2/3/2015
The media coverage continued to build. Crystal had become a well oiled machine; efficient. We ate a large breakfast in a dining area which hummed with activity. I had been informed that we had another interview with the Naples NBC so I would not have a chance for more rest. It took a while to find a running outfit that matched. Just as I put on the gear, the reporter and cameraman arrived. I had become accustomed to the routine and we jumped right into the job.
I gave a quick interview to the paper after the television cameras turned off and then I hit the road. Naples was a beautiful place. I ran past a marina area with many yachts and seafood restaurants. After twelve miles the city began to disappear. Road construction did little to hamper my run but it did cause motorists to sit in a long line of cars. This caused me to inhale a bit more exhaust than I would have liked. But after a bit, the cars lessened and nature began. The biodiversity boomed. I ran past a sign that signaled panthers in the area. Of course I was still waiting for my first alligator sighting.
I ended my day at an Indian Village where the habitat consisted of straw huts. It looked pretty comfortable to me. Of course we drove backwards two miles where I had spotted a place to park next to a tomato farm. There we would find peace and quiet.
A chill engulfed the trailer well after everyone had fallen asleep. Our pile of blankets helped us get through the cold moments of the night. The chill lasted into the day. A slight breeze caused me to dress in running pants and a sweatshirt. The choice of apparel was a big mistake. The sweat poured moments after I hit the road. The wind died down and the sun showed itself.
The sun grew stronger by the minute. Busloads of farm workers were being transported to harvest crops as my pigment darkened on the road. They all must have been heading towards the tomato farms by where we parked. As I ran along a stream, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted my first alligator. It was a baby and it ducked under the water before I could pull my camera out. I was so bummed until a mile later I photographed a nice big fella sunbathing. Crystal and my mom waited for me at the Big Cypress National park. They too had been searching for gators with little success. I was like a child at show and tell with my photo.
After lunch we returned to the Tamiami Trail. The beauty manifested in the birds, the greenery, the rocks, everything. Before long I began to spot more alligators. They lounged on rocks and smiled at me as I passed. There were large ones, small ones, couples, and swimmers. The population grew the further east I ran. The excitement at seeing the wonderful creatures slowed my run considerably. I stopped every few steps to take another alligator picture. At the next stop Crystal gave me the fantastic news that Big Cypress Trail Lakes RV resort generously donated a stay. I ran past a row of gators and right into the park. Everyone there wore smiles and you could tell they loved living in the Everglades. They had a bird sanctuary and a reptile sanctuary. Of course when I took my shower a large mosquito had a feast with my foot but staying at that campground was worth the pain. Indian styled homes with grassy roofs gave the grounds a native feel. They were interspersed with the primitive and rv camp sites. I found the place simply amazing.
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