Embedded Files
5/11/2019 Biscayne National Park. This would be the first of the big three National Parks we would visit in Southern Florida. This park was established to protect Biscayne Bay and as a result, a staggering 95% of the park is water. We enjoyed this park and learned a lot about the area and the ecosystems, BUT I think to really appreciate a park like this, you need a boat. As we walked along the boardwalks and through some of the mangroves along the water, the boat traffic in and out of the bay was pretty intense.
5/11/2019 Biscayne National Park. This would be the first of the big three National Parks we would visit in Southern Florida. This park was established to protect Biscayne Bay and as a result, a staggering 95% of the park is water. We enjoyed this park and learned a lot about the area and the ecosystems, BUT I think to really appreciate a park like this, you need a boat. As we walked along the boardwalks and through some of the mangroves along the water, the boat traffic in and out of the bay was pretty intense.
I really have no idea why they had a “dress-up” box full of random hats in the visitor center, but we took the “opportunity” to try some on.
I really have no idea why they had a “dress-up” box full of random hats in the visitor center, but we took the “opportunity” to try some on.
Well, I guess we know why they have SOME of the hats in the dress-up box!
Well, I guess we know why they have SOME of the hats in the dress-up box!
1…..2……3……and everybody look at Grant!
1…..2……3……and everybody look at Grant!
5/12/2019 Everglades National Park (Ernest Coe Visitor Center). There are multiple places to enter and visit Everglades National Park. On this day, we’ve picked the largest and most popular entrance at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center.
5/12/2019 Everglades National Park (Ernest Coe Visitor Center). There are multiple places to enter and visit Everglades National Park. On this day, we’ve picked the largest and most popular entrance at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center.
Let’s be honest with each other, people come to the Everglades with the expectations that they are going to see Alligators. I know it. You know it. The Park Rangers know it. The airboat drivers know it. There is A LOT to see in the Everglades, but people WANT to see the gators. if you’ve been following our journey, then you saw the pictures from the Okefenokee Swamp. You know we saw COUNTLESS amounts of alligators. I STILL hold fast to the fact that seeing them in the wild simply cannot compare to seeing them in a zoo (or captivity of some sort). However, we joked MANY times about the fact that we “got it out of our system” and it’s going to take some serious alligators to impress us! The kids were looking at this one like “yeah, and…..”
Let’s be honest with each other, people come to the Everglades with the expectations that they are going to see Alligators. I know it. You know it. The Park Rangers know it. The airboat drivers know it. There is A LOT to see in the Everglades, but people WANT to see the gators. if you’ve been following our journey, then you saw the pictures from the Okefenokee Swamp. You know we saw COUNTLESS amounts of alligators. I STILL hold fast to the fact that seeing them in the wild simply cannot compare to seeing them in a zoo (or captivity of some sort). However, we joked MANY times about the fact that we “got it out of our system” and it’s going to take some serious alligators to impress us! The kids were looking at this one like “yeah, and…..”
Here's is what has captured our attention, these UNBELIEVABLE grasshoppers. Pictures simply cannot express what is happening here. These things massive on a scale that makes me wonder if they just crawled out of nuclear waste facility and they are EVERYWHERE!
Here's is what has captured our attention, these UNBELIEVABLE grasshoppers. Pictures simply cannot express what is happening here. These things massive on a scale that makes me wonder if they just crawled out of nuclear waste facility and they are EVERYWHERE!
We are on the Anhinga Trail and this is an actual Anhinga! Go figure. This one was quite animated as it opened and waved its mouth around. The Ranger would later confirm that, much like a dog panting, this was how they cooled themselves. I might suggest getting out of the sun to start the process of cooling one’s self, but I am not sure how to tell that to a bird.
We are on the Anhinga Trail and this is an actual Anhinga! Go figure. This one was quite animated as it opened and waved its mouth around. The Ranger would later confirm that, much like a dog panting, this was how they cooled themselves. I might suggest getting out of the sun to start the process of cooling one’s self, but I am not sure how to tell that to a bird.
Did I mention it was H_O_T!
Did I mention it was H_O_T!
Tree snails are really pretty. I never would have put snails into a “pretty” category, but in this place, it works.
Tree snails are really pretty. I never would have put snails into a “pretty” category, but in this place, it works.
5/13/2019 Frost Museum of Science. *IF* you find yourself in Miami for some reason and *IF* you decide to be brave enough to go into downtown Miami, then you should reward yourself with a visit to the Frost Museum. This 250,000 square foot monster of a building, covers 4 acres of land directly along the waters of Biscayne Bay. If you are even mildly into science and/or aquariums, you should take a day and visit this place. It is truly exceptional!
