Day 46 - Florida

Day 46

Nov. 26

Everglades National Park, FL

My Dear Miss Smith,
    Oh, what a lovely day this has been. Last night after the girls had gone to bed, Amy and I took the dogs for an evening stroll along the beach. The sun had set and the evening breeze was pleasant. We discussed our day and talked about the coming one. We were both wishing we could have spent more time with the dolphins since we were staying at the only hotel in the continental United States that has real live dolphins, so we began to scheme and plan.
    This morning, as we all sat at an early breakfast, I told the girls that instead of leaving right away for the Everglades, we were going to go spend another hour or so with the dolphins. Grace gave a cry of delight for she loved her time with them. Then Amy informed Mikayla that she would either have to remain on the dry dock herself or join the rest of us in the water. Amy had kindly remained on the dock yesterday with Mikayla since Mikayla didn’t want to go in the water. Mikayla was rather hesitant, but with the combined urging of Grace and myself and Amy’s continued refusal to stay out of the water, she at last gave in and agreed to join us.
    When I first heard we would be in the water yesterday, I assumed we would have to be swimming, but there was an underwater platform for us to stand on.

    Miss Smith, Grace said she told you about our time with the dolphins yesterday, but I doubt if she could share the thrill of holding on to a dolphin’s dorsal fin and being pulled through the water at a rapid pace, the water being cut around you and leaving a trail of waves behind; the fun of splashing and being splashed by a dolphin, the delight of directing a dolphin choir and listening to their wonderful sounds, the wonder of watching the dolphins follow your commands to fetch rings, leap, dive or dance on their tails, the charm of their kisses, or the humor of their laughter. All this and so much more. I begin to realize the impossibilities of conveying what it was really like.

    I know you will think me perfectly hopeless, Miss Smith, but I wore my “ladies top hat” to visit the dolphins this morning.

Ladies Top Hat

I did have one on yesterday, but left it with Amy and Mikayla. This morning, however, there was no one to leave it with so I wore it in the water. At one point my hat blew off my head, for I was in such a hurry this morning that I neglected to use a hat pin. But as I was saying, it blew off and went sailing across the water. I wondered how I could get it back and gestured to it and gave the sign to fetch to the dolphin I was playing with, and would you believe it, Miss Smith? He fetched me my hat! Oh the praise I lavished on him. I fear it made the others rather jealous for they came over too as though to see what the fuss was about and he must have told them, for he talked and laughed at me. The other girls laughed with him and even the real trainer who was with us laughed. I was half afraid Amy would take my hat and toss it back into the water for another dolphin to fetch it, she seemed to enjoy it so much.

The "Real" Trainer

    Later Amy said, “‘Cilla, if you are going to wear hats, you really must make sure they are secure before we venture out for our adventures or you will lose them one by one. If you wish, I can save you the trouble of slowly losing them and just pack them all up and mail them at once to Miss Smith.”
    I assured her I would be more careful, and when we reached the Everglades I made sure “Madaline” was securely on my head. But I am getting ahead of the day.

    It was hard to part with those darling dolphins. Oh those dear dolphins! I know I will always remember my time with them and I have certainly added that hotel to the visit again section of my notebook. And I’m sure it won’t surprise you, Miss Smith, that the addition to my “50-State” hat for Florida is a dolphin.

    At last we tore ourselves away and headed up here to the Everglades.
    It was rather overcast, but not enough to make us think rain. At first we thought we’d go walking on the trails and take the dogs along with us, but since no dogs are allowed on the trails, as it could prove hazardous to their health and to ours, we opted to go on a ranger guided canoe trip. ( Note from Miss Smith: Make sure your sound is on before clicking this link.)

