Hi, I’m Julie McCoy, Your TR Director

[HermanTriplets+1]

She moved along the branch…..and then peed. How many of you can say you’ve taken a picture of an iguana peeing?

That cracked me up! Not only can I say that I've never taken a picture of an iguana peeing, but I can honestly say that I've never even SEEN a picture of an iguana peeing! Not very ladylike, is she?! I mean, if it was a guy iguana, well, I'd expect it!

 

[jenseib]

That cracked me up! Not only can I say that I've never taken a picture of an iguana peeing, but I can honestly say that I've never even SEEN a picture of an iguana peeing! Not very ladylike, is she?! I mean, if it was a guy iguana, well, I'd expect it!

exactly!!!

 

[jenseib]

We came to an area where Jessie the alligator lived. He said he was going to call her and then he did…”Hey Jessie, come on over”. I laughed. I am not sure what makes them come to the boat, but he did that at every spot we stopped at and they would come. Perhaps they just know the sound of the boat and are curious. It works though.



Now I can’t tell one alligator from the other, but he did call out Speedy as well. I think the first few pictures are Jessie, then Speedy came out a bit later. They are territorial so they didn’t get super close, but close enough to each other that the captain had to tell them to behave. The 2 of them have fought before and one had a few injuries from the fights…like a missing foot or something along those lines.







They do come up pretty darn close to the boat too.





Our captain kept turning the boat around so both sides could see.



Only a face a mother would love.





I believe this is Speedy on his way over now.



You can see both gators in this next picture.





We moved on to see a family of birds that live in these weeds. I think Bubba (I think that was his name) was the gator that lived near here and he was checking it out for us too.





Our captain kept telling him to leave them alone.



Off in the distance another gator was coming. I think this was little Bubba, or something along those lines. They actually had 3 gators with the same name and one was big, one was little and one was just Bubba…or something like that, so I got confused….and can’t they think of any other names?



Anyways the captain said you will see this one stop at a certain point as it’s a territory line between the 2 and sure enough he did stop. But the current Bubba went over to take a look and he was more of a trouble maker than the other one.

The little birds popped out and we could even see the babies in between the reeds.



Our captain threw bread out to lure them and this crow type bird decided to drop in for a bite.





I thought the sky looked so pretty reflecting off the water.



I don’t remember what this picture is, but it almost looks like 2 gators together, so many they had a little tangle.

 

[dolphingirl47]

Looks like you saw plenty of wildlife on your boat trip. I had not realised that alligators are so territorial as I have usually seen a whole bunch of them together.

Corinna

 

[jenseib]

Looks like you saw plenty of wildlife on your boat trip. I had not realised that alligators are so territorial as I have usually seen a whole bunch of them together.

Corinna

I thought the same thing

 

[jenseib]

We moved on again. During the course of our ride we had 3 big fast goes down the water trails, the first one out was the best and the longest.





We saw another boat heading out.



Another gator.



We went in search of another iguana and were about to give up when we spotted him a bit further down.





And yet another gator sighting.



I believe he said there were 6 possible gators to see in the areas we covered and we had seen 5 of them, so that was a pretty good record. Especially since one of them…the one we didn’t see…was very rarely seen. Another one was not often seen either, but we had seen him.

It was time to head back in now.



This tour was fantastic and well worth the money…which I think with my discount it was just under $50 for the 2 of us. I think we were out on the water for about an hour and had seen so much and our captain was really funny and knew his stuff.

They do do the tip speech at the end of the ride, but it was really worth it and we did tip him.

I want to also say all of the gators we saw are wild. They live in their territories and are not fed or kept there. That’s where they chose to live and they just know them because that is where they take their tours every day.

After we got off the boat we headed back down the dock and they were holding the pictures they had taken earlier. We looked at ours and we did like it and mom….who hates pictures and never buys any…bought it. I was shocked. It came with a keychain too with gators on it and we decided that would be a little gift for Claire.

We then headed to the bathrooms and then went to see if the Alligator show was going to start. The guy told us one was just starting and we could head in.

Wow! This is a very steep downhill walk.



I have been told recently that this whole place was recently rebuilt basically and it’s much better and nicer than what it was before.

I took a few pictures as we waited for the guy to start.



