We had some frequent flyer miles left with American Airlines. We had to use them or loose them. Miami sounded good, and, as long as we are going to be there, how about spending a few days in Florida and then take a short cruise to the Bahamas?

We stayed at the Double Tree Hotel along Biscayne Bay. It is just to the left of the draw bridge in the picture above. Our room had a view of the bay and a small park to the left. The first day we took it easy, finished reading our books and spent some time around the pool and spa.

The little park along the shore had some unique benches made with mosaic tile. There was one depicting the Jewish influence here in Miami, one about the original inhabitants, and one dedicated to the Christian settlers.

The following morning we rented a car and drove to a small theme park. I had hurt my knee and did not want to do a lot of walking, but this Jungle Island was ok. It is a great place for kids with lots of birds and shows.

We also drove to the South Beach of Miami Beach, but it was impossible to find a parking spot. "When we go here after the cruise, I want to take cab," I told Sharon.That is when we also decided to go to the Everglades the next day.

At the visitors center we picked up a map and talked to one of the park rangers.
' We do not want to drive all the way to the Flamingo Hotel at the very end', I told him.
So, he suggested a nice walk referred to as the 'Alinga Trail', a one mile walking path where we would see lots of wildlife.

This short walk was just right for us.

And sure enough, shortly after we started there was a falcon in the trees (later I saw one diving for fish) and an alinga drying its wings.
Then there were two kinds of turtles (one was crossing our path), and a few alligators amongst the mangrove.

With all the wild life we saw, the trail seemed shorter than it was. Part of it crosses water and mangroves and we could really appreciate the environment without tramping through it, like the airboats do.

Tomorrow will be different when we board the cruise ship with about another 2600 people going to the Bahamas and Key West.

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