White pelicans at Indian Key, 10,000 Islands.
An island of trees and rocks that lined part of the channel into Everglade City.
All set for Christmas.
The Christmas decorations are done by the same company that does the White House.
The marina we pulled in to was not what we expected. It was so much more. It really caters to high end RV's but is trying to gain more marina business. Everglades Isle Marina is a resort. The clubhouse is gorgeous with a pool table, tables and chairs to sit and play cards if you like and a bar with drinks of the day. There is a coffee station and a phone charging station. Bathrooms and showers are spacious and clean. The laundry is free and there are three washers and dryers, always a loopers concern. There is a heated salt water pool and a jacuzzi with an outdoor bar. The bartenders come out to greet you in the pool area to see if they can get you a drink. The staff is super helpful and accommodating. Hal got a haircut while he was there and I got my eyelashes lifted and tinted. The RV sites have tiki huts and everything is very well maintained.
The clubhouse is beautifully appointed.
We arrived at 1400 and our great family friends Rita and Kat Graves, came at 1530. After showing them around we enjoyed a nice dinner with Mary, Chris and Skipper. After dinner, Rita, Kat and I went to the clubhouse for a drink and for them to teach me Five Crowns, the game. The clubhouse likes to close around 8:00 pm so we went back to the boat for some dominoes. I really have missed game playing.
Drinking and playing games poolside.
In the morning we went for a dinghy ride to explore. We tried to go where the airboats go but got to a certain point and was told to go back because they go so fast and communicate with each other that it would not be safe for us. We went out into the channel where we came from. It is just beyond beautiful. Once we were back we put the dinghy up and headed into town.
The town of Everglades City is extremely small. The population is 430. When we asked the bartender, Adam, where to eat he told us the Marathon gas station. The gas station also had a convenient store in it besides an amazing restaurant, Nelly's Corner, that serves breakfast and lunch. We went on a Monday and had lunch and I was saddened to hear they are only open Friday - Monday. I really wanted to go back for breakfast. It happened to be one of the better meals we have had. We also went to the hardware/gift shop which had everything you could imagine. The cashier was the loveliest lady. We also stopped at the gift shop next to the only grocery store. The name of the grocery is The Right Choice and the locals say it is because it is the only choice. For more substantial shopping the people go to Marco Island or Naples.
For dinner we all went to Camilia's and had a nice meal, although it was somewhat buggy. You order at the front and they bring you out the food. We walked back from the restaurant so Rita and Kat could get on the road quickly. It is 1 hour and 40 minutes from their home to Everglades City. They are going to visit in the keys.
Jim, Jeanette, Hal and I on the airboat.
An alligator sunning himself.
We met fellow loopers, Into the Mystic, Jim and Jeanette, and discovered that they have a similar schedule of reservations as us. They are headed to Marathon and then Stock Island like us. Hal and I went on an airboat tour with them which was amazing. They stop every so often and tell you about the area and the wildlife. We actually saw a large alligator along with a small one, besides beautiful birds. Hal posted a video on Facebook.
Hal and I took our bikes to City Hall to find out about a National Parks Pass which we heard you need to go in to the Everglades National Park. At City Hall we went in to the one room library. The county clerk told us to go to the National Park Visitors Center to get more information. After a little bit further on the bikes we found it. Hal took the test and they gave us the pass. We are all set now. Also when we go to the Dry Tortuga's on the Yankee Freedom boat we will get money back fro having the pass.
Since Hal hadn't spent much time at the clubhouse, we decided to get a bite to eat there and play pool on our last night. It is such a beautiful place. They say it is quiet now but after the holiday it really picks up. They also have a Seafood Festival in February.
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