A few days ago we spent 3 nights in the Everglades National Park in Florida. We stayed at a campground called Flamingo, on Florida Bay. The visitor center was all pink which I thought made it look hideous, but other than that the campground was great. It is in a very open area and it was nice and quiet. During our stay we canoed down the Buttonwood Canal and hiked a few trails. We also participated in ranger lead programs which educated people about manatees, crocodiles, and pythons. What I found interesting was that pythons are not native to the Everglades. They ended up there from people releasing them. What also was said is that most differences between alligators and crocodiles is in the color and the snout. Alligators tend to be dark green or black in color and have a broad, U-shaped snout. Whereas crocodiles are more gray and have a V-shaped snout that is more narrow than the alligator’s. The Everglades is the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist, I think that is particularly awesome.
One night we went to an outdoor amphitheater and watched a presentation about the limestone that makes up the base of the Everglades. It was so interesting that even our dog Daisy was watching it.
We saw a lot of wildlife there including manatees, alligators, crocodiles, and birds, mostly vultures. People said that the vultures would sometimes attack the rubber around the windows of cars, luckily that didn’t happen. Around this time of year is the dry season. There are more visitors during this season because there are less mosquitoes and more opportunities for viewing wildlife. This makes camping, hiking, and canoeing more enjoyable.
We are currently staying in another area of Florida.
rain4river 
Hey River! Enjoyed reading your blog…sounds like Florida was interesting and adventurous…I have one request…please leave the pythons in Florida! 🙂
Stacey
Great blog, Riv. Oh, and yes, I enjoyed the video. It’s so great to hear the Dunn family on your adventures. Your mother did a great job filming, and I don’t blame her for wanting to back up just a little bit. What if you’d all been eaten? Blogging from deep down under…definitely a song in the making.
Good stuff, Riv – Makes me wonder why some people would want to hunt and kill these creatures who are not threatening – despite their looks – unless they are threatened themselves. Just to make some silly handbags and wallets – what a waste of life.
Keep up the excellent blogging – great to read.
Sheldon
What a great post – thanks for keeping us all jealous! 😉 Xxo
Ugh, gators and crocs. Never trust something that transcended evolution! This blog post is great. Very well-written, River! And the video is highly entertaining. My favorite line, “Riv, back up…” as you were approaching the croc.
It sounds like you are having a great time!
Thanks for keeping us posted!
So River, Did they tell you why the croc has the V shaped snout and the alligator the U shaped snoout?
Sounds like a great trip so far! Make it a great 2012, Enjoy.
The Sposatos
Oh my… the everglades – I think I will only visit through the Dunn’s experience!! I’m so psyched for you guys – already have seen so much!
Just fyi you aren’t missing too much skiing at this point in time – boring up here! Getting colder this week but we don’t have an ounce of snow.
Miss you and keep us updated! Stacia xoxoxo
Hiking where there are pythons, crocs & gators….oh my! You all are much bravor than me! I find it hard to get rid of a spider! What an adventure. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Barbara Roskin
I am getting an education through you. Thanks for sharing your classroom on wheels.