Sandy's travels

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7M1F-I3UJzhRndwa3M2czhIekk/view?usp=

Egrets are a fairly common bird of the southern states and were very evident in the Everglades.  I zoomed out in the second photo so you could see the airboats which took us out for a ride searching for 'gators'.  We were not disappointed either.  We Spotted several as we went along and slowed as we came close to where one would sun itself on the bank. When you ride in one of these airboats they require you to put earplugs in your ears, that's how loud the engine is.  It's also exhilarating skimming over the water and water grasses. Each boat holds about 20 people.

It was raining when we reached Miami.  While still in the plane, we did some circling out over the cays hoping the storm would let up so we could land safely.  It took awhile but we did land, a tab bumpy but still not too bad.  I took a photo at the back side of the hotel, water was puddling and coming down fairly heavily at times. Kids were feeling a little bored as there was really nothing we could do until Paul got the rental van.  They sat in the lobby for awhile.  Once we were mobile in the van, we went looking for a shopping mall to look around in, that was actually our first two days activity.  On the third day the clouds began to dissipate and we were able to go to the Everglades.  Oh, and we visited the beverage store, this was later in the room Josh and I shared.  (No!  We did not drink it all). Sometimes my eyes play tricks on me....I bought a bottle of what I presumed was a pineapple wine and vodka cooler.  Poured myself a ...

Miami: We flew from Edmonton (We being myself, grandson Josh, son Paul and family...daughter-in-law Rae, grandson Jared (14) and granddaughter Cassidy (11) to Miami Florida.  We left a few days early to be able to go to the Everglades and also acclimate to the warmer temperatures.  When we arrived it was raining and windy.  We had a rental van so we were able to get out and about prior to going to the cruise ship terminal.  We did a couple days going to various malls and looking around til the rain let up, then on the last day we finally got to go to the Everglades and go for a ride in one of those airboats.  It was very humid after the rain and hot as well. Everglades National Park is a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance.  It provides an important habitat for many rare and endangered species of animals such as the manatee, American crocodile and the very illusive Florida panther. We were a...