Collier County

So, anticipating a rare scheduled three days off from Amscot (not knowing that I would forever have the rest of my days off from Amscot), Erin contacted one of her grandpa's good friends about three hours south of us in Collier County (down by the Everglades) and asked if we could visit him. His name is Jim Coletta, one of the county commissioners of Collier County, who immediately insisted we come down and stay at least until Tuesday. At first, we weren't sure what to do since we called an hour before we were scheduled to arrive and found out that, due to a miscommunication, we weren't expected at all. It was more than a little awkward. But the Colettas (his wife is a wonderful woman named Mary Anne), were very generous hosts and welcomed us in. Mr. Coletta is unbelievably involved in the community, he helps everyone he can, any time he can. He took us to the fishing pier our first evening there, where people were reeling in mackerel left and right. After watching one particularly skilled fisherman (honestly, he had a bite less than thirty seconds after casting his line each time) who kept throwing back his catches, Mr. Coletta remarked that he had finally caught a keeper. The man told him to keep it, and we enjoyed the puzzled looks on peoples faces as we walked back through the pier, mackerel in hand, with no fishing equipment. Mr. Coletta responded to the curious that he caught it with his hands. What was truly impressive was that Mr. Coletta cleaned the fish using his car key - impressive, but somewhat unsettling. We also got to see Donahue's house. Yes, that's right, Donahue.
The second day, Mr. Coletta took us to a friend who ran an airboat business on the shores of the Lake Trafford, which as the highest concentration of alligators per acre in Collier County (if not Florida itself). Erin and I had seen only two wild alligators since moving here - two little guys in Lake Tarpon where we live - so we were hoping to see one or two. Upon arriving at the shore, we counted five right in front of us - large fellas. The airboat captain sat Erin and me in front, and it was quite the experience. I had a grin plastered on my face the entire ride, it was a LOT of fun, and we saw a LOT of gators up close. How up close? Well, look at the video. I recommend an airboat ride to ANYONE who comes down to the Everglades, it was just a blast.
















The last day, today, Mr. Coletta let us tag along as he did an interview with a local news channel regarding a proposed ATV park next to a rural airport owned by Miami-Dade County. To make a long story short, Erin wound up being interviewed as well, as a concerned citizen and an ATV enthusiast, and did a terrific job. If her interview is posted on the internet, we'll link to it later. After making the news, we headed out to Everglades City, where we saw the smallest post office in the US, ate a nice seafood lunch along the banks of a river, and toured a museum of the town.

It was a great trip, and we are much indebted to the Colettas. Thank you again!