A two-hour tour

Don't worry—no three-hour tours (a la Gilligan and the Skipper) for us. ;) A boat ride with Grandma, Grandpa, John, Colleen, and two of G & G's neighbors from home brought us up close and personal with more nature. We can't get enough!
Our first stop was a popular manatee hangout. There weren't many around because it was a little too chilly for the cows of the sea. Did you know they're actually native to South America? Happily, we did manage to spy one.
I've decided Florida is one big bird sanctuary. There are a few resident bald eagles near Estero Bay, including this one and, I think, its eaglet. Grandma or Grandpa, I look to you for confirmation!
Captain Kevin proved a proficient tour guide. He also let Will and Ellie try their luck behind the wheel.
Who can resist this crazy driver?


By this time, the sun was going down, and we positioned ourselves at the west end of the bay to watch. Ellie didn't care to take advantage of a family photo op, so we goofed around with Will anyway. ;)
Then nature's feature presentation began.
Going,
going,
(nearly) gone.
Even the ride back to the dock was spectacular, as Sirius (we think) shone on the horizon.
No sooner than the sun went to sleep, Ellie did too. But Will had enough energy to surf back to shore. ;)