On day 2, we loaded up the truck with gear and goodies and headed for Collier Seminole State Park. Mac made it clear that if the big boys had beer, he could drink Mt. Dew at the same rate/frequency that we enjoyed cerveza fria. Seemed fair to us, so we loaded him up with a six pack of 24 oz. Mt Dew's. The challenge was on!
http://www.floridastateparks.org/collier-seminole/default.cfm
This put us within striking distance of Marco Island, which was our fishing trip launch point the next morning.
We set up camp, fetched some bait, and rented a canoe to explore the backbay area. Although we didn't have much fishing action, we saw more gator-age... Nice relaxing canoe trip...good experience for Mac on how to do things other than just paddle when in a canoe.
We got back and fished from the dock for a bit and saw a few manatees frolicking. It was getting late so we decided to go back to camp, cook dinner and come back later for some night fishing. Aunt Amber prepped some burgers, which we cooked slowly over the firepit and dressed out nicely with onions and pickles. Although there was plenty of downed wood from Wilma, it was green, and the fact that the park visitation was on the increase, we had to eek out the wood fuel and fan greenish wood.
Went back to the lagoon, and the stars were incredible. We downed some more shrimp, eventually got cold and decided to head back...but not after trying to scrounge some more firewood.
Stayed up a tad longer trying to get the fire going again but gave up...it was a good thing, because 7AM was coming quick...we needed to break camp and beat feet to Marco for the 1st annual Hell's Anglers excursion.