Flying through Nature (Air boat Tour on Lake Garcia)

     The contrast of the angry skies, the bright green lilies and the grasses were so spellbinding. Read on to fully grasp the allure of this amazing adventure...

        

    Last Monday while visiting some friends in Vero Beach, we had the grand opportunity to take an Air Boat ride on Lake Garcia in the Blue Cypress State Conservation Area. When our kids were younger, we went on an Air Boat Ride in the Everglades. Quite honestly, I do not remember much about the ride other than it was fast. This trip I will remember for a long time! 

    First, I want to establish where this adventure took place. Lake Garcia is part of the Upper St Johns River Basin Project. The list of the environmental benefits of this area are numerous, please visit sjrwmd.com for all the details or google Lake Garcia Fla. It is approximately 3,149 sq acres in size  Kudos to the State of Florida for maintaining the waterways and for caring about the native wild life, flora and fauna.

    I was immediately worried that these fast boats zipping in and out of the lilies, cattails and grasses would destroy what looked like to me to be a fragile eco-system. I was quite taken with the Spatterdock, which is a species of Pond-lilly. Also referred to as Large yellow pond Lilly, Broadleaf pond-lily, or Cow Lily. (Nuphar advena) I loved their yellow, bud like blossoms. My worries were quickly put to rest when Captain John mentioned many his patrons had expressed concern about the boats destroying the plants. But no, the boats are Air Boats, a technology that I do not understand, but they literally glide over the water, plants and all. Indeed as I looked back over our path the lilies were still smiling. 

    Our ride was a private tour (there were 8 of us) with the Stumpknocker Group (stumpknocker.com).The Captain and owner of this boat was Captain John Smith. Of course, I loved this naturalist who grew up near this spot and was obviously connected with the area. His knowledge and subtle humor immediately put us at ease (we did have a few who were concerned about the closeness of the gators) Captain John made sure we had a great experience. His knowledge  allowed us to peek into the hidden nature, including over 20 alligators.  

    In closing I would highly recommend this adventure. We saw too many alligators to count, right next to us. Yes, we were warned to keep our hands in the boat over and over. These guys move fast and they were close. (The gator mug shots were not zoomed in rather right next to our boat)  Osprey, one of my favorite birds were abundant. Some that had been mating and growing family together for 17 years. Plus so many other beautiful birds. 

    Osprey Nest that had been there for many year silhouetted the panorama. They were so many Bald Blue Cypress trees of which many were filled with life long Osprey Nesting Pairs.

    Can you find the bird in this photo below?  Nature is hiding her well. She does have gators lurking all around her. 

    So if you are near Vero Beach and need a break from the beautiful beaches and glorious sunshine...look up Captain John. You won't regret it.