Alligators & Florida Adventures
Today, we set out to find alligators. Ron booked an airboat ride with Captain Jack’s and we explored the mangroves. This was a trip highlight for Ron and the main reason we came this far into Florida. He has always wanted to do one of these tours and see some alligators. The ride through the mangroves was pretty but also eerie. It reminded me of the show River Monsters. Peering into the dense and twisted forest, I couldn’t help but wonder what other creatures lurked in the shadows.
Our airboat captain has been driving airboats though these mangroves since he was a kid, so we were in good hands. He did some fast spins and turns, which delighted the kids. And we had success! We saw two alligators and they came pretty close to our boat. Jeremy, our captain, told us they could easily jump on board if they really wanted to—but he was safe because he was sitting in the highest seat.
This thrilled the kids and added an element of danger that made the rest of the day more exciting.
Our tour included admission to an alligator sanctuary, so we headed there next to see more alligators and learn about these prehistoric looking animals. They are calm creatures and apparently just want to live in peace and be left alone. So all the images in my head of raging gators chasing down me and my family were a bit exaggerated.
I’m still cautious, however, about letting the kids explore the campsite on their own and won’t allow them to go near the water alone. I’ve even tried to imitate an alligator hissing so that they would know that if they ever heard that sound to leave immediately. Ron and the kids all held an alligator and we got to “pet” them too.
Next, we headed to a place that our friend Brent recommended for lunch. Brent and Ashley usually travel to Naples every year to visit family, so Brent sent Ron a thoughtful list of things to do and great places to eat while we are here. We headed to the Rod and Gun Club to try some alligator nuggets. The restaurant has a lot of history. It has hosted presidents and famous actors, and the décor was what you would expect from a place called the Rod and Gun Club.
The kids loved walking around and looking at all the statues, pictures and stuffed animals. Ariel took my phone and took a bunch of pictures of all the cool things she was seeing. Wyatt focused on catching the little lizards (brown anoles) climbing up the screens. Ron loved his alligator meal. I tried one and I have to say that I don’t think it tastes like chicken. I’m happy I tried it and glad I don’t have to try it again. Wyatt and Ariel tried some too, but I’m not sure they liked it as much as Ron.
After lunch, we headed back to camp to let the pups stretch (they had been relaxing in the RV with the AC). We put on their swamp vests to help keep them cool when outside. Thank you so much Greg and Leslie for recommending these for Maggie and Remi. They are not used to this heat, and the vests are helping so much.
Ron wanted to head into Naples to walk down 5th Street, look at the shops, and treat the kids to some ice cream. Ariel and Wyatt found superman ice cream and they were in heaven. It melted pretty quickly with the heat, so we braced ourselves for a possible ice cream catastrophe with Wyatt. Thankfully he was able to eat fast enough to finish before it turned to soup, and he didn’t lose any to the sidewalk. Hurray! Everyone was happy.
Brent also recommended enjoying a sunset dinner at a beachside restaurant called Gumbo Limbo. It was wonderful. We got a table right next to the beach so the kids could play in the sand while we enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail. Ariel and Wyatt spent most of their time on the beach playing only pausing for a moment for a sip of lemonade and a bite to eat. The atmosphere was perfect and it was nice to sit and relax with Ron. We loved having a conversation without little voices interrupting us as we watched the sun set. Thank you, Brent, for all these great suggestions.
Goodnight from Florida!