Return to Oscar Scherer State Park

We stayed 3 nights at Myakka river state park. Had to move to a different site each day, because they were so full. Today we drove about 30 miles to Oscar Scherer st. pk. When we got there they told us that they were completely full and maybe we should go to Myakka st. pk. Told them we just came from there. They gave us a list of private campsites and sent us on our way. Went 1.5 miles down the road to Wal-mart to get groceries and on the way back decided to stop and try again. This time he said let me check, and sure enough they had 1 site available. As we were registering another camper came up to window, and at first they said they were completely full, but let me check again to make sure. Sure enough they had another site available, the last one. Tonight we rode bikes around the campsite and found about 25 empty sites. We can't figure out what kind of a game they are playing. Last night it started raining about 7 PM and rained hard for many hours and tonight we are getting a repeat performance. It did cool it off a little. During the days it has been hot and dry.




Campsite night before last at Myakka. See those rocks at the bottom of picture. It was very dark and I was headed for restrooms and fell right over them. Lucky I landed on my gut, didn't break anything, kinda hurt a leg, nothing serious.


Another gator seen close to campsite


Our campsite at Oscar Scherer St. Pk.

Back to Myakka River State Park

Drove about 80 miles yesterday to revist Myakka River state park. We will be here a total of 3 nights. This morning had to get up early and ride my bike about 8 miles round trip to be first in line to get a campsite for next 2 nights. Returned to campsite ate breakfast and decided to take a kayak trip down the river and back. Had to go by myself as my better half said it was too hot . On the return trip you have to paddle against the current. I paddled about 4 miles round trip and was pretty tired. I saw alligators and many birds. There was a lot of Great Blue Herons, which we have at home, and many others that I could not identify. Had to portage around a dam. To top it off, I had alligator stew for supper. They had it at the concession stand.



Leaving on a kayak trip down the river and back

Paddled by this bird, need help to identify



Gator on shore



River got kinda narrow



Saw this gator and got too close and he disappeared underwater

Air Boat Ride

Yesterday we drove about a 130 miles roundtrip to Everglades city for an Air Boat ride. This town is located just outside the Everglades National Park. I went by myself. It cost $38 for an hour ride. When we left dock it looked like a bad thunderstorm was coming up. They had told us that if we got some close lightning strikes, they would turn around and head back to the dock and once we left the dock there would be no refunds. Several people decided to get a refund and not go, but after the long drive, I decided to go. We lucked out, no rain or lightning. It was really a good ride as they ran about 40 mph through the swamps and we saw many birds and one alligator. We have had several inches of rain in the last couple of days. When it isn't raining it has been about 88 degrees and very humid.





Campsite at Koreshan Park



Air Boat Dock


We followed this boat



Taken by our captain


Seen alligator on air boat ride