5/13/2019 Frost Museum of Science. *IF* you find yourself in Miami for some reason and *IF* you decide to be brave enough to go into downtown Miami, then you should reward yourself with a visit to the Frost Museum. This 250,000 square foot monster of a building, covers 4 acres of land directly along the waters of Biscayne Bay. If you are even mildly into science and/or aquariums, you should take a day and visit this place. It is truly exceptional!
The “Center Piece” of this museum is it aquarium and the “Center Piece” of the aquarium is its cone-shaped main tank. They claim that the lack of corners or edges makes it easier to simulate the Gulf Stream for the marine life that they keep in this 500,000 gallon tank. Part of what makes it so unique is they advise you to start at the top of the tank, which is on the 4th floor of the building and an open deck where you can look out to the real ocean below. You can work your way down through the floors of the building and through the depths of the “ocean” below.
The “Center Piece” of this museum is it aquarium and the “Center Piece” of the aquarium is its cone-shaped main tank. They claim that the lack of corners or edges makes it easier to simulate the Gulf Stream for the marine life that they keep in this 500,000 gallon tank. Part of what makes it so unique is they advise you to start at the top of the tank, which is on the 4th floor of the building and an open deck where you can look out to the real ocean below. You can work your way down through the floors of the building and through the depths of the “ocean” below.
At the very bottom of the “cone” is a massive, 31’ diameter, viewing window they call the “Oculus”. It’s like a porthole into an ocean from below and It is spectacular!
At the very bottom of the “cone” is a massive, 31’ diameter, viewing window they call the “Oculus”. It’s like a porthole into an ocean from below and It is spectacular!
Here are some pictures I found on their website from the construction of the museum. Gives you a pretty good perspective on the tank and the Oculus.
Here are some pictures I found on their website from the construction of the museum. Gives you a pretty good perspective on the tank and the Oculus.
This was a unique perspective; in another tank here, this little viewing “bubble” exists “inside” the center of the tank. You have to crawl through a little tunnel to get to it and then you stand up “inside” the tank. It’s quite remarkable.
This was a unique perspective; in another tank here, this little viewing “bubble” exists “inside” the center of the tank. You have to crawl through a little tunnel to get to it and then you stand up “inside” the tank. It’s quite remarkable.
To give you some perspective, here is Val (and some random baby in a stroller) looking at the same tank through one of the main viewing windows.
To give you some perspective, here is Val (and some random baby in a stroller) looking at the same tank through one of the main viewing windows.
I haven’t talked about these at all in any of my pictures, but this is another one of those “everybody has one” type of activities that every science museum seems to have these days. HOWEVER, I LOOOOOVE them. I want one in my house!!! Here’s what happens; they are a “living” topographic map that is projected over a “sandbox” (for lack of a better term). So, as you move the sand and change the “elevations” below, the topographic map changes in real-time. Make an elevation low enough and it starts to “fill” with water. They are REALLY fun to play with!
I haven’t talked about these at all in any of my pictures, but this is another one of those “everybody has one” type of activities that every science museum seems to have these days. HOWEVER, I LOOOOOVE them. I want one in my house!!! Here’s what happens; they are a “living” topographic map that is projected over a “sandbox” (for lack of a better term). So, as you move the sand and change the “elevations” below, the topographic map changes in real-time. Make an elevation low enough and it starts to “fill” with water. They are REALLY fun to play with!
This is a glider flight simulator where you have to learn to fly with no power and “trade altitude for speed” (or vice-versa) and ride the thermals up into the sky.
This is a glider flight simulator where you have to learn to fly with no power and “trade altitude for speed” (or vice-versa) and ride the thermals up into the sky.
That’s Dylan’s eye brow at 30x magnification.
That’s Dylan’s eye brow at 30x magnification.
Playing with magnetic fluid makes me smile every time. It is sooooooo cool!
Playing with magnetic fluid makes me smile every time. It is sooooooo cool!
They have a “touch tank” with ray’s in it, but they weren’t letting people touch them on this day. It was a Monday and Val and I surmised that they were simply over-touched during the weekend and needed a break. Maybe it was in their Union Contract, I’m not really sure.
They have a “touch tank” with ray’s in it, but they weren’t letting people touch them on this day. It was a Monday and Val and I surmised that they were simply over-touched during the weekend and needed a break. Maybe it was in their Union Contract, I’m not really sure.
Who doesn’t love a couple of snuggling owls?! Tell me that’s not the cutest thing you’ve seen in a LONG time!