It was super sunny…and hot…and they had little canopies up for shade for the gators, so it was hard to get a good shot.



And this is our show guy…which even though he said his name, I didn’t pay particular attention to at the moment, but he is Chris for those of you who watch the Gator Boys.





Chris talked about the gators there, which are all rescue gators. They have been taken from areas they were not supposed to be in, like swimming pools, back yards, businesses, etc.

They cannot be released back into the wild. The law says they have to either be killed or taken to a rescue facility like this because they have a homing system in themselves and no matter how far you release them, they tend to end right back where you rescued them from in the first place.

It was funny because there are several alligators in there, and they just laze around. Chris dragged the one he wanted over to the area he needed him. He said they usually are pretty cooperative as they know if they aren’t they will be used in the next show too and they like to just lie around.
Of course he told us of all the dangers. He even said that they have to be patient and not over do it if the gator isn’t ready because one guy had recently been bitten while doing a show.

I guess I liked the sign, because I took several pictures of it….though I know I was taking some on my phone and texting them to my sister to show my niece since she is a fan of the show.















Gators have very little strength to open their jaws……But they can snap them shut extremely fast.

 

[jenseib]

He would open the jaw for the gator and then let is nap shut…but he didn’t always snap shut, so not sure if there is a trigger they do to make him shut it or not…of course the gator can snap at any time he darn feels like it too.



Do not try this at home!







This gator was getting a little snappy and Chris said he just has to wait till the time is right as he is not taking any chances.









Don’t do it!!!!



Oh man he didn’t listen!



The gator was happy to be done with the show.







The show was over and Chris told us how they are all volunteers here so tips are appreciated…A portion goes to pay him and a portion goes to feed and keep the gators.
They also brought out a baby gator that you could hold and take a picture with your own camera. I think it cost like $5 to do so but we were not interested. We did however put a tip in the box for Chris.

Now during the show I had been texting pictures to my sister. She asked if that was Chris and at the time I wasn’t sure, so when the show ended I asked if he was Chris and he said yes. I asked if I could take a picture of him for my niece and he said yes and I quickly texted her this next picture and she was very excited.



Mom and I agreed that Chris is pretty easy on the eyes!

It was now really hot out and we were ready to head out and find some lunch.

I started the car and let it cool down before getting it. It was so hot in there. The parking lot was now really full and there were a lot more people. We could see many more airboat tours going out now too. We were so happy we had arrived when we did.

As I stood outside waiting for the car to cool down, I rearranged stuff in my bag and I was even going in the trunk for some reason…. and I noticed a car waiting for our spot. It was obvious I wasn’t getting in the car as we were just standing there, so for all this person knew; we were waiting for more people to join us. It really annoys me when people sit there and stare at you wanting your parking spot. I understand needing a spot, but I really showed no signs of leaving and then I feel pressured to move on.
Finally I just ended up getting in the car and opening the sunroof to let some of the heat out too. The wheel was still really hot to touch, but it wasn’t burning anymore. We pulled out and I swear cars from nowhere were all swarming to get our spot. So take note…arrive early and avoid the crowds.

We headed back to the highway, which still wasn’t super busy, but a bit busier. Holy cow!!! People drive like maniacs! There was a motorcycle going like a bat out of hockey sticks and just weaving in and out between cars. This guy will be found dead on the road someday if he keeps driving like this. He wasn’t the only one either, everyone was just pure crazy. My mom and I were so amazed.

We headed back to the hotel and asked in the lobby where we could find some restaurants. They told us to take the highway to the next exit and there was a strip mall type area with several options. So we headed that way. And yes there was. The main drag had a lot of 3 way and 4 way stops….but I guess that only applies to half of the people. Most didn’t feel the need to stop. C.R.A.Z.Y!!!!

We found a TGI Fridays and decided to go with that option.

We got a seat and decided to share one of those big appetizer combos…and I failed…I did not get a picture.

We noticed a lot of people were really dressed up here. It was Sunday, but some people were wearing gowns. It was kind of strange. It wasn’t all one party either, different tables with really dressed up people. I guess Fridays is the hot spot on a Sunday.

The nice thing about sharing an appetizer…..room for dessert!
I ordered some sort of peanut butter pie and it was delicious!



Of course Mom helped out on that too.

