Mon. 5/29.
Drove to Homestead, FL (Everglades, east central part).
Now we head around the Gulf of Mexico, over to California, and up the Pacific Coast.
Tues. 5/30.
Went on ranger walk at Royal Palm and drove the road to Flamingo (dead end) and back.
Wed. 5/31.
Everglades Shark Valley tram tour. Ranger said you can see 18 miles to the horizon on a good day. 9 ecosystems; made a National Park because of its biodiversity, not scenic grandeur.
Systems look like domes (tree line), plateaus, isocele triangles (both). 2 are formed over depressions in limestone bedrock, tallest trees in the middle because the water is deepest there.
Crocs are in saltwater, have pointed snouts, fewer but more visible teeth. Alligators are black, not green; have rounded snouts.
Pythons are reason there are few mammals in the park; they are descendants of former pets, non-native, difficult to find.
Walked around the exhibits at Everglades Alligator Farm and took the Airboat ride.
Thurs. 6/1.
Drove to Fort Myers, met Bob’s friends from MD, Betsy & Jim.
Stopping at Lowe’s, WalMart, etc. for groceries, parts, etc. adds to “drive” time.
Fri. 6/2.
Visited Edison-Ford winter estates. Thomas was a mentor to and close friend of Henry. They and their families often went vacationing together. Edison had a house built in 1886, Ford purchased a home on adjacent property in 1916.
Elgin Corrugated Box Co. was founded 1886, original business was making wooden butter tubs, now corrugated shipping containers. Used Edison’s battery powered tractor.
Universal printer, ca 1871, was Edison’s 1st commercial invention. Stock ticker, ca 1869, was 1st invention he was able to sell.
Drove through the Darling Wildlife Refuge.
Dinner with Betsy & Jim.
Sun. 6/4.
Mon. 6/5.
Saw the Dale Chihuly Museum in St. Petersburg. Sally had seen an exhibit of his blown glass when she was in Buffalo and this was a “must”. Walking into a room with one of his installations is like walking into a candy store–you just have to break into a smile.
Drove 5 hrs AFTER the museum.
Tues. 6/6.
Stayed at Rt 10 rest stop overnight. Learned that using the A/C all night uses up a whole tank of propane.
Wed. 6/7.
Drove on to Pensacola, very Jersey-shore like with huge homes, balconies, boardwalks. But very Florida colors (pink, turquoise, yellow). Waded in the Gulf from the barrier islands that protect most of the Gulf coast; water was nicely cool (vs. like bath water).
Stayed over to get valve replaced on propane tank (had to be ordered for next day delivery. Carpenter’s Campers RV place was very nice—good service, nice outdoor waiting area, free popcorn!