Shark Valley

The Shark Valley is no where near any sharks but it is along the Shark River.  The Shark is the widest river (and possibly the slowest) in the world at the southern end it is a birthing ground for many sharks.

We took a two-hour tram ride through the valley on a paved road set slightly higher than the surrounding wetlands (at the end of the dry season).  We literally saw hundreds of alligators of all ages and sizes.  The very best was the last one, a large male eating a large turtle with his head right next to the trail.    The shell cracking sounded like a gun shot.

We also saw: a black crested night heron, a roseated spoonbill, wood storks, a bald eagle (with a baby) on their nest, herons (great blue, great, and tricolor) , ibis, egrets, kites, anahingas, vultures (turkey and black), a purple galineau, and so many more I can't even keep track.

The kids earned their Florida State Junior Ranger badges at Collier-Seminole State Park and their NPS Junior Ranger badges for the Everglades National Park.

Tonight we are heading back to Naples to sleep in real beds and do some laundry.  Tomorrow will be a rest day before we join up with Oma and Opa to tackle Big Cypress and Biscayne Bay.