Left Punta Gorda on Sunday morning about 10, hit the Eden Vineyard Winery at 11:00. Lisa did the sampling and enjoyed these wines more than at Lakeridge. They have the hybred grapes here, and you don’t get the muscadine grape flavors like you do at the Lakeridge Winery where they use more of them. She even bought a couple bottles to take along. Noon we were headed back south to the Everglades. Took the Tamiami trail which found us driving right through the middle of the Everglades. Stopped at the Everglades welcome center, and just down the road found a airboat ride so we stopped and had one (ride that is). Saw a couple gators in the swamp, and the boat captain was explaining a bit about the lack of water in the Everglades and how that, along with all the snakes (boas), was affecting the ecosystem. Fun ride, he would spin the boat to stop it a couple times to show off, but with the wind blowing as hard as it was, he was having a hard time turning the boat in a smaller space. Shopped in the tourist trap and picked up a alligater foot for Bradley.
Kept going east on US-41 and saw the Indian Casino, thought we would stop for a bit, and saw RV parking so we set up for the night. Went in and played a couple slots, had a drink at the Cypress Lounge, and listened to the singer before going back to the RV for the night.
Up in the AM and on the road to Key Largo, another windy day driving. Made it to Key Largo about noon, found a laundry to do some clothes washing, and over to Pat and Julie’s about 2. Got settled in, Pat was there, Julie showed up after work about 5, and Randy and Gloria got back from Key West about 6. We all had dinner together, and a nice evening spent visiting.
Got up in time to wish Randy and Gloria goodbye, as they were headed north to see friends in Bradenton, and then making their way home. After breakfast Pat and I ran a few errands, I got my hair cut, we were back in time for Julie to leave for work at 2. Lisa and I went for a nice walk, picked up a couple coconuts, and Pat helped us crack one open and get the milk and meat out. Went to Gilbert’s Tiki Bar for dinner, I had a conch sandwich with sweet potato fries. Back to Pat’s after dinner for a little talking, watching TV, trying out a couple different whiskeys, and off to bed at 10:30.
We were rudely woken during the night by a nasty storm, lots of rain for an hour or so, but as we got out of the trailer about 8:30 the sun was poking it’s head out a little. After a shower and breakfast we bid Pat and Julie a temporary goodbye and headed down to Key West. Most of the drive was clear and sunny, until just before we reached the campground and the skys opened up on us! Quite a thunderstorm, waited a bit to set up the trailer in Boyd’s Campground, and finally got things done about 2:00. Having a little lunch as I type this, and after posting we are heading into Key West for the day.
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