April 11, 2013 "Rain, Rain go AWAY!"

Had another great day in the Glades today. The weather was pretty good and although we got into some rain, our airboat and swampbuggy rides were dry and breezy. 

We began our day on the airboat, followed by the swampbuggy. Then a little walk around the zoo looking at alligators, crocodiles, and other wonderful critters.

We had lunch at the Seafood Depot and as always I got stuffed on the salad bar. I love the salad bar they keep it so fresh and I can always build it differently to keep from being bored.

From there we visited the Museum of the Everglades where Mr. England shared with me the new "lobby design" which he had built from an old photo from days gone by. It was great. I love the museum because it's small and to the point.

After a brief stop at the "Smallest Post Office in America" we continued to the Turner River where we saw several gators enjoying the waters of the rivers and hanging out on the banks. I counted 17 in about a mile and a half of water. Not bad but there were many more lurking beneath the surface I can grant you!

Then to the "Interactive Animal Exhibit" at the Skunk Ape Headquarters. What a fun time I had with Cody and Nathan. Oh, and the adults too, however, you guys were WIMPS compared to those to young men!

Thanks you all for the fun day. I hope you enjoy all of the photos. Gator D is tires and ready for bed. SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATORS!

April 2, 2013 "500 Years, and Fun in the Glades!"

Hello all and welcome to another addition of Gator D's Blog!

I have had such a great day with a great group of people and to have return customers again just made it even better. I love my job. I love my Everglades. I just wish I could have been here earlier and understood this place the way I do today!

Although I am getting tired and season is dragging on, traffic is backed up, I can't get into my normal hang out places or even grab a quick beer after work, I'm happy and satisfied with my life and my environment.

What a wonderful place to be, Ft. Myers Beach, South Florida, sunshine, coastal breezes, friends, family, super folks I meet each day, I am truly blessed! Thank you all.

As I write this I am laughing about my day, the people who came into my life today, the ones I let into traffic the ones who let me into traffic, seeing the young and old walking the street of Ft. Myers Beach, enjoying the day, reminds me of why I am here. Again. I waited for a long time to come home.

While we were away in the "real world" our visits home, as we came across the Matanzas Bridge and viewed the wonderful Gulf Of Mexico, we would say YES we are HOME! We knew one day we would be back.

It has almost been 12 years now that I "semi retired" and Sonja and I moved back to the beach. Today as I came across that bridge I thought once again YES  I am HOME!

I want to thank all of the great people on my trip today for making me happy to be here, sharing my world with you, sharing the smiles, the frowns (when you hold a big snake you don't want to hold) and sharing the simple joy of the day. It's spring time and things are fine once again.

Hope you enjoy the pictures. Share them as you wish. Don't forget to check out the links on the right side of this blog for more adventures here in Ft. Myers Beach and if you wish to help others make wise decisions about this journey please go to Trip Advisor and share your thoughts.

Gator D is outta here I'm tired and hungry!

Good night all and God bless you all. SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATORS!