Just heard some interesting / bittersweet news about one of my favorite destinations in Florida. It turns out the airboats at Myakka River State park in southwest Fla will be closing permanently after the 31st. While this is really no big loss for me (they tend to be more noise pollution than anything, and take away from the tranquility of the upper lake), it just feels strange hearing of them being discontinued after all these years.
I remember riding one of them as a child in the 80's with my Grandpa, and seeing my first alligator in the wild. And for folks who don't care to rent canoes or kayaks, or have small children, but still want to explore the upper lake... the airboats served a great purpose. I'm interested in what the plans are to take their place (just hopefully something quieter).
So while not a tremendous loss, but still some emotional attachment from childhood, I guess "
strange" is the way it feels to learn of this news.
(Not my photo. Credit goes to:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Myakka-River )
View attachment 298208