Stumpknocker Airboat ride, a cruise to vacation heaven

In my 30-year newspaper career I was blessed to have many unique experiences. But today, I did something that until last Wednesday I never even thought of doing. In researching some fun things to do when our daughter got here with her friend Abby I came upon a water tour. (Me, third row, Abby, Elin and Joan in front row)

A Stumpknocker airboat experience was advertised online with a promise of alligators and other wildlife during the tour. I’m not usually impressed by an owner’s description of their services, but something told me this was going to be special.

It was, in spades.

Captain Steve, a retired firefighter, met us at the Blue Cypress boat launch near Vero Beach and we climbed aboard his 11-passenger airboat about 3 p.m. today. A park ranger met our boat just before we pulled out and told us we were in for a huge treat and that Captain Steve gave one of the best airboat tours. (Back of Abby's head while speeding through the weeds)

As we hurtled over the water at speeds that had to be 35 to 40 mph we headed through the weeds, tall grass and open water that make up the park. Everyone wore fancy headphones to drown out the noise of the airboat engine and also so we could hear Captain Steve’s running commentary.

Our first alligator sighting came within minutes of launch, but the really big alligators were still a few minutes away. Joan, Elin and Abby were in the front seat with a perfect view and didn’t even flinch when Captain Steve told them to remain still if one of the alligators climbed aboard during our tour. (Big gator, left)

“They’re either not listening, or don’t care,” Captain Steve said. Because of my height, and so I wouldn’t block the view for others, I sat in the third row of seats.

The weather was warm, but not too warm, and the air was less muggy today than yesterday, so all-in-all a perfect day for an airboat ride. (Osprey nest, right)

The commentary was wonderful and Captain Steve, who has been conducting these tours for years, was a floating library of information about the wetlands flora and fauna. He also knew exactly where to find the gators and birds we had come to see.

At times we would be hurtling over lily pads and grass at high speed, or idling along trying to catch a glimpse of baby alligators or one of the many sets of Osprey nesting in the park. As an old Navy man, I’m pretty much in love with anything on the water, but this was one of the coolest things I have ever done.

After awhile, the alligators were so numerous that I quit taking pictures of them, figuring that pretty much one alligator looked like another. If you are going to be anywhere near Vero Beach, do yourself a favor and make sure you book a ride on the Stumpknocker Tours airboat adventure. (Captain Steve, at left)

At one point in the tour we were speeding down a water trail when a Blue Heron startled by our boat, flew up out of the long grass and flew alongside the boat, literally close enough for Joan to reach out and touch it, which she did not do. He almost left another little gift on the boat, but it fell harmlessly into the water. Other birds we saw, in addition to the Osprey and Blue Herons were Egret, purple Gallinule and Ibis, among others.

That may have been the highlight of the trip for Joan, who has a fondness for Blue Herons.
Earlier in the day, the girls spent a couple hours at the beach in Vero Beach soaking up the sunshine and eating a picnic lunch packed by Joan.

After the air boat experience we went to the multiplex theater and saw “Date Night,” which was pretty funny. Dinner was at Friday’s and we are now home in the trailer chilling with a little television.

Tomorrow, we say good bye to the girls and Monday it will be time to pack up and head back to our real world, the one without air boats and alligators. Sad.