We paid the bill and headed out.
There was a little line in the parking lot to get out to the main drag through the mall. We waited and there was a guy to the left of us chatting away on his phone. He wanted out and there wasn’t a car behind me, so the natural thing would be to wait and pull out behind me. NOPE! The car in front of me moved, I move and so did he. Never looking…just chatting away on his phone. Well I let my horn go…and not just a honk, but a continuous blow to let him know what a jerk he was. He just about hit the front of the car… never looked ….oh and he had a sports car, so you know he thinks he doesn’t have to follow the rules. (not that all sports car drivers are like that). He gave me the finger….hey buddy I got 2 of them…and I don’t have one tied to my phone so you get both! LOL!

He then inched forward and pulled out in front of another car (and they honked at him too) as he went on to the main drag like a bat out of hockey sticks! Yeah it was only like 20 MPH on that road, but he was doing 0-60 in 3 seconds flat….and I am sure he didn’t stop at the next stop sign either.

We safely pulled out and took the slow road back towards the highway exit. Again we were just amazed how many people used the stop sign as more of a suggestion than a rule.

We were tired and decided to head back to our room and take a nap. I parked and Mom headed up before me. I was a few minutes behind and when I arrived I saw that the room was not made up yet. I did see the maid cart in the hall at the room next to us so I assumed we were next.

I told Mom I wanted to go to the beach anyways and take some pictures, so I guess now would be a good time.
We headed back out and ask the maid in the hallway if our room was next and she said “not me”. Ok, not much English from her I guess. I asked her if she knew when it would be done as we were going to the beach for a short while and would be back. “Not me”. UGH! Ok, well it has to be soon right?

We went down to the lobby and asked directions to the beach and the guys told me to go to Hollywood Beach as it wasn’t as crowded. I had seen signs for Dania Beach and I thought I read online that it was just minutes away.
He said no, go to Hollywood and gave me directions. He said I would need quarters though for parking.

This ended up being a little further than we expected but it wasn’t too far. We passed the back side of the airport on the way, and then we went through some areas that looked a bit run down.

We found our way and there was an attendant at a booth for the parking. It wasn’t quarters…it was dollars. I think it was $7 to park. I don’t know if there were parking meters along the road or what, but we didn’t see them. We were fine paying the parking fee though and went in and found a spot to park.

We found a path and saw many people have parties here in the picnic areas. One party was really pumping with huge speakers and music blaring pretty loud. They could entertain all the parties in the area. LOL









This lifeguard shack was not nearly as nice as the ones in California. Not that they were great, but this was really run down.





It was such a beautiful day.



There goes a plane!



We took our shoes off and walked towards the water.

 

[JKSWonder]

I love the color blue of that water. I never get tired of looking at an ocean like that.

 

[lorimay]

I am enjoying your report.
You guys are so brave to get on the airboat.
I live about 20 minutes from Holiday Park and have never been because I am a chicken. The alligators scare the crap out of me.
Every once in a while on our local news one turns up in a community lake. None in our community yet thank God.
Sorry about the sports car driver, we do not all drive like that I promise.

Looking forward to reading more.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Wow Jen, you guys saw a lot of wildlife on the tour! I would have never thought to look for iguanas on a tour like that. Cool!

I've seen bits and pieces of Gator Boys while flipping channels but never watched an entire episode. It's pretty neat that you were able to see one of the stars of the show and tell your niece about it.

All of those reckless drivers would have me . I can not stand it when people drive like that. It's like you said, one day those folks are gonna end up dead. Or worse, they are going to play a part in someone else's death. Dumb bunnies!

Ahhh, the beach! It looks so pretty from your pictures!

 

[dolphingirl47]

I have to say the alligator show does not sit easily with me even though they are rescues and I suppose it has some educational elements. I learned something new though. I had no idea that alligators will return back to where they were found. I have heard previously that Disney moves any alligators that turn up in the tourist areas. I wonder if they go to a rescue place or if the move is a little further away.

I could just eat that peanut butter pie. Time to cook dinner I think.

The beach looks nice and the colour of the water is just stunning.

Corinna

 

[nouche1]

Thanks for sharing about the alligator park. We just added it to our trip.

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

The Gator Park looks like a neat place! I'd love to take one of those boats and see the iguanas (peeing or not, I guess!), birds and alligators. Good to know to get there early, and avoid the parking spot stalkers!

