The cliff-hanger we left you with was whether we were going to get into the State Park on the Florida Keys… Bahia Honda…. Oh the suspense.  The answer was NO!  they were completely full.  So, for the first time we were in Reg with nowhere to stay… (drama building).

Best thing to do in that situation is stop and have some lunch which we did at a place called Island Grill on Islamadora.  Matt had the messiest fish tacos ever – he needed a wet suit to eat them.

Our fall-back position was to drive 120 miles back into the everglades and stay at the Flamingo campsite.  They had spaces without electric or water hook-ups, but we can be self-sufficient for a few days – so we went for it.  Flamingo is really interesting as it is in the part of the park that was closed to the public for three years after Hurricane Katrina and the lodge that B & Tim stayed in years ago, has been demolished and is where it stood is completely back to nature now – bushes and trees. 

Flamingo feels like the end of the world in the best sense of the word.  It is timeless and so peaceful. We loved being back in the Everglades and and got up early every day (even setting our alarm for 6.30 am – just in case any of you reading think we have become slackers on this trip!).

First morning we went on a boat trip to try and see the crocodiles as Flamingo is the sea water part of the Everglades.  It was so early and cold that they were not cooperating, but we saw osprey catching fish and going back to their nests, a small group of dolphins and a roseate spoonbill which is often mistaken for a flamingo.  It was freezing though and my lips went a bit blue which Shaun and Marie have seen before when we have been walking – so we quickly had coffee and pizza back on land whilst we thawed out.  The restaurant overlooks some mud flats and again the bird watching was of the highest quality.

We then got to see the crocodiles who had now woken up and some more manatees again.  Enormous and so close up.  

That afternoon we went a bit mad and did a really long cycle ride – captured on the go pro which involved us getting bitten to death by mosquitos and putting our feet down in all the muddy bits and getting thoroughly hot and sweaty.  

Next morning we did a guided bird walk with a lovely ranger called Christi. We saw 30 odd species and most were just in the car park!  What was also a bit of fun was that when it came to drive to a different area we cadged a lift off some people from Pennsylvania.  As soon as they got in they asked if we could take something back to Britain with us when we leave… we said yes of course – what was it and they said Trump!  Big surprise as these are the most vocal critics we have met.  Needless to say, that for all of us that love Matthew – this was his cue to say that he thought things might turn out all right and we needed to give Donald a chance.  To say that boy would argue with himself is an understatement.  It cracks me up even now thinking about it!  For months he has been looking for these people… and then he finds them and argues the toss!

We tried canoeing on Thursday morning in the aptly names Nine Mile Pond.  The ranger made it clear that we would need to be tolerant of one another as we had one canoe per couple and we would be weaving in and out of the mangroves.  We had a  few crossed words but generally managed to get round with just a few collisions into the vegetation.  We might have slightly damaged the eco system – but it should be ok for anyone else wanting to visit!  Incredibly beautiful and tranquil. An experience never to be forgotten.

On our way out of the park we stopped at Shark Valley Trail, along the Tamiami Trail (state highway 41 for anyone interested).  Anyone who has been there knows that this is an area that it is a 15 mile round trip to a lookout point. It was like a greatest hits tour for us – we saw everything again – gators, baby gators, herons, egrets, turtles, etc.  Getting better at spotting things we enjoyed the cycle and had a well earned ice cream at the end of it.

That night we stayed in a commercial site – back to electricity and water so enjoyed the luxury all over again of an all singing and dancing Reg. 

Friday was a change from being covered in insect repellent and sweat – we went into Naples and had a great lunch by the harbour.  We looked like respectable holiday makers rather than something out of the Blacks catalogue!  

It was good to see Naples as I have always heard so much about it.  It is very exclusive in the area by the pier.  Huge houses and proper old American money.  Good to see, very laid back and a complete change from the Everglades.

After Naples we came up to just south of Tampa.  We are staying with Nichola and Russell. Matt used to work with Nichola at the Bank of England.  As we pulled up on Saturday lunch time they had the most delicious gin and tonics poured and frankly we have not looked back since!!

We have been completely spoilt.  We have a proper bedroom, our own bathroom and unlimited Wi-Fi and electricity as I type this. Reg has been parked in the boat car park in their development and we have thought of him a couple of times as we get into the hot tub with a drink… but not that much!!

We leave tomorrow but we may have gone soft.  It has been the most wonderful experience. Nic and Russ have made us so welcome and we have me some of their neighbours who are lovely.  We were invited to a Superbowl party last night – 100 people in the most beautiful home and it was humbling how welcome everyone made us.  We will never forget how much fun we have had here.  The match was great, as was Lady GaGa and rather like the Cubs in the autumn now we understand NFL a bit better than we could ever have hoped!