Jacqueline’s Jaunts

21 May 2025, Everglades National Park, Florida Everglades National Park, here we come. The park is only about an hour’s drive from Southern Comfort RV Park. We arrived at the Shark Valley Visitor Center in time to get our Passport Books stamped before our tram tour. At 9:00 AM, we boarded the Shark Valley Tram after a ranger orientation. The tram offers a guided, two-hour tour along a 15-mile loop trail through the "River of Grass." The tram was shaded, which made me happy.  It was the dry season, so there was not much water until we got to the observation tower. We would stop along the way to view alligators in what water was available. Our Ranger Guide informed us that the alligators will stay in the pipes that run under the road from side to side. The water is cool in the pipes. We also got to see baby alligators a few times. Halfway, we stopped at the observation tower that looks over the river that flows through this part of the park. This location is the heart of the Ev...

18 April 2025, New Orleans Resort and Marina, Louisiana   Today was our swamp tour at Arthur’s Airboat Tours. The morning drive to Des Allemands was about an hour, but it was worth it. I had never been on an airboat before and was looking forward to it.  Our airboat held six people, so we had another couple with us. Our tour guide’s name was Chad. This swamp is Chad’s world and he knows it well. He is very knowledgeable, funny and entertaining. If you ever get the chance to book this, request Chad as your guide! We met AJ and Brutus, local alligators who were farm-raised and used as “teaching tools.” AJ is about 6 or 7 feet long, and Brutus is 10 feet long. I have to admit, they are impressive when you get to see them up close. Unfortunately, as hard as Chad tried, we could not find a baby 'gator.  We learned about swamp flora and fauna, went over a ramp, went so fast we had to hold onto our hats and phones and saw eagles and eagle nests. It truly is a thrilling ride! Cha...