I grew up in California, so I can understand crazy drivers, but it seems like they're everywhere in South Florida. Yikes.

I.LOVE.THE.BEACH. Sigh. Those gorgeous pictures remind me of home and I want to go back.

 

[Beth D]

Love your update! We went to Holiday Park when we got off our cruise this spring! We docked at Port of Miami, got our rental, and that was our first stop of the day!

We had a great time too, since we had a diverse group - me, DH, DS (8) and my parents. We also bought our photo, and we never do that! They were really nice, and got everyone smiling.

Lots of wildlife to see, and very educational. We also donated, as we liked that they are a rescue place, not just for tourists. We also shelled out for DS to hold the gator. Right up an 8 year old boy's alley!

Yes, Chris is very good looking, but he's dating (engaged?) to the one girl usually on the show, I think her name is Ashley.

To complete our "Gator Boys" tour, we also stopped at the BBQ restaurant that Jimmy (one of the other main catchers) has. Great food!

 

[JCinMN]

I am a big Princess fan and enjoyed my first Disney cruise so am really looking forward to your comparisons. Thanks for sharing!

 

[canyoncam]

Hi Jen! I had read all your TRs. I have never posted as yet but thought I'd let you know that you are how I discovered the DIS. It seems you take similar trips right before I go so I have to read all about them. Unfortunately this will be research for my sister and parents who are going on Princess albeit to Alaska. My mom is already familiar to me referring to 'Claire's mom". Thanks for all the sharing you do.

 

[jenseib]

I love the color blue of that water. I never get tired of looking at an ocean like that.

Me either. Why can't Ohio have water like that....sigh!

I am enjoying your report.
You guys are so brave to get on the airboat.
I live about 20 minutes from Holiday Park and have never been because I am a chicken. The alligators scare the crap out of me.
Every once in a while on our local news one turns up in a community lake. None in our community yet thank God.
Sorry about the sports car driver, we do not all drive like that I promise.

Looking forward to reading more.

I guess being dumb going in was good. I really didn't research airboats too much.
I was surprised how close they came to the boat too. It's a good thing I don't watch scary alligator shows!
I did see many normal drivers too...but the ones that were bad...were REALLY bad!

Wow Jen, you guys saw a lot of wildlife on the tour! I would have never thought to look for iguanas on a tour like that. Cool!

I have been told that iguanas are not native to Florida and basically started with people releasing pets in the wild and they grew from there...is that true? I don't know.
Is it strange that the peeing iguana made me think of you? Probably all of your pee stories.

I've seen bits and pieces of Gator Boys while flipping channels but never watched an entire episode. It's pretty neat that you were able to see one of the stars of the show and tell your niece about it.

Same here. Mostly advertisements or just a snippet here or there. I really should make an effort to watch a full program one of these days.

All of those reckless drivers would have me . I can not stand it when people drive like that. It's like you said, one day those folks are gonna end up dead. Or worse, they are going to play a part in someone else's death. Dumb bunnies!

Ahhh, the beach! It looks so pretty from your pictures!

The bad drivers were really crazy. I have another story yet to tell...I just need to find time to write the next update. I had Gracie today while Paige went to school and that bugger was awake almost the whole time. And not only that, but she didn't think she should sit on her own but, so I ended up holding her most of the day. At one point I had to get work done so I was on my computer typing one handed with her on my lap and her big eyes just stared at the screen!
The beach was so pretty. I really wish we would've went for a swim.

I have to say the alligator show does not sit easily with me even though they are rescues and I suppose it has some educational elements. I learned something new though. I had no idea that alligators will return back to where they were found. I have heard previously that Disney moves any alligators that turn up in the tourist areas. I wonder if they go to a rescue place or if the move is a little further away.

I totally understand. The area they are in is not very big. I am not sure if they have other areas for them to go or not.
I have heard that about Disney too. I wonder if they put them in the safari?

I could just eat that peanut butter pie. Time to cook dinner I think.

I am a sucker for peanut butter pie.

The beach looks nice and the colour of the water is just stunning.

Corinna

I love the blue water. It was much prettier in Ft. L than it is in Port C.

Thanks for sharing about the alligator park. We just added it to our trip.

