Grilled breast of chicken with "mariquitos"
- nice simple food,
friendly service
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