We had a great time this morning, taking Jeff and Shiree on an airboat ride, over on Lake Kissimmee. We got to see a few BIG gators, and quite a few babies, as well as deer, buffalo, cows, an eagle, a coyote, and some fishermen! The cows and buffalo wade into the water to eat the nutrient-rich grasses that grow in the shallows. I thought that was interesting.
We asked about the gators attacking the cows in the water, and our guide told us that they rarely attack anything that big. They can't chew, they can only tear and swallow, so they go for smaller things that they can handle in one gulp. He said if they kill something big, they will pull it into high weeds and let it rot, then they can tear off pieces to eat. Just something to file away for a trivia game... ;)
When we got home, the kids went to walk around our Lake Hollingsworth (3 miles). Now we are watching the movie Avatar, and then will have dinner. I started a pork roast in the crock pot this morning and will mash some potatoes and warm up some corn. We also have a nice salad and some fresh fruit. I made an Italian Ricotta Cheese pie yesterday, to have for dessert. Back to work for me, tomorrow, and the kids will head for the airport. It has been fun having them here.
Here are some photos from the ride today....
And the one below is Tiger, the fish camp cat. He was quite friendly and allowed me to pet him until we were ready to board the boat to go. The bench was his personal scratching post.
Thanks for stopping by! Peace, love & hugs.
Wow, I'll bet that was an interesting ride. Is that the first time you've done the airboat ride?
ReplyDeleteNo Julie, that was our 6 or 7th airboat ride. We always suggest one when people are visiting. It is better than Disney!!
DeleteHow fun!! I would love to do that. I signed up for Groupon (Orlando) and sometimes I see coupons for airboat rides. I'm going to have to look into it more when we are there! I love the pictures. I can't get over how close you are to the wildlife!
ReplyDeleteKris, let me know when you are down again and want to do this. We have tried several and have found Grape Hammock to be the best. They are east of Lake Wales, and only charge $35.00 each for an hour+ ride. Better than any others we tried. You will love it!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like so much fun! Loved seeing the pics!
ReplyDeleteIt is lots of fun, and I'm glad you enjoyed the photos.
DeleteI love your pictures. It looks like fun. But I hate alligators. Bub just watched a show on Discovery where they found a huge gator skeleton. It had a 6ft. snout. They estimated him to be 35ft. long... the size of a school bus. I'm sure you didn't see any that big. hahaha ** Glad you had a good time with the kids. ** Hope you're having a good Tuesday. ♥
ReplyDeleteCarol, the biggest one we saw was about 10 feet long. We saw several in the 6-7 foot length, and a bunch of babies (1 year old) that were 1-2 feet long. We were able to get close to those in the photos because it was a bit chilly that morning, and they get very lethargic when it is cold. It was an unusual thing and we were very excited to get that close!
DeleteI didn't know that about alligators. I guess I thought they were similar to sharks as to what they would attack. Still, I don't think I'd like to get too close to one. The other day I was reading that a couple weren't able to leave their home because there was an alligator outside it. A great excuse for not going to work, huh? Anyway, I'm glad everyone enjoyed the ride.
ReplyDeleteBrenda, we were well protected in the airboat! I wouldn't want to get that close either, and would not venture out if there was one in the front yard. They can run 25 miles an hour or more - very fast on land, and in the water. Not to be tested or messed with, for sure!
DeleteLooks like fun but would not want to be near the gators. I guess the cattle know they are safe from them or wouldn't venture into the water.
ReplyDelete