    I didn’t realize until we got here that December though April are the dry season here and with it being so late in November, the wet season has practically ended. We were delighted to discover that since December hadn’t yet arrived, the crowds of the Everglades were only beginning. Thus it was that we had a total of eight people on our tour, making it a pleasant four-canoe trip.
    Our guide was a young man who enjoys his work and who answered questions quite knowledgeably. First he gave us instructions about our canoes. Since Grace and Mikayla had never canoed before, he assigned Mikayla to his canoe and Grace to another older man who had been canoeing for years. Amy and I were assigned to the same canoe for which I was thankful. Amy knows how to paddle a canoe. The next time you see Amy’s brothers, please give them my hearty thanks for teaching Amy to handle a canoe!
    Our guide, Josh, told us that the first rule was to remain seated at all times. For some reason, he said, there are people who, when they see the large American Crocodile (I had thought there were only alligators around here, but Josh told us there are both.) they want to stand up to get a good picture of him and then their canoe drifts closer and closer and what if they were to tip? It made me shudder to think of it. There was no danger of us standing up!

Alligator

    The whole experience was delightful. We saw alligators and yes, Miss Smith, we did see the large crocodile. And goodness, was he large! Believe me, we kept our distance.

Great Egret

We also saw a large variety of birds.

Brown Pelican

Madaline

Since it was the beginning of the dry season, there were thankfully very few insects to bother us. And my hat remained on my head the entire time.

    I neglected to mention that when we arrived, we were told that the vultures in the area liked to attack anything rubber and had been known to destroy windshields and tires, so before we left for our tour we had to take out a tarp and cover the front of the RV. I was much relieved to find everything undisturbed upon our return.
    We were able to take the dogs out right around our RV before supper, which we ate indoors. The clouds had dispersed and the moon was coming out when Amy had a brilliant suggestion.
    “Why don’t we get a blanket or two and climb out onto the top of the RV and lie up there and look at the stars?”
    I was charmed with the idea, so, gathering up a few blankets, the four of us did just that. Oh, Miss Smith, the sky was so beautiful, the stars so bright with no city lights to dim their brilliance, and we could see stars, planets and constellations which, in the city, remain invisible. We remained up there for over an hour just relaxing and talking now and then before everyone was yawning and we came inside.
    The others have gone to bed, and since I can scarcely keep my eyes open and my handwriting is becoming nearly illegible, I will close.

Sweet dreams,

~Priscilla

Day 45 - Florida

Day 45

Nov. 25

Hawks Cay, Florida

Dear Miss Smith,
    Yesterday was Thanksgiving and it did feel a little strange not being with our families. Instead we made each other family.
    Well, today we went to Hawks Cay Tropical Lagoon to swim with the dolphins. First we had to enter the outdoor classroom to get our instructions. That was educational but a little long. Priscilla and I enjoyed swimming, playing, and kissing the dolphins.

We got to spend 25 minutes in the water. I enjoyed splashing with the dolphins while we were in the water. Miss Smith, you would definitely love it here. I could spend all the time in the world in the water with them. Mikayla and Amy though, decided to stay on dry land and play with the dolphins instead.

    The Hawk Cay Resort Lagoon for dolphins was constructed in 1985. The purpose was to serve as a place for the bottlenose dolphins that seasonally preform all over the United States. Now the Dolphin Connection Company is independent under direction of the Messengers, who continue to carry on the tradition of breeding, education, and research.

    We all went on a boat ride where Mikayla and I got to go fishing.

Later, that day, Priscilla and Amy went snorkeling.



    After a nice lunch, we all decided to play tennis. I must tell you Miss Smith that I am not good at the game. It was great fun though. We all kept playing until we realized that it was nearly 5 o'clock. 
    I hope to that someday I can come again. Before we left, I hit the gift shop and can you guess what I found? Another purse! Mikayla was laughing because I couldn't decided between the duffel bag or the small handbag. I ended up getting the small handbag and a change purse for Mikayla. Priscilla found a pin for her hat, while Amy bought some postcards. 
    We all headed back to the hotel for supper. Now I am so tired and need to take it easy and get to bed.

Take care,

Grace Mae

P.S. I am going to send you a postcard soon with a picture from Dolphin Connections.

Day 44 - Florida - Postcard

Thanksgiving Day

Postcard

Dear Miss Smith,
   Have you been wondering what happened to me? Yes, I do still exist, even if I haven't been writing much for a while.
  Today was a little strange being the first Thanksgiving day that I have spent without my family but it was fun going on the bike ride and getting to see all of the wildlife. It's so different here! You might not think so, since we're still in the same country and all, but yes, there are huge differences!

