Day 5 we split up – kayakers going down to the Lake Kissimmee and hikers hitting the trail.
We followed the hikers today, and we saw some really beautiful parts of Florida. Our support team from the South Florida Water Management District has been awesome. In no particular order: Ayounga Riddick, Bill Graf and Vince Matero.
After we stopped in the park to get extra video, we got a ride on an ATV to get ahead of the hikers for the beauty shots of them walking through a line of oak trees near the water. After that we had to jump in a boat to catch the kayakers to get video. That’s not counting the carting of water, tents, sleeping bags, food, and our editing equipment from location to location. So after they carted us ahead of the hikers for the video, we waited, took some pictures and ate our lunch – trail mix, water and beef jerky.
After our interviews we headed to Thomas Landing, but when we got there, we realized it was too pricey, and once again, Vince Matero, our boat guide, made one phone call and saved the day. The folks at Brama Hunting Ranch said we could come in tonight instead of tomorrow morning to start our time there. Nobody is staying in their rustic lodge, so we get to stay, for free! It’s got a living room covered with heads of various animals on the wall, and every inch of space on the walls is covered with pictures of people who’ve been here – Johnny Depp, Tony Little, Shaq, All the Bucs I can think of – Alstott, Sapp, Ronde, Barber. And there are three bedrooms filled with bunk beds. And there is hot water and air conditioning. I almost feel giddy.