Today we traveled to Flamingo. First across 41 where we did a couple of stops, one at Shark Valley, the first in the Everglades. We walked a bit there viewing alligators - including several babies and a few birds. We also saw several Gar, a strange Florida fish. At the main entrance to the Everglades National Park VC, a very nice center with informative displays and WiFi, we found out that the park housed a Nike Missile Base, a relic from the cold war. On the day we were here they offered a tour and we chose to do that - great choice. There are several buildings still extant but the highlight was the missile assembly building and one of the launch “barns” where there was a restored Nike Missile. We then completed the drive to the campground at Flamingo. A short walk to Eco Pond proved that mosquitoes are not extinct in Florida. Not even close. 

The Engaged Cadillac

We drove right by, right past, as in we did not stop for a fruit stand that had milk shakes including Key Lime Milkshakes. In case no one knows you make a milk shake with ICE CREAM. What is wrong with…. no never mind, I know what is wrong with the Driver. LOTS! And it is hot, who knew it would be 600 degrees in the winter. This is nuts. And those gators, they are not nice. Not at all nice. Made gathering reeds a bit dicey. But I prevailed because bravery is one of my most outstanding characteristics. So besides discovering the next new latte flavor, Key Lime topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of crushed graham cracker, it has been a dismal zero decent coffee zero ice cream zero Ms. McKinley day.