On our second day in the Everglades we took two tours of the area. One by tram and one by boat. We started with the first Tram ride of the morning at the Shark Lake Visitor Canter. This is a two hour tram ride out to an observation tower and back. Our guide knew her stuff and the kids sat right up front to ask questions and make comments. If you end up on this tram sit on the drivers side (that is where the action is) and sit up front. The driver stops when they see things, if you sit in the back you may miss it by the time your seat reaches the same spot.
During our tram ride we saw some beautiful birds and flowers, a few large gators, a couple turtles, and lots of baby alligators. We also learned all about the ecosystems in the Everglades, how native Americans lived there, and many other interesting facts.
The mound is an alligator nest. 
Can you find the baby alligator?
Our next tour was on an airboat. We quickly ate some lunch and hoped on board an airboat at Everglades Safari Park. It was everyone’s first time on an airboat and we did not know what to expect. They handed us earplugs and we were off. The boat glided over the water and although loud it was calm and the breeze felt wonderful. As we drove out it became very apparent why the Everglades is a river of grass. It was a very different perspective then walking the boardwalks and trails. It would have been great to get some kayaks and really explore the area but this was easier with the kids and our timeframe. We did not find any alligators on our trip but we had seen a lot already. We did find many turtles and some more birds.
A river of grass as far as the eye can see. 
Swamp orchid 
The water, the sky, the clouds.. this beauty is hard to beat. 
A great blue heron
We said goodbye to the Everglades and crossed the state again toward Cape Canaveral. Dinner was grass-fed lettuce wrapped burgers and fresh cut fries at Burger Fi. It reminded us of our favorite burger place back home, Burger Lounge. Tomorrow we switch gears from National Parks, animals, and nature to NASA, rockets, and space.
Our 6S Full Life 