Trails in Big Cypress National Preserve.

  We are finding the trails to be rough and lots of rocks.  They are really meant for swamp buggies that are higher than a RZR.  But they have our $50 for the permit!  We have done a couple of trails.  We are learning what is an epiphyte....  grows on trees but does not damage them.  An example is Spanish moss.  There are orchids in this area as they have ideal growing conditions.  AS you drive the main road, you see lots of alligators.  Thus it is called alligator alley.  Did you know that airboats were invented by some veteran pilots from WII?  They took the idea of an airplane engine and a desire to go into the swamps!  We met some Fish and Wildlife officers with quads 2 days in a row.  Today we chatted with them and they were tracking a panther using a hound dog.  They claimed they have not found it yet.  They protect them as they are endangered.  So now I am looking over my shoulder for alligators and panthers!  Dan is in his glory.  We are camped at a lake and wake up in the morning to that view.  Dan takes his coffee and walks to find  the 2 resident alligators which sun themselves!  Off to Everglad City to tour today.  Looking forward to Feb. 25th when we will be back in Naples area and able to spend a week.  Eleanor and John fly in to Ft. Meyers so we are pleased we can have some time with them.  Yeah!