I've been planning a day trip along US41 for a few months now with my good friend Aymee and was finally able to make the road trip a reality. First stop was at one of the Miccosukee Indian airboat ride attractions. If you want a great ride, look no further than the Panther airboat shop - the airboats are small which translates to speed and fun!
Waiting for our ride to begin at the bright yellow bench!
Aymee's expression was priceless when we hit full speed. Notice the cotton balls in our ears to soften the very loud engine noise.
Our young guide was full of enthusiasm and shared lots of local knowledge. Forgot his name but it was with initials like TJ or JT or TL or......
Image captured with the Fuji 18-55mm f/2.8 zoom.
We stopped at a small Indian Village in the middle of the swamp that was last inhabited in 1978.
Sewing machines in the Everglades! Who would have thunk it!
Of course, what's the Everglades without an alligator!
Arriving at Terminal 2, Gate 29...
The airboat ride ended with some optional play time with the local critters. Please don't try this at home!
Next stop the Clyde Butcher Gallery to admire his beautiful black & white landscapes.
Beauty in of the Everglades. This image was captured in the Grand Cypress Preserve. The cypress trees are majestic but the real beauty lies in the profile of Aymee. Love the bokeh of the 35mm f/1.4 lens shot wide open at 1.4.
Looking up at God's creation.
This image was also captured with the 35mm f/1.4 shot wide open at 1.4, incredibly sharp image.
The trip continued for a short stop to Everglades City. A VERY small town in the middle of the swamp. I photographed the yellow bench so of course I went looking for a yellow house as well!
Beautiful little church in small town USA.
The road trip continued to Naples to catch the sunset. We got ripped off - no sunset!
But I did manage to catch this lady staring into the abyss from the Naples Pier.
No great sunset but the clouds did provide a dazzling display of cotton balls.
Miss fishing with my father.
Thank you Aymee for a wonderful day in paradise.