May 8 – “Day Five: Ding Dong Darling”

We met up with our Seasiders yesterday morning for a trip to the Ding Darling National Preserve.  Yep.  That’s really the name of it.  Ding.  Ding, Darling.  Middle name Dong, maybe?  Awesome name.

 

We had hoped to drive through the preserve and see some alligators.  Nope.  Drive through is closed.  Only on Fridays, of course.  That’s the only day we would be there.    The hiking trail was open, though.  They even waived the one dollar walking fee.  We saw several nesting herons.  Really beautiful creatures.  I got a quick glimpse of one of the babies.  Cute.  I also almost stepped on a snake.  About a four foot long black racer.  Guess he was in last place.  I never saw him until Lauren pointed him out.  Saved my life, did she.  That is, if black racers are venomous.  No idea.  But at least we saw wildlife. 

 

Next we had lunch at the Bubble Room.  I know what it sounds like, but there was no dancing.  Not even real bubbles.  Just something called bubble Christmas lights everywhere.  Also boatloads of antiques and a little one-car train that constantly ran in a big circle over our heads.  It felt kind of like Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood threw up in an antique store.  I saw some old baseball cards, though.  Oh, and the food was pretty good, too.  The key lime pie was especially excellent.  Sample number two.  Check.

 

From there we followed Cathy and Lauren to take a photo of the lighthouse they have on Sanibel Island.  Chris was happy.  We didn’t park the car, though.  That would have been an extra fee.  Chris just pulled up next to the structure, and I got out and took some pictures for her. 

 

Then it was on to our next big adventure.  The Big Cypress National Preserve.  Probably the single most productive part of the trip so far (except maybe finding two slices of key lime pie).  Why so productive?  Because we actually beat the closing deadline by about five minutes to get … drumroll here …a stamp for her book.  And not just one stamp.  I think she garnered a total of three, one of which looked like an alligator.  Good thing, too.  I’m still not convinced there are alligators down here.  Or manatees.  I have seen lizards, though.  and birds. 

 

We found out hotel in a roundabout. Crazy way.  I think it was because it sits right next to one of the toll roads.  It should give us a straight shot into the Keys tomorrow, though. 

 

Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

 

Father, would you touch Steve and bring him a taste of your healing power.  And please be with Cathy and Lauren as they head home tomorrow.  Amen.