After Turkey Day in Miami, we headed to
the Everglades National Park (NP) for a couple of nights camping. The
Long Pine Key (LPK) campground was almost deserted with less than ten
campsites taken. The water levels in the park are very high so I
guess the drainage work along the Tamiami Trail is working to give
the Everglades more water. We drove to the Keys so Yukon could swim
at Anne's Beach and we picked up some Yellowtail to blacken for
dinner which was delicious. The weather was warm during the days and
cool at night – cool enough to have a campfire both nights.
Returned to Zach and Shari's to babysit
while they went to Shari's work/holiday dinner. The girls made pizza
which fed all of us well, then they watched a movie. Besides soccer
practices and games, a Christmas tree was also erected and decorated.
On our way to Tampa, we stayed for
three nights at Myakka River State Park (SP). The bird-life is
phenomenal, especially the Limpkins, Spoonbills and Glossy Ibis.
Walked all the trails with Yukon on a leash though considerable tree
damage was still visible from Hurricane Ian; the park also is in the
process of reestablishing potable water.
Harper had a tournament on the weekend;
they lost to a good team from Ohio in their first game on Friday
afternoon though Harper played well, especially in the second half.
They won their second game while I ferried Hadley to her soccer game
in a different part of Tampa; Hadley will likely be a star soccer
player as well if she keeps up her aggressive approach to the game.
Harper tied their third game which was shortened by ten minutes due
to lightning and a deluge of rain. While the girls were playing
soccer, Danny and Henry had a Boy Scout camping weekend at the
MacDill Air Force Base.
Off again, we headed to Herky
Huffman/Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) for a couple of
days where we had a great visit with Kate and Scott; we had great
fires and toured the local cemetery.
After a four hour drive, we arrived at
an empty Mitchells Landing in the Big Cypress National Preserve (NP)
(priced themselves out of business?); the night sky and no noise is
well worth the visit. We are hoping Whittington (LE: Law Enforcement)
is not here this year so we can visit Bear Island without getting
another ticket for Yukon being off leash.
Returned to Miami for Dahlias's dance
recital which was a big hit (she has great dance moves) before
heading back into the wilderness; off again to Collier-Seminole SP
until it is time to share Xmas holidays. Found a great seafood market
at the edge of San Marco Island.
Next Blog will be Xmas pictures...
Tidbits:
- Michigan killed Iowa in conference final but face dreaded Alabama in New Year
- Greenbay Packers still hoping for a playoff spot
- Disturbed singer's (Sound of Silence) children go to Pinecrest School
SPOT:
- LPK Campground Everglades NP 2023 11 28&29: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=25.39748,-80.65701&ll=25.39748,-80.65701&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
- Zach & Shari Miami 2023 11 30-12 03 & 12 15-17: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4QZimbVVCzDA5wPx8
- Myakka River SP 2023 12 05-07: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=27.24463,-82.31372&ll=27.24463,-82.31372&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
- Amanda & Danny Tampa 2023 12 08-11: https://maps.app.goo.gl/B9xq956gkk4Qyxv57
- Bull Creek WMA 2023 12 12&13: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Dz9x95Wgdb8B3X29
- Mitchells Landing Big Cypress NP 2023 12 14: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=25.75443,-80.92632&ll=25.75443,-80.92632&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
- Collier-Seminole SP 2023 12 18-21: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=25.99300,-81.59515&ll=25.99300,-81.59515&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
Debbie
2023-12-22
Merry Christmas Tom & Cindy and all the best in 2024
tracy
2023-12-23
Great reading, once again! Love the picture of you, Cindy and Yukon!