Lizzy Lemon
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2006
- Messages
- 2,551
Friday 30th July
Another very hot and sunny morning, after breakfast we drove the short drive to Myakka River State Park to do an alligator boat trip. We drove in and paid $6 to enter the park and then had quite a drive to the main area bypassing a camping ground and visitor centre. We saw no-one! Arrived at the main area and bought tickets for the 11.30am boat trip ($12 each) we had an hour to wait so went and had a look around the gift shop and cafe. Glen asked for a hotdog, which he ate in about 2 bites as it was so small and then followed it with an ice cream.
By the time we caught the boat plenty more people had turned up but we got front row seats. The guide told us the water was only 8ft at its deepest, they have had a dry summer and the water level has dropped meaning the water lilies covered a lot of the surface area (great for the alligators to hide in). Saw loads of birds though!
Only saw 3 alligators unfortunately, it was too hot for them on the river bank, they were all in the water, apparently November is the best time to see them. I wondered why there were more tours held in the winter months according to the brochure.
After the boat trip which lasted about an hour we got back in the car and drove to the treetop walkway and climbed an observation tower.
Had to visit the supermarket again for some supplies. Went back to the apartment for a quick coffee before heading to the beach. We shouldn't have been long but Glen went in the safe for something and when he closed it up went and entered the wrong code thereby setting the unlocking code a different number. I didn't know and tried the number we had been using, 'error' tried again 'error' I thought this is strange made sure I did it correctly and it said error again. After 3 tries it locks for 15 minutes. We rang the reception desk and they said they would send someone over after 15 minutes. Glen conveniently disappears at this point leaving us to sort out the problem. Felt very stupid! Lovely lady came with the key eventually to enable us to reset it. If ever there is a problem you can guarantee Glen is behind it! We eventually got down to the beach for our first dip in the Gulf of Mexico.
It was very warm! The sand is like talcum powder, just so fine.
After just an hour we returned for a shower, there was a plunger in the bathroom for unclogging the bath when it gets filled up with sand!
Headed out for dinner eventually settling on a place called Daiquiri Deck (had a menu to suit us all). But first we sat on the beach and watched the 2nd nights sunset.
My very large Blue Haiwaiian Cocktail which made me quite giggly for the rest of the evening. Meals, drinks and tip came to $70. I can't believe how far the money can go out of the theme parks.
Another very hot and sunny morning, after breakfast we drove the short drive to Myakka River State Park to do an alligator boat trip. We drove in and paid $6 to enter the park and then had quite a drive to the main area bypassing a camping ground and visitor centre. We saw no-one! Arrived at the main area and bought tickets for the 11.30am boat trip ($12 each) we had an hour to wait so went and had a look around the gift shop and cafe. Glen asked for a hotdog, which he ate in about 2 bites as it was so small and then followed it with an ice cream.
By the time we caught the boat plenty more people had turned up but we got front row seats. The guide told us the water was only 8ft at its deepest, they have had a dry summer and the water level has dropped meaning the water lilies covered a lot of the surface area (great for the alligators to hide in). Saw loads of birds though!
Only saw 3 alligators unfortunately, it was too hot for them on the river bank, they were all in the water, apparently November is the best time to see them. I wondered why there were more tours held in the winter months according to the brochure.
After the boat trip which lasted about an hour we got back in the car and drove to the treetop walkway and climbed an observation tower.
Had to visit the supermarket again for some supplies. Went back to the apartment for a quick coffee before heading to the beach. We shouldn't have been long but Glen went in the safe for something and when he closed it up went and entered the wrong code thereby setting the unlocking code a different number. I didn't know and tried the number we had been using, 'error' tried again 'error' I thought this is strange made sure I did it correctly and it said error again. After 3 tries it locks for 15 minutes. We rang the reception desk and they said they would send someone over after 15 minutes. Glen conveniently disappears at this point leaving us to sort out the problem. Felt very stupid! Lovely lady came with the key eventually to enable us to reset it. If ever there is a problem you can guarantee Glen is behind it! We eventually got down to the beach for our first dip in the Gulf of Mexico.
It was very warm! The sand is like talcum powder, just so fine.
After just an hour we returned for a shower, there was a plunger in the bathroom for unclogging the bath when it gets filled up with sand!
Headed out for dinner eventually settling on a place called Daiquiri Deck (had a menu to suit us all). But first we sat on the beach and watched the 2nd nights sunset.
My very large Blue Haiwaiian Cocktail which made me quite giggly for the rest of the evening. Meals, drinks and tip came to $70. I can't believe how far the money can go out of the theme parks.
