By V. Lori Hedges
Cue the scream! Cue the music! For 11 seasons I had watched Horatio Caine (played by David Caruso) speed across the grassy river in the opening shots of CSI Miami, so before we even stepped aboard the boat, I was giddy with excitement. I was finally getting the chance to take my own airboat ride through the Florida Everglades.
Our boat arrived, and as we were waiting for it to be refueled, I noticed that it was named appropriately, the Freedom.
Our guide and pilot-extraordinaire, Lorenzo, of the Everglades Nature Tours, welcomed my sister and I aboard and helped us get settled before he revved up the engine, and off we flew.
As the flat-bottomed boat skimmed over the grasses and water, I couldn’t keep the grin off my face. What a rush!
Flying along with the wind whipping through your hair, you get the sensation that the pilot only slightly has control over the boat – kind of like when you do donuts on an icy parking lot in the winter – a little scary, but whole lot of fun. Of course, that free-wheeling sensation was only an illusion as Lorenzo had perfect control the whole time.
When you go to the Everglades, of course you want to see some alligators, and Lorenzo knew exactly where to find one. As we came up on the juvenile reptile, he slowed the boat to a crawl so we could ease up without spooking him. Even though we were quiet as we snapped dozens of photos, Mr. Gator seemed to glare at us as if to say, “Go away! I’m trying to nap here!”
A second alligator, found further out into the Everglades, was not so patient with us, and immediately dived to avoid our cameras. A few moments later we caught him peeking at us while all but part of his head remained submerged.
Around every bend there was a new discovery to be found. Lorenzo pointed out birds and plants and explained the practical or medicinal uses of several different kinds of grasses and flowers we found along the way. We watched a gigantic Blue Heron swallow a whole fish as she prepared to feed her chicks.
Before we knew it, an hour had passed, and we were coasting back into the docking area. What an hour it had been though! When you are out in the Everglades, the river of grass seems to go on forever until it meets at the horizon and joins with a sky that looks so vibrant and blue and big, it appears almost surreal.
It is an experience that should not be missed. If you find yourself near or in Miami, look up the guys at Everglades Nature Tours, and they will take you on a magnificent tour of a lifetime.
You can find them at: http://www.EvergladesNatureTours.com
All photos and video are the property of V. Lori Hedges, and may not be used without permission.
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