Take a Hike - See an Alligator - Go Crabbing

PART ONE: TAKE A HIKE - SEE AN ALLIGATOR

Today we headed North to Cypress Gardens (http://www.cypressgardens.info/) to explore the swamp/wetlands and go on our gator hunt. This place is so cool! First of all, kids under 6 get in free, and you can opt out of the guided tours, and go exploring on your own. Our first stop was to grab a bateau and head out into the swamp. We found our first gator within minutes. He was so cute and little, but I was ready to scram because I was sure his momma was lurking by somewhere close and I just couldn't see her. Can you see him?
We also saw lots of beautiful lily pads, flowers, dragonflies, turtles, etc. while out in the boat. After the ride, we had our picnic lunch on a big swing in the shade, and then headed off for our hike around the swamp. Doesn't this make you want to go exploring?

Along the trail we saw more turtles, small gators, squirrels, spiders, grasshoppers, and lots of birds. The most interesting thing we saw was this beautiful Osprey sitting on her nest. We saw her, leave, come back, and call for her mate. It was really cool! The nest is right over Sky's head in the photo below.

The girls loved this squirrel who was busy snacking on berries from this tree. After Daddy confirmed it ok for them to try, they tasted the berries too!


After the hike we had a little conversation with a cockatoo and a macaw. ;-) Then we headed in to the butterfly house. We saw lots of butterflies, bees, & birds.

Then we witnessed an alligator feeding. Yikes! Wouldn't want that job!

We finished off the tour with a visit to the swamparium. Inside were eels, gators, a variety of fish, bugs, turtles. This guy was my favorite, but I'm still not sure if I love him or hate him. He's a snaked necked turtle. The fact that his eyes look straight forward and that he has a beard just kept me intrigued. hehe.

We left the Swamp and headed back towards our neck of the woods. Bia napped the whole way home, so we decided to take advantage of the beautiful late afternoon at low tide, and headed out crabbing.

PART TWO - GO CRABBING

All you need is a crab trap, string, and some chicken. Oh, and a Dad to lug all the stuff down to the old bridge, rig everything up, and retrieve the crabs out of the trap. ;-)

The old bridge Pitt Street Bridge has been converted into a fishing pier/park. Its about 1/2 a mile from our house, and its one of the wonderful things about living in the Old Village of Mt. Pleasant.

Heading out to find our spot.

Getting all set up...Bia checking the trap.One of the little fellas we caught. We didn't catch any big enough to take home, but we had fun none the less.

Here's the girls tag teaming an effort to fish. Aren't the so cute together?

I could have sat out on the old bridge all night. It's like a dream out there with the wind blowing, birds flying overhead & down in the grass, boats cruising by, and the smell of marsh in the summertime. A beautiful Carolina day!