Chalo Nitka

Now the the radio station has spread all across South Florida, we get involved in all sorts of small town activities.  Today we attended Chalo Nitka - the Glades County Fair.  Chalo Nitka means "Day of the Big Bass" in the Miccosukee language, however, the fair was much more a celebration of Seminole heritage.

Caleb rode with Rob in the parade.

There were A LOT of horses!

They had no idea who this was.

Cobra!

This guy did a demonstration with venomous snakes.  Until he got to the cobras, he behaved very causally.  You could tell with the cobras that he knew a lot about snakes.  Nothing bad happened, but it seemed like a very risky show to me!  He had two rattle snakes, a water moccasin, and a coral snake.  Caleb was front and center in the audience! He seemed too close to these snakes for my comfort.

Alligator Wrestler

Seminole Fashion Show - this was very interesting!

We also saw a perfect rainbow.  It was amazing, but by the time I stopped and was ready to take a picture, the sun went behind a cloud and it was gone!

Stuck in the Swamp Selfie

We were supposed to get a first hand view of rural Florida via swamp buggy this Friday.  Our friend said that it was safe enough the kids could drive it.  After directing Caleb away from a boggy area, he thought it was ok to go through another wet spot, but we got stuck almost immediately.  The 4-wheel drive on the buggy wouldn't kick in, so after many fruitless attempts, he waded through the mud and went off to get something to "rescue" us with.  He had to try 3 or more vehicles before finding something that would work so we got a nice long rest in the open air.  Since we weren't making any noise, lots of deer came out into the open and a roseate spoonbill flew right over our heads!

Finally our friend came for us in a jeep that had to be started in gear (I didn't realize this and wasn't hanging on - I was on the back.  I didn't fall out, but if felt like it for a second!)

Even though our ride was pretty short, I still thought it was a nice way to spend the morning!

Getting started.

Shortly before the incident...

MUD!

She didn't get a turn to really drive.

Neither did she!

Our escape!