November 21, 2012

We are now at Big Cypress Wildlife Preserve.

Arrived on Tuesday, Nov. 13th. We can stay here for the winter if we so choose. We've been 'hired' as 'Maintenance' so our pad rent is nil. Camped next to us is another couple Gene and Lorna, who are our relief. They've been doing the job for 7 plus years, so they'll make sure we're doing what we're suppose to be doing. We'll be working 4 on - 4 off with them, so on our 4 days off we can get out and do some touring of the area. There will also be two Camp Hosts working the same way.

 

We're located half way between Miami and Naples on the Tamiami Trail; about 50 miles each way.  These sights are very common, the Tamiami Trail also being called Aligator Alley. You'll see them in the swamps that cover this whole area. We have a small lake in our campground, with it's own resident alligator, but we haven't seen him yet....







This is also a great place for bird watching (if you're into that). Anyone who knows me, knows I'm not a bird person, but this one on the left is a tri-colored heron, which is a little different than the rest of them.

This is an un-welcome critter. A rattlesnake!! He slithered about 10 feet behind our motorhome. Didn't pay much attention to us, just kept on going - THANK GOD!!!

 

Here we are in our cute little outfits! (minus the sandals - we have to wear covered shoes)

In the background is the Oasis Visitor Center. This is the boardwalk which runs parallel to the highway, where people can get some pictures of the alligators as they bask in the sunshine.  This is where I took my pictures.....