The drive was about 35 mins away so we got there in plenty of time and were met by our Captain whose name was Jason at the Everglades Safari Park. We saw the massive airboats there with at least 20-25 people on each one. So organising our own private one was definitely worthwhile.
It was like a dream as we boarded our boat and our captain asked us if it was our first time on an airboat? We said 'yes' and he joked with us by saying "yeah me too!". Boston's face was priceless, until she realised he was joking then laughed and looked more relaxed.
I'd seen these boats in CSI:Miami, in movies and on National Geographic channel and was surprised at how incredible it was to be aboard one of these.
We were only on the boat for a very short time before seeing an alligator sunning itself on the banks of the park. Our Captain explained that there was nothing to worry about because they are like the puppies of the Everglades. I wasn't prepared to test out that theory.
We are given earplugs and hit top speed. It's truly a magical and surreal experience to be out on the Everglades. You feel like you're driving over land. Our Captain gives us some interesting facts about this incredible space as well as point out the wildlife. Including an endangered bird with only 200 left in the Everglades area.
We speed up and do what feels like a doughnut in our boat before we come to a complete stop and we chat a bit about the area. He's interested to hear about Boston seeing the saltwater crocs in the NT last year and draws some comparisons between the alligators and crocs we know in Australia. In true Aussie style Jamei has her 'that's not a knife, this is a knife' moment given our saltys in Australia are quite large in comparison by calling the alligators here 'weak'. Fortunately our Captain sees the funny side and offers to take some pics.
It's now time to hunt for gators. This is super exciting. The girls and I love animals so we've enjoyed all our experiences in getting up close to any animal. Jamei ends up being our best eye to spot them and even gets a comment from the Captain. There were many we saw and one that just swan up in front of us which we were able to see in plain sight.
We head back and check out the a short alligator show that was truly fascinating as the crocs responded to their names. There was Killer, Bruce Lee and Sonny who were impressive in size. The guy just hung out with them like they were pets. It was incredible to watch. He also introduced us to an albino Python and Snappy, the baby alligator.
Snappy was friendly if held right so we were able to snap some pictures with him.
It was now time to head back to the hotel. It's amazing how much this trip has taken it out of the girls as they rest the whole way back and ask if they can chill for a bit. Jamei and I head out to grab some lunch as Boston has a lie down.
After lunch and regrouping I tell the girls we are going to head out for a walk. This includes a stop off inside Miami Ink to see if Jamei can get a permanent reminder of her trip but sadly Ami (the owner) has rules that no one under 18 can be tattooed as his shop. Jamei was upset but these things can't be helped. We head over toward the beach with plans to have a dip, but the girls decide a swim back at the hotel was a better idea so that's what we do.
While the girls were swimming I did some research on where to have dinner. Being a big fan of the movie The Birdcage I'd heard there was a place a bit like it here (although the actual Birdcage is a fictitious place). I'd found The Palace whose catch line is "Every Queen needs a palace".
The reviews on TripAdvisor were awesome and realised it was a pumping joint that basically did drag shows on the sidewalk. So I called to check it was ok to bring kids and found out the shows started at 6pm. So when the girls had finished swimming we showered and got ready to head out.
The atmosphere is wild and the music is pumping louder that the muscle cars passing us.
Then the show begins. We've ordered some food and enjoy making friends with security and the hostess. The patrons tip the performers as they pass by their tables. It's very cool. The microphone is owned by an extremely tall drag queen who tells everyone just to get the hell out of the way. For good reason as one of them runs down the sidewalk and jumps into the splits.
It's great to people watch here with the Main Street next to the beach on one side and the sidewalk and restaurant on the other.
We all enjoy the show, but we leave as the "advertisement for the restaurants new bathers" came out to dance as people stuffed dollar bills down his swimmers. I'm not gunna lie, the abs were awesome but Jamei observed that he wasn't a great dancer. We laughed as we realised that wasn't really his job.
We head home before the rain hits and the girls start the job of packing. I head down to the bar to blog and have a couple of drinks. I'm greeted warmly by the staff I'd met the night before as I snuck into the corner of the bar. It's busy as many people are inside because of the bad weather outside. I'm once again offered free food and all of the staff stop by to say hi. It's a friendly atmosphere and I'd have no hesitation in staying here again, that's for sure.
Now to plan the trek home tomorrow! I sit here both grinning ear to ear and welling up at the thought of all the incredible memories and experiences since we started our journey 3 weeks ago. What a wild ride!!!!
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