KEY WEST TO EVERGLADES CITY

We got up early, had breakfast by the pool - lovely -visited by the Westwinds pussycat - and began our drive back north through the keys.  We stopped at a bird sanctuary.  They rescue injured birds and have several different types of local birds recuperating. They also had a nice walk along the water - both brackish and salty - quite interesting.  We then drove to the Florida Turnpike to Highway 41.  It cuts to the west through Miccosukee Indian Reservation (northern end of the Everglades).  We ended up in Everglade City at the Ivey House.  It's a very unlikely spot to find such a great Bed and Breakfast.  A tiny town near 10,000 Islands (the Gulf of Mexico section of the Everglades), Big Cypress National Preserve, and the Everglades national park itself. Once we checked in we drove to the nearest Ranger Station and managed to get a boat ride out toward the 10,000 Islands - mangrove trees made islands off shore with loads of birds.  Our best sighting was an Osprey - two actually - one was carrying a fish.  The second best were bottle nosed dophins - they look bluish here - tannins from the water apparently.  Here's today's photos - WIFI is SO nice!!