Day 13, Feb 7, The Everglades

 Three amazing things:  

1- Kayaking Nine-Mile Pond.  The 'pond' is a total maze that one would get lost in for weeks were it not for the 5-mile loop trail marked by white posts.  Most posts were easy to find; we only got lost a few times.  It was a 3-hour paddle through a maze of sea grass and mangrove forests and tight tunnels; The Everglades is vastly unique and beguiling.  We even came across the gator nicknamed Croc-zilla; legend says he is 13-feet long.  I couldn't get as far from him as I would have liked; he was just a wee bit daunting.  I have the best kayak buddy in the whole world!










2- Slough slogging.  We teamed up with a volunteer park guide who took us deep into the slough.  Aaron was initially not happy about joining me, but I bribed him with an Alligator burger for dinner, so he bit.  Turns out he enjoyed the slog as much as I did.






3. Biking off the beaten path deep in the Florida Everglades.  Complete with pink flamingo and crocodile sightings.  Crocs are gray and live in salt water.  Gators are black and live in fresh water.  Gotta be prepared to tell the authorities which one ate you for lunch. 




Good deed of the day:  First, a kind lady gave me her map of Nine-Mile Pond which had explanations along the way.  How very kind of her.  

We had a lovely volunteer lead our slough slog, and I complimented him highly when we finished and also gave him a sweet treat; a container of sea salt chocolates from Costco... to die for!  Made him quite happy.  

A good friend of mine whom I've not heard from for seven months texted today.  She needed a sympathetic ear, and I listened.  But more than that, I comforted, buoyed, and encouraged her, hopefully making some small difference and at least letting her know of my love and support, reassuring her that she is not alone in the world.  

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