FLORIDA, 1991

Photos © Ruud Leeuw

Flying Martinair MP615 to Miami,FL in may 1991.

We drove south, to Key Largo, which has a touch 'Caribbean'
We took a swim at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and admired the colourful tropical fishes.

Propliners.. With an interest in airplanes I had a look at Miami Int'l Airport and took a liking to the types such as
Douglas DC-3, DC-6, and -7, Lockheed Constellation. Looked very rugged and when I started reading up on the subject after I got home, I found many a fascinating tale of shoe-string operations and even drug trafficking!
It got me hooked for at least the next 20 years!

After the beautiful locations and the propliners, phase 3 of these holidays were the
events and parks such as the Miami Seaquarium.

Visit to the JFK Space Center / Cape Canaveral.
We decided not to go on the 2-hour drive as the commentary would mean nothing to Alexander.

 

An interest in photography at an early age!

Gator Jungle! Alligators are being bred here because of their meat and skins, but they live in
their natural habitat and the tourists bring in additional cash!

Beauty and the Beast..

The jungle cruise, alligators and crocodiles plenty. The 20 acre alligator farm also houses mountain lions,
birds, racoons, turtles, wild boar, snakes and more exotic species.

There is a distinct danger and menace surrounding these animals, esspecially when they
glide silently in the water and disappear without a trace.

Crocs and alligators being fed.

Much more friendly: a Beluga whale performing in Sea World.

Unfortunately the shark basin was closed due to refurbishment, but the Orca's were fun.

It was warm enough to splash some water around..

While we did not get to see sharks in Sea World, we found one at Universal Studios. 'Jaws', of course.

Getting a taste of New York.. The real visit would come later.