Who doesn’t love a couple of snuggling owls?! Tell me that’s not the cutest thing you’ve seen in a LONG time!
Here we are learning how the Mangrove forests protect the shore and people homes from the crashing waves and hurricane storm surges.
Here we are learning how the Mangrove forests protect the shore and people homes from the crashing waves and hurricane storm surges.
We have been exposed to MANY alligators on this leg of the trip, but not many crocodiles. This croc was very active and was a hoot to watch. I think he may have been sizing up Dylan here!
We have been exposed to MANY alligators on this leg of the trip, but not many crocodiles. This croc was very active and was a hoot to watch. I think he may have been sizing up Dylan here!
5/14/2019 Airboat Ride. Something everybody has to do ONCE when they go to Southern Florida is ride an airboat. It all seemed a little “rehearsed” for the driver/guide, but it made the kids smile and it provided and interesting perspective on the everglades that you wouldn’t normally get to see. Dylan is less than thrilled that he’s putting cotton balls in his ears.
5/14/2019 Airboat Ride. Something everybody has to do ONCE when they go to Southern Florida is ride an airboat. It all seemed a little “rehearsed” for the driver/guide, but it made the kids smile and it provided and interesting perspective on the everglades that you wouldn’t normally get to see. Dylan is less than thrilled that he’s putting cotton balls in his ears.
After the boat ride, our driver/guide really came out of his shell. He was very excited that our kids took interest in what he does and that they WANTED to hold an alligator.
After the boat ride, our driver/guide really came out of his shell. He was very excited that our kids took interest in what he does and that they WANTED to hold an alligator.
5/15/2019 Miami Zoo. As far as I’m concerned, Miami doesn’t have a lot going for it. It’s hot. It’s muggy. It’s horribly exposed to hurricanes. It’s over crowded and it’s contains the absolute worst drivers anywhere in America, period. What is DOES have though is a pretty awesome zoo. It is VERY large and VERY well done!
5/15/2019 Miami Zoo. As far as I’m concerned, Miami doesn’t have a lot going for it. It’s hot. It’s muggy. It’s horribly exposed to hurricanes. It’s over crowded and it’s contains the absolute worst drivers anywhere in America, period. What is DOES have though is a pretty awesome zoo. It is VERY large and VERY well done!
This is their multi-view bear enclosure and he was very active for us. Seems odd that a giant, fur-coated, animal would be out and active in Miami heat and humidity, but we’ll take it.
This is their multi-view bear enclosure and he was very active for us. Seems odd that a giant, fur-coated, animal would be out and active in Miami heat and humidity, but we’ll take it.
Doesn’t it look like the bear is just sitting back telling Grace and Dylan about his day? As I’m taking this picture, I am putting words into the bear's mouth…”You should have seen this guy! He cuts ME off and then yells at me like it was MY fault! ……then Starbucks was completely out of soy milk, so they made it with 2%! …..like 2% is a substitute for soy milk?! Come on!!!!”
Doesn’t it look like the bear is just sitting back telling Grace and Dylan about his day? As I’m taking this picture, I am putting words into the bear's mouth…”You should have seen this guy! He cuts ME off and then yells at me like it was MY fault! ……then Starbucks was completely out of soy milk, so they made it with 2%! …..like 2% is a substitute for soy milk?! Come on!!!!”
The sunglasses make this picture a keeper.
The sunglasses make this picture a keeper.
This is a new one for sure: they have built a clear slide the goes through the river otter enclosure. So, as you slide down through the slide, there are otters around you. Pretty darn cool!
This is a new one for sure: they have built a clear slide the goes through the river otter enclosure. So, as you slide down through the slide, there are otters around you. Pretty darn cool!
This peacock was nesting RIGHT along the walking path. Seems like a silly place to me, but she knows best.
This peacock was nesting RIGHT along the walking path. Seems like a silly place to me, but she knows best.
Come on ducks.......MOVE IT ALONG…..GO ON, GET OUTTA HERE, YOU BOTHA’ ME!
Come on ducks.......MOVE IT ALONG…..GO ON, GET OUTTA HERE, YOU BOTHA’ ME!
Grant has fallen in love with Eagles on this trip. I can’t explain it, but he just loves ‘em.
Grant has fallen in love with Eagles on this trip. I can’t explain it, but he just loves ‘em.
….and yes, I STILL Love these things.
….and yes, I STILL Love these things.
5/16/2019 Midway Campground. We have moved out of Miami and I couldn’t be happier about that fact. We are now in the middle of the Everglades and it is beautiful.
