Instead of the regular 2 hour coach we were treated to our own private expert guide and coach for approximately 4 hours. In addition, we were given access to areas in the preserve that the general public does not get to visit.
 |
© 2010 Carolyn Shafer |
“The weather was perfect, if not a little too cold, but clear blue skies and no rain in sight. The buggy ride and our guide was perfect, she described the property and the history to give us a little understanding of some of the Florida background. We were all able to get some interesting and diverse images, which is what it's all about.”
Carolyn Shafer
Carolyn Shafer
Our Coach Safari took us on an adventure deep into the 4700 acre Forever Florida wildlife conservation area preserved just as nature intended. This pristine site boasts nine distinct Florida ecosystems and an endless array of natural flora and fauna including alligators, black bears, white-tail deer, nearly two hundred species of birds and the endangered Florida panther.
Our expert guide brought us up-close to everything as we made our way over land and water on board their special open-air safari coaches, we were elevated 5 feet off the ground which afforded us a fantastic view of everything.
 |
© 2010 Dawn Currie |
“Excellent - additional time and access to areas normally not on the tour made this a wonderful opportunity.”
Dawn Currie
Dawn Currie
Our wild Florida adventure began with a trip through the Crescent J Ranch, a picturesque Florida ranch featuring Spanish Colonial Cattle and Florida's unique Cracker Horses. These are direct descendants of those brought over by Ponce de Leon and other Spanish settlers in the 1500's.
Once on the trail, our knowledgeable guide provided insight and commentary about our encounters with the Florida wilderness. Kelly was a GREAT guide!
 |
© 2010 Janice Reynolds |
“Great guide with crazy driving skills! Learned a lot about the area and took some great photos! Very fun morning!”
Janice Reynolds
 |
© 2010Nancy True |
“Comfortable relaxed informative and overall great day to be out shooting. Guide was outstanding and the food at the end satisfying. I would like to do it again sometime.”
Nancy True
Nancy True
 |
© 2010 Roger T. Sobkowiak |
“Guide was great, vehicle was funky, bus seats comfortable, family style meal was tasty, had time to shoot...no big hurry, subjects were lacking, maybe not best time of the year....or maybe the flat lands of Florida are just not that photogenic.”
Roger T. Sobkowiak
Roger T. Sobkowiak
 |
© 2010 J. Scott Kelly |
As we reached the border of the Forever Florida Wildlife Conservation area, the contrast between ranchland and the wilderness of Forever Florida becomes evident. We saw native Florida wildlife - alligators, wild turkey and white tail deer.
Upon returning from our safari we will were treated to have a good country BBQ meal at the Cypress Restaurant back at the Visitor Center Everything was delicious!
 |
| © 2010 J. Scott Kelly |
“It was a nice cool...okay COLD morning. It was nice to have the tour to ourselves so that we could roam around to take photos. I would of liked to see a bit more wildlife, but we were still able to obtain some wonderful shots of the flora and the rustic items around the property.”
J. Scott Kelly
J. Scott Kelly
