#81 Mar 2015 Wild Florida Airboats and Wildlife Park

Our final day we visited Wild Florida Airboats and Wildlife Park less than an hour from Orlando.

The airboat ride was noisy, windy and exhilarating.

The airboat skimmed over the water and moved along narrow channels through the Florida Everglades.

Each passenger had headphones to cut the engine noise. When there was something to explain or point out the boat stopped and the engine was silent.

Our Captain Marc Evans was very knowledgeable about the wildlife, the Everglades and points of interest along the shoreline.

We saw quiet ponds of water lilies

Egrets among the wildflowers

And of course alligators!

This mama alligator was letting her brood (on the right side of the photo) explore their surroundings.

She had at least 6 babies who were just a few weeks old.

It was a great opportunity to see natural Florida after the manmade parks in Orlando.

Of course, even away from the city there was a gift shop.

The adjacent Wildlife Park provided closer views of alligators.

Danica did not enjoy the gator bites for lunch but was not worried about becoming a snack for the gators.

We saw Watusi cattle

Peacocks

Zebras

Sand hill cranes

As well as a presentation about several animals in the park, including a blue-tongued skink.

Fluffy was the highlight of the presentation.

Fluffy was 4 feet long, 4 years old and comfortable with being handled.

Everyone in the audience had an opportunity to hold Fluffy individually and as a group.

This sign summed up our Florida family adventure.

We enjoyed our Orlando experience and had a great family time. Our granddaughters do not have many opportunities to spend time together. Lindsay and Danica were able to be spontaneous and have fun in "The Happiest PLace on Earth". We enjoyed being part of the fun.

At the end of seven very full days we were all tired and ready for home with memories to last a lifetime.