A brilliant sunny morning on Monday November 4th saw 38 Royal Adventurers assembled at Babcock Ranch for a two hour eco-tour on what is called a "buggy" which is in reality a high chassis heavy duty bus type vehicle.

 

We enjoyed a fascinating tour with a knowledgeable and interesting guide. Travelling through a variety of eco systems ranging from open prairie type grazing and pine forests to Cypress swamps we saw at one time or another a truly amazing array of wild life ranging from "cracker" cattle with large horns, new born calves, wild pigs to two cougars (in an enclosed area!).  Alligators of varying sizes were common, ranging from small baby alligators to 4-6 feet long. The variety of bird life was also interesting; Ahinga, Kestrels, many varieties of heron and wild turkey to name only a few.

Upon completion of the tour back at the ranch, which incidentally served as a movie set for the movie "Just Cause" featuring Sean Connery back in the 90's,the group then drove back over the river to lunch at "The Hut". This Polynesian style restaurant on Buckingham Road is nestled in a setting of tropical gardens . Several of the plants presently in the Edison estate came from this garden. 

 

Enjoy the photos of the tour taken by Tom Buckard.