We are officially wrapping up six incredible days at Everglades National Park. It is unlike any other National Park we’ve explored—vast, wild, wet, and absolutely worth the trek.

We’ve become amateur naturalists this week! We can now distinguish between red, black, and white mangroves (not mangoes!), explain exactly why a crocodile isn’t an alligator, and understand the somber reason behind the lack of small mammals here: the invasive python.

Our days were packed with action:

• The Pontoon Tour: Melinda put her bird and plant knowledge to the test, answering so many of the guide’s questions that Kathy and Jane would have been beaming with pride.
• By Land and Water: We spent three hours kayaking through a tiny fraction (0.05%!) of the park, followed by a 12-mile bike ride out to Snake Bight Cove. Clearly Melinda is back in the saddle!!!
• Everglades City: Today’s trek took us through stunning cypress/palm forest and into “gator country,” where the views—and the residents—were plentiful.

Stargazer is holding up well, though we’re currently a bit “old school.” Our left blinker went out, so we’ve been brushing up on our manual hand signals until we can get it fixed!

Otto is enjoying the sights, though we’ve noticed the local alligators looking at him like he’s a snack on four legs. To keep things interesting for our friends back in Jackson: we’re currently at a campsite with an active bear alert, so we’re keeping a very close watch tonight!

Fortunately, the weather has stayed mild and the mosquitoes have been surprisingly merciful. As we prepare to head up the East Coast to visit family and friends, we wanted to leave you with this: a shot of Greg “going native” and getting ready to escort his special date to the local Gator Hoedown!