Glad to help! We really enjoyed our time there.

The Gator Park looks like a neat place! I'd love to take one of those boats and see the iguanas (peeing or not, I guess!), birds and alligators. Good to know to get there early, and avoid the parking spot stalkers!

I am so glad someone suggested going on an airboat ride. i don't think I would've thought of it otherwise. it really made for a nice day.

I grew up in California, so I can understand crazy drivers, but it seems like they're everywhere in South Florida. Yikes.

And now you live in KY?????

I.LOVE.THE.BEACH. Sigh. Those gorgeous pictures remind me of home and I want to go back.

I loved CA this Feb when I went. My friend took me all around to touristy places and I had a ball. And of course I loved DL too. I am hoping we will go again this next spring. Skip said he wanted to go, but he hasn't talked about it for awhile now. I'll have to remind him.

Love your update! We went to Holiday Park when we got off our cruise this spring! We docked at Port of Miami, got our rental, and that was our first stop of the day!

It was such a neat little place. I wouldn't mind going back, especially with Skip and Claire.

We had a great time too, since we had a diverse group - me, DH, DS (8) and my parents. We also bought our photo, and we never do that! They were really nice, and got everyone smiling.

I was surprised how nice the picture turned out with the little camera they used.

Lots of wildlife to see, and very educational. We also donated, as we liked that they are a rescue place, not just for tourists. We also shelled out for DS to hold the gator. Right up an 8 year old boy's alley!

I bet. I bet Claire would like that too. I know my nieces would for sure. This summer they went to Myrtle Beach (I think) and they took pictures holding all sorts of creepy creatures.

Yes, Chris is very good looking, but he's dating (engaged?) to the one girl usually on the show, I think her name is Ashley.

Yes, I googled him and that is what I read too.

To complete our "Gator Boys" tour, we also stopped at the BBQ restaurant that Jimmy (one of the other main catchers) has. Great food!

I didn't know about that. Maybe if I get in the area again I will have to look for that place as well.

I am a big Princess fan and enjoyed my first Disney cruise so am really looking forward to your comparisons. Thanks for sharing!

And how did you like Disney? I will say I still prefer Disney, but Princess was nice and i would go back on them for sure. I just like the way Disney does some things better. But I am also a Disney snob.

Hi Jen! I had read all your TRs. I have never posted as yet but thought I'd let you know that you are how I discovered the DIS. It seems you take similar trips right before I go so I have to read all about them. Unfortunately this will be research for my sister and parents who are going on Princess albeit to Alaska. My mom is already familiar to me referring to 'Claire's mom". Thanks for all the sharing you do.

Hi!!!! Thanks for posting.
So where did you originally find me that brought you to Dis?
I would love to do Alaska one of these days too...so I am jealous of your family already.
I enjoy writing about my trips...it just takes me forever!
Are we friends on facebook? I am friends with so many Diser's and half the time I can't place the real name with the Dis name.
If not, you can seach jenseib and that usually brings me up.

 

[jenseib]

Neither Mom nor I are big on swimming and we did not bring our suits along to the beach. The water was warm and the temps were hot and it was perfect weather to just wade in the water. I had wished I brought my suit and as soon as that thought went through my head, my mom said she wished she had brought hers. So that is saying something because she NEVER swims.





We set our shoes down and walked up and down the beach a little ways wading through the water and I took pictures.





Of course there were seagulls as well.









The sailboats were out just a little too far for a good shot.





It was pretty wavy out there and these guys were just floating and bobbing along. It was kind of funny to watch them.





I loved the pier off in the distance.





See how junky it looks?







He’s still bobbing out there.













This was kind of a cool shot of a seagull coming in for a landing.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I would not have managed to resist that sea, but then I am a bit of a water baby. I love that last photo.

Corinna

 

[franandaj]

This is the first time that I have caught one of your TRs before it is 20-30 pages long! I leave in a week to catch the Wonder from Miami and we have a few days in Ft. L before and after the trip. How far was the Everglades from your hotel, did I miss that?

It looks like a great trip so far. Too bad you can't convince the hubby that he likes cruising. I've started to read about your trips with Claire, but never got far enough along to catch up or post a comment. I'm looking forward to keeping up with this one, even if it's not a Disney trip!