~Amy~

Day 44 - Florida

Day 44

November 24

Florida Keys, FL

Dear Miss Smith,
            Today is Thanksgiving! You would NOT believe the time we have had hiking and all sorts of fun stuff. 

            I guess I should tell you about the first place we went to today, we went to the Florida Key Heritage Trial, which has over 70 of trail! It goes from Key Largo to Key West. Mind you, we only went on half of the trail, also we rode bikes the whole way. It was a splendid time, nice and quiet and beautiful. There were several places we visited on our bike ride though we couldn't spend much time anywhere, Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, Crocodile Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, and last of all, Key West National Marine Sanctuary. The crocs were fun to look at though they frightened me when some of them tried to climb up onto the high wooden path above them. I do believe Amy liked to watch the majestic White Heron’s rise lightly off the water they had been resting by. The Marine Sanctuary was pleasant and we loved watching the fish streak past us. Priscilla just loved to look up at the animals that skittered up in the trees above us and would ask us all sorts of questions, which about none we had the answers to which when we answered them wrong we just laughed and laughed at some of the answers we gave.

            Then we went to a lovely resort, called Hawks Cay; quite different from any I have ever seen.

The kids play area was huge with cannons that blasted water, and a ship slide! We are staying at Marina Village,

one of the three other different places to stay, Sunset Village, Harbor Village, and Sanctuary Village. We have a wonderfully breath-taking view of ocean. The room we are staying in is quite large, big enough for 6 people to sleep in that one ‘room’ if you could call it that. It has a rear porch, and a front porch, 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms, and even a kitchen! I imagine that many of who stay here rarely ever uses the kitchen.

             For lunch we ate at Tom’s Harbor House, set up to look like an old fishing village, they had a varied menu, and we enjoyed every moment there. We had ice cream after ward. 

            We spent the rest of the day wandering around, enjoying the ocean’s salty breeze; I even got an evening picture of the sunset. Grace and I even wanted to go deep-sea fishing, while Amy and Priscilla wanted to go snorkeling; but as it is Thanksgiving, we highly doubted that we would be able to so we just relaxed.

Till next time,

Mikayla

P.S. I am sending you my sunset picture.

Day 43 - Florida

Day 43

November, 23

Dear Miss Smith,
       I just wanted you to know what we have been doing. As Priscilla said in her last letter, they did forget about us for the time being. Mikayla and I were very worried but were so relived when we saw them coming.
      This morning we were at the Forest Capital Museum. There was so much to see.


    The museum is a structure made from Cypress and Pine wood with high beamed ceilings that are topped with a glass dome. I know I wouldn't want to be under that when it is storming outside for fear it could break.
     We saw the old Smokehouse and the Cracker House from the 1970's.

 Amy and Priscilla spent time looking around while Mikayla and I read the signs about each site. Mikayla and I loved the map that was carved with each out the counties on it. I think Priscilla was intrigued by the map and hope there was a picture of it.
    We also visited the gift shop where I found another purse. This time it had the Forest Capital Museum logo on it. I also found a pin for Priscilla's collection. Mikayla found some postcards to buy.

    After the museum, we headed to the Bok Tower Gardens. On the way we listened to Gilbert and Sullivan's "H.M.S. Pinafore". Amy didn't seem to enjoy it as much as Mikayla and I did.

    When we reached the Bok Tower Gardens we listened to a Carillon Bell concert. That was so much fun. I really enjoyed it. Everyone else loved it too.

    It is almost Thanksgiving. This time in the gift shop I found some postcards. I will send a couple home to my family for Thanksgiving. Priscilla found a cute, small bag and bought it for me. I will use it to hold my sock knitting project I brought along with me.
    Miss Smith, we did have a very enjoyable day but I am tired so I will end this now.

