Alligator and Shark Teeth - Finding One, Leaving the Other

Sunday, March 6th – Myakka River State Park - Sarasota, Florida – Day 27 

We received a few more recommendations from our neighbours. Caspersen beach near Venice (about an hour away) was an area where you can look for fossilized shark teeth along the shore. We also heard about a canopy walk in the park. 

We decided to explore the park first before lunch. We drove further into the park and came upon a bridge full of people impeding the flow of traffic. We asked what was up and heard “alligators”. So we stopped and explored. There was a massive gator lying at the side of, what I can only presume was, the Myakka River. There were also a bunch of smaller alligators lying in the river. We went for a quick hike along the water to see the alligators and bird life up close and then went back to the car. 

 The canopy walk was a nature trail and about 100m in were two towers that went above the tree line. You climbed one tower to the top and then took a suspension bridge to the other tower. From there, you kept climbing and the viewpoint was significantly above the tree line. You could see for miles. After we reached the ground again we kept moving along the nature trail. It was a well trodden path and we turned around after a kilometre or so (I know what you are saying: Dale! Stick to a system of measurement. I will try to be better). As we drove further into the park, we came to a Lake with a gift shop, food truck and a picnic area. Charlotte and John spent some time climbing a tree. Gen and I kicked around the footy. 

 As we headed back to our campsite, we decided to head to Caspersen. This beach was less crowded but the drop off when you entered the water was deeper. The good news was within 10 minutes of being at the beach and playing in the water with the sieves we brought, Charlotte and I found a shark tooth. Charlotte was so excited she rushed the tooth off to show Mom and Grandma. I figured this was the glorious start to my shark tooth finding endeavour but it turned out to be the only tooth we found. It still made for the best beach day I’ve had in quite some time. More swimming and searching for shark teeth occupied most of our time. Coming to the beach at 2-3pm is ideal as people start to leave and the sun isn’t beating down on you as much. Before we left we took a very nice walk along the pier. 

 On the way back, Gen and Mary had a little shopping outing and everyone went in. We’ve reached a deal where when they want to go shopping, I will go sit at a restaurant, read and have a drink. Win-win. I have very little interest in shopping at the end of a great day outside. Deals were found and people went home happy.