Today we are riding in the Whale with John and Elaine. The Whale is their big white Suburban tow vehicle, and even with six of us there is room for a couple more.
We follow the group to an Alligator Farm. As we kill time looking at the alligator and crocodile pens, the crew is preparing for the first airboat rides of the day. Soon we are loaded across two large airboats, our guide James delivering humorously the expected patter about keeping your toes and fingers on-board, no passengers lost since last Tuesday, etc. Several free alligators watch our moves to reinforce the message.
We are powered by a large V8 Cadillac engine and welcome the proffered ear protection. James promises two rides, the first slow and easy for picture taking and dialogue, the second one fast.
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| These flowers are yellow the first day they bloom and red the second day, then they drop. |
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| Marcia goes warp speed. |
Off we go, mostly straight, and mostly across an area with little water, thanks to the season and the drought. Once we are in the dry area we see only birds. He spins us around dramatically and heads us back where we begin the high-speed run. This is indeed very noisy even with ear protection but the ride is surprisingly smooth with no major bumps. The front row gets a little wet.
We are satisfied, sort of, but with each airboat carrying over a dozen people it is more like an airbus than an airboat.
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| Marcia, Elain & John conclude size does matter. |
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| Nora handles a snake for the first time. |
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| Linda, Bev, and friend. |
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| Ouch. |
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