Twas sad leaving the Everglades, but this time of year will soon become too hot to enjoy (especially for Cindy). Headed NorthWest along the Tamiami Trail and ducked onto Loop Road to end up at Mitchell's Landing in the Big Cypress National Preserve (NP). Morning coffee at the Airboat Landing is a joy along with the night sky in the evenings.

Off again early the next morning with a quick stop in Everglades City for a couple of meals of fish before heading north to the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest (SF) where we parked in our regular spot tucked under a Live Oak tree. Although a great place for star watching, a full moon and clouds destroyed all our chances for a good glimpse of the heavens. The hiking is reasonably good here along the trails (including the horse variety) with lots of Barred Owls hooting at dawn and dusk and Swallow-Tailed Kites swooping during the daytime.

After a long night of rain, we had coffee and prepared to leave BUT Storm would not start though all the lights came on when I turned the key. The Park Rangers tried to jump start us but we eventually called in a tow-truck. I disconnected Connor the trailer as Storm had a sad ride into LaBelle to get fixed; while there I also asked them to check out the four-wheel drive. The problem was a dead battery in my key; of-course, my alternate magnetic key had disappeared somewhere over six years of off-road bumps. They say my four-wheel drive is working but I am still suspicious that the front gear whine over this winter season means it isn't really fixed.

The next morning, Cindy continued towards Naples to visit Skip and Marie while I returned to recover the trailer before heading to a great restaurant (I had a couple of Spring Rolls|) and meeting up with the three of them. While recovering Connor, I got to see the huge ten foot plus Gator plus a closeup view of a Kara-Kara. Skip & Marie's Condo near downtown Naples is really nice, plus close to all the amenities including beaches.

Continued on to Amanda & Danny's for some relaxation and help out a bit during the kids March break plus allowing Cindy to claim her trail ride Xmas present. It was neat to see three generations of Cowgirls (Harper, Amanda and Cindy) go for a ride while Danny, Hadley, Henry and I went out for a huge breakfast. Strawberry picking was also on the agenda – Henry collected bugs and somehow, Hadley's basket remained empty (but not her tummy).

After a quick shopping trip to Trader |Joe's, I set off to Alexander Springs in the Ocala National Forest (NF) while Cindy stayed one extra day. Besides being peaceful (except for a Friday night party), firewood was plentiful. In a trip to Ocala, I purchased two new tires for Connor and managed to sell Baby for US$250. Since this 2008 Honda CRF230L stopped running (wiring problem) plus it needs new sprockets and tires along with new brakes and throttle cable, I feel that this was a fair price; the mechanic bought it as a summer project to give his girlfriend a trail-bike. The FireFlies at night are spectacular in the NF; so many flitting about close to the ground.

The last part of the Florida trip will be from the PanHandle... Stay tuned...

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