Tamiami Trail and SkunkApe too

The Road Less Traveled

The best part of the Tamiami Trail (or Florida State Route 41) is a 75 mile stretch from Miami, Florida to Everglades City near the west coast. North of the Tamiami Trail is the Big Cypress nature preserve. Also, south of the trail is the Everglade National Park. So, this out of the way scenic highway is a great drive through Florida’s swampy best. There are no cities on this stretch of road. The road is full of roadside stops representing the best of Americana. Regrettably, I did not have the time to fully explore all the attractions. But, I will give you a few highlights of my trip on the Tamiami Trail and SkunkApe too.

If you like gator spotting, this is the road for you. There is a canal that runs along the Trail. Carol kept yelling at me because she felt I could not drive safely and count gators at the same time. However, if you want to keep your wife happy, there are also plenty of places to pull off and count gators. In fact, the tourist traps along the Trail are numerous. These tourist stops included gator parks, air boat rides, Eco-tours, swap buggy tours, trails/boardwalks out into the swamp, and a few Miccosukee Native American villages and eateries. Sadly, it seemed like COVID may have shut down a lot of the Native American attractions. A few of the best stops would include..

Continuing my Cryptozoological Advance Degree

I could have spent a lot more time at these Tamiami Trail attractions. Certainly, I always enjoy an airboat ride in the swamps. But, my time was limited. There was one stop that was my priority. I have been to the Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine (it sux). Furthermore, I have studied at Expedition Bigfoot Research Center in Cherry Log, Georgia. How could I pass up the opportunity to further my cryptozoological advanced education. On the west side of the Tamiami Trail, just before returning to relative civilization is the gem of the attractions. I give you the SkunkApe Headquarters…

As you should remember from my previous research, many states have their own specific name for Bigfoot. In Florida, they call him SkunkApe. Floridians call the creature SkunkApe due to the unpleasant, pungent odor that you may notice when you are near the beast. But, you may ask…who has ever been near the beast? That would be Dave Shealy, legendary SkunkApe hunter of Florida. So, now you may ask…how does one get to be a legendary SkunkApe hunter? You merely put your life on the line in the name of science, and bring back this footage…

A SkunkApe by any other name…

See, I told you he was a legendary SkunkApe hunter. But, it’s not just about risking your life to capture video footage. Dave also does the science. Dave has the primary credit for answering the most burning question when it comes to Bigfoot science. Obviously, each state has a different name for Bigfoot. But, is there truly any difference in the various Bigfoot-like creatures? Dave says yes…

Pay attention now! This is real science. The first foot picture contains 5 toes. This foot is the Bigfoot found in Appalachia and the Pacific Northwest. However, the second foot contains 4 toes. This foot belongs to the Florida SkunkApe. Now you know. According to legendary Bigfoot hunter, Dave Shealy, there are different varieties of this beast. If you happen to find the 4-toed foot print…you are in Florida. Beyond the revelation about the different toed varieties, there was not much more academic information at the SkunkApe Headquarters. However, the headquarters also had some alligators and a very large python, named Goldie.

Truth be told, as an academic institution, the SkunkApe Headquarters in Ochopee is a bit limited. Once you see the SkunkApe video and learn about toes, you are pretty much done. The Bigfoot research center in Cherry Log, Georgia is much more extensive. However, the SkunkApe Headquarters is still worth a stop. There is a small admission fee. But, you learn a little about SkunkApe, visit Goldie, and see all sorts of alligators. I even purchased a SkunkApe souvenir shirt in the gift shop. So, if you find yourself in this neck of the swamp, allow some time to fully experience the Tamiami Trail and SkunkApe too. Have a wonderful day. PT

I hope you have enjoyed reading “Tamiami Trail and SkunkApe too” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.

Do not forget your pre-reading on my Bigfoot research https://travelingwithpt.com/are-you-willing-to-believe/

If you want more on the SkunkApe Headquarters https://www.skunkape.info/