With Love,

Grace Mae

Day 42 - Florida

Day 42

November 22

Perry, FL

Dearest Miss Smith,
    Here we are in Florida. This will be our last southward state for a while, as after this we are heading north. What a thing, to be heading north as winter comes along. Ah well, we would have to spend the winter somewhere and it might as well be up north where we can hopefully enjoy at least a few good snowstorms, whereas down in the south one may forget what season it really is.
    But I digress from our adventures. I must start with last night at the airport.
    Having watched the airplane carrying Susanna and Elizabeth leave the runway and disappear into the sky, Amy and I decided to go to a little cafe there at the airport for a light snack since Mikayla and Grace’s plane wasn’t scheduled to arrive for another hour. To have a conversation with only the two of us was rather a novelty since we have had so many traveling companions. Lest you get the wrong impression, Miss Smith, let me add that they have all been wonderful and we’ve been delighted to have them along. However, there we sat sipping our cups of hot chocolate and munching on delightful pastries while we chatted about everything: how the trip was going so far, what plans we had for upcoming states, what you might be doing at home, how Amy’s family was surviving without her and things of that sort. Suddenly I happened to glance at my watch and then sprang up exclaiming, “Oh, mercy me! Those poor girls!”
    At that, Amy, who had stared at me in astonishment, looked at her watch and said, “Their plane came in half an hour ago!”
    With that we rushed away. Arriving at the waiting area, we found the two girls talking with a man from security and looking rather worried. When they caught sight of us, they rushed over to us and we all talked at once until the security man came over and said, “I’m assuming you are not in need of my assistance anymore?”
    We assured him we did not and then hurried away to the RV.

    But that was last night. This morning we got up early; well, let me clarify, Amy, Grace and Mikayla got up early. I slept in.
    We arrived at the beaches of South Walton mid morning. Did you know that there are fifteen different “towns” in South Walton? We drove through every one of them, stopping here and there to shop, wander along the beach, eat or even get our bikes down and take a bike ride on some of the
paths. I’m not sure which place was my favorite, but we stopped in Blue Mountain,

  Grayton Beach,

 WaterSound

 and Alys.

 The weather was nothing like back home in late November. The water was glorious! We all went wading. I wore my Lady Diane hat along the beach and Grace told me all I needed was a long white dress with pink ribbons about it and I would look as though I had stepped from a history book.

    Oh, I must mention that when we were shopping, the first thing Grace bought was a purse.

Grace's purse

I’m not sure why she is obsessed with purses. Now if it were hats she was interested in I could understand, but purses? As for Mikayla, she bought some postcards to send back to her parents and brothers.
    One time we just had to stop was when we saw Charlie’s Donut Truck parked in Alys Beach. Oh those freshly made donuts just melted in our mouths! We talked about saving a few to send to you, but by the time we finished talking about it, we had eaten every one. Dreadfully sorry, Miss Smith, perhaps another time.

    Amy just reminded me to tell you of our bike ride. I know I mentioned that we took one, but I neglected to tell you about it.

We rode the Timpoochee Trail. It is an 18 mile long trail which was named after an Euchee Indian Chief who was very influential around here.

Don't you just love this Cafe name?

The path was perfect and everyone greatly enjoyed it.

Of course the dogs loved every bit of it since they got to be outside with us.

 Mikayla and Grace made it the 18 miles but weren’t up to riding back. Amy, wanting to give Timber a chance to really run, volunteered to ride back and pick up the RV. To this I agreed at once. The girls and I, along with Penelope, rested and shopped. Penelope was such a good dog, she stayed outside of the shops and watched our bicycles for us.

    We were planning to leave about mid afternoon, but it was late afternoon before we actually got on the road again heading for Forest Capital Museum State Park, which is near Perry, Miss Smith. Sometimes we could see The Gulf from the road.

We talked the entire way. The girls told us about home and mentioned how much they had enjoyed reading about the last two states on the blog. That was such a charming idea. I’m delighted to know that the others can learn about our marvelous adventures as they wait for us to arrive in their state.
    But now I must close, for it grows late, and so much being outdoors in the fresh air off the sea has made us all tired.

Good Night,

~Priscilla