5/16/2019 Midway Campground. We have moved out of Miami and I couldn’t be happier about that fact. We are now in the middle of the Everglades and it is beautiful.
Random odd story that has a silver lining: A park ranger has explained to us that Hurricane Michael, which struck Florida on 10/10/2018, wiped out generations of mosquitoes. All the eggs and larva that did exist at the time were blown or washed away. New eggs and larva couldn’t be laid because the waters of the storm surge were moving too fast and mosquitoes like standing water, not moving water. As a result, here we are in the middle of the Everglades, in the middle of May, in a campground that is right next to water and there aren’t any mosquitoes.
Random odd story that has a silver lining: A park ranger has explained to us that Hurricane Michael, which struck Florida on 10/10/2018, wiped out generations of mosquitoes. All the eggs and larva that did exist at the time were blown or washed away. New eggs and larva couldn’t be laid because the waters of the storm surge were moving too fast and mosquitoes like standing water, not moving water. As a result, here we are in the middle of the Everglades, in the middle of May, in a campground that is right next to water and there aren’t any mosquitoes.
There was a little juvenile alligator calling the pond in this campground “home” and I enjoyed watching him (when he could be found). He was super difficult to photograph, so I experimented with taking pictures with our binoculars. Yes, these pictures were taken with my iPhone shooting through one of the eye pieces of a pair of binoculars…..yes, it IS a total pain in the butt that requires a steady hand and a subject that is not moving…..neither of which I had.
There was a little juvenile alligator calling the pond in this campground “home” and I enjoyed watching him (when he could be found). He was super difficult to photograph, so I experimented with taking pictures with our binoculars. Yes, these pictures were taken with my iPhone shooting through one of the eye pieces of a pair of binoculars…..yes, it IS a total pain in the butt that requires a steady hand and a subject that is not moving…..neither of which I had.
We were pulling out of the campground one day and Grace and Dylan are yelling “HAWK…..HAWK……HAWK!!!!” Little did we realize that it was sitting ON the stop sign that we were stopped at! Val got the window rolled down and got this great picture as it was leaving.
We were pulling out of the campground one day and Grace and Dylan are yelling “HAWK…..HAWK……HAWK!!!!” Little did we realize that it was sitting ON the stop sign that we were stopped at! Val got the window rolled down and got this great picture as it was leaving.
5/17/2019 Shark Valley. This is another one of the Visitor Centers for the Everglades and they have a different twist to the park. Here they run a “tram” that takes you on a tour via a purpose-built roadway through the Shark Valley section of the park. You spend about 45 minutes riding and listening to the tour guide talk about the park and some of the stuff we are seeing.
5/17/2019 Shark Valley. This is another one of the Visitor Centers for the Everglades and they have a different twist to the park. Here they run a “tram” that takes you on a tour via a purpose-built roadway through the Shark Valley section of the park. You spend about 45 minutes riding and listening to the tour guide talk about the park and some of the stuff we are seeing.
You then arrive and a large observation tower that provides some pretty spectacular views of what’s around you.
You then arrive and a large observation tower that provides some pretty spectacular views of what’s around you.
Back on the Tram and you wind through the park for another 45-ish minutes back to the visitor center.
Back on the Tram and you wind through the park for another 45-ish minutes back to the visitor center.
We have been introduced to Apple Snails here. Up to this point, we had not seen these guys on our journey and they are quite impressive. This one was not even close to some of the big ones we spotted, but it was the only one I could get close to.
We have been introduced to Apple Snails here. Up to this point, we had not seen these guys on our journey and they are quite impressive. This one was not even close to some of the big ones we spotted, but it was the only one I could get close to.
I will never tire of seeing these baby alligators. They truly do have a cute quality to them.
I will never tire of seeing these baby alligators. They truly do have a cute quality to them.
5/19/19 Bear is a BARK Ranger! This was a unique one they we have yet to see at any other National Park; they have a fun little program where your dog can get a ranger badge. Most National Parks have VERY strict rules about animals NOT coming inside buildings, but here they has this fun little book that we filled out for Bear and they swore him in and gave him his very own ranger badge. Silly, but hey, why not?
5/19/19 Bear is a BARK Ranger! This was a unique one they we have yet to see at any other National Park; they have a fun little program where your dog can get a ranger badge. Most National Parks have VERY strict rules about animals NOT coming inside buildings, but here they has this fun little book that we filled out for Bear and they swore him in and gave him his very own ranger badge. Silly, but hey, why not?
Google Sites
Report abuse