Blog | Switchgrass Outfitters & Airboat Tours

Blog Page

Name
All About the Florida Swamp Ecosystem Many people travel to Florida to check out the theme parks and beaches. For the nature-lover, there is something else to visit. Florida boasts many different and unique ecosystems that allow both land and aquatic animals to thrive. The swamps in central Florida have been home to many unique animals that keep visitors coming back for more. When you take airboat rides in Orlando, you will be able to view the unique swamp ecosystem from an exciting and fresh perspective w...
Wildlife You Can Expect to See in Orlando Florida offers many attractions that bring tourists and visitors here all year round. From theme parks to pristine beaches, Florida boasts a wide variety of great vacation options. However, did you know that Florida also has many unique ecosystems ideal for many types of marine and land wildlife? Florida's unique ecosystems make it the perfect place to take airboat tours in Orlando to take it all in from one of the best and most exhilarating viewpoints. As you ride...
Why You Should Go on an Airboat Ride at Night When you are planning your next Orlando vacation, you will certainly want to book an airboat ride. These offer a unique way to see the swamps and view wildlife who call central Florida home. To make it even more unforgettable, you can take an airboat ride in Orlando at night. This is truly the best time to take this tour, because the nighttime is when the swamp comes alive! In addition to the unforgettable nighttime experience, we have a few other reasons why you shoul...
What to Pack and What to Leave at Home on Your Airboat Tour in Orlando So, you've just booked your airboat tours in Orlando for your next trip. Now what? Well, first, do a little celebratory dance, because you just signed yourself up for one amazing and unforgettable adventure. Once you are thoroughly danced out, you can start to think about what you'll need to bring with you in order to enhance the experience. There are a few suggestions of what you'll need to pack and what you'll need to leave at home when you embark on ...
Spotting Sea Turtles in Florida When you go on an airboat ride in Orlando, you may be blessed to see up to four different species of sea turtles that call the Sunshine State home. These massive amniotes are amazing reptiles that often leave our guests gasping at their very sight. When you see one, here are some facts to keep in mind. Loggerhead Turtles Loggerhead turtles weigh an average of 275 pounds as an adult. They live an average of 67 years. If you see an adult one with a long tail, then i...
4 Amazing Effects of Hurricanes on Florida’s Wildlife When hurricanes arrive in Florida, most people can get inside sturdy buildings or evacuate out of harm’s way. Unfortunately, that Is not always the case with the Sunshine State’s wildlife. A few animals have sensors that let them know that a storm is coming and they can get out of the way. Some animals like raccoons who find new homes more readily available thrive during and after hurricanes. Many others, like burrowing owls who find their homes flooded, are put in danger. Here ar...
Tips for Orlando-area Bird Photographers The species of birds that you can see in the Orlando area varies throughout the year, making it a great place to capture outstanding images of birdlife. When spring arrives, multitudes of wading birds live in wetland areas with many living in vast colonies. Many migratory birds arrive in the region while heading north to cooler temperatures. As the days heat up in the summer, often scissor-tail kites can be seen flying by the thousands. At the same time, many of Florida’s species that s...
Florida Wildlife that Mate Forever One romantic activity that couples may want to consider doing when they come to Orlando is an airboat tour. It is a fun way to explore the wildlife in the area while enjoying clean air and some quiet time. While you are sitting arm and arm on the airboat, you may see many animals that breed for life. Beavers Beavers in Florida tend to live together with their offspring from two seasons. While you may have heard stories of their fantastic ability to build their homes from...
The Dangers of the Lionfish in Florida Waters On May 18 and 19, 2019, a record number of lionfish were harvested in Florida waters when anglers harvested 19,167 of them during a two-day event. While these fish are not the only exotic predators in Florida, they are one of the most invasive. The Florida Department of Wildlife has issued a contest running until Labor Day with many people eligible to win many prizes for harvesting this invasive fish. What is a Lionfish? The lionfish is a native to the Indo-Pacific regio...
Viewing Native Mammals on an Airboat Ride From Orlando While most people expect to see a variety of fish, birds, and amphibians on an airboat ride in Orlando, the careful observer may also see a variety of native mammals while on our tour. Since these are wild animals, who do not perform on command, we are never sure who will show up during each Orlando airboat ride. The vast variety keeps it exciting for our captain and our visitors alike. Nine-banded Armadillos If you see an animal about the size of a cat with a hard-leath...
Spotting Wild Turkeys in Florida If you would prefer to see a wild turkey running across the ground than find one on your Thanksgiving dinner table, then you need to make a trip to Florida. The state is home to two of the five species of wild turkey found in Florida. If you are a hunter, then the great news is that turkey hunting season starts earlier in Florida than it does in most locations, so you may want to plan a Florida turkey hunting vacation. Osceola Turkey Florida is the only place in the worl...
Plants to Watch for on Your Orlando Airboat Tour While you are likely to see many animals and birds while you are on Orlando airboat tour, you will also be treated to seeing some of the most beautiful plants and flowers that the state has to offer. Learning about them ahead of time will help you enjoy seeing them even more. Tape Grass If your airboat tour includes one of Central Florida’s clear rivers, then you are very likely to see tape grass. This plant that grows under the water’s surface serves as home...
Endangered Animals in Central Florida A day at the Central Florida Zoo is a great way to see endangered animals from around the world. You may also see them on airboat rides in Orlando or when you are visiting other Orlando attractions because many live all-around Central Florida. Learn about some endangered animals that call Orlando home. Atlantic Sturgeon One of the fish species that you may see on airboat rides in Orlando is Atlantic sturgeon. This sturgeon often returns to the area where they were hatche...
The Invasive Species in Florida Dangerous to Florida Wildlife In early April 2019, three hunters and a National Park ranger caught a 17-foot Burmese python in Florida. The snake weighing over 140 pounds contained 73 eggs. Since Hurricane Andrew, more than 1,000 Burmese pythons have been caught in Florida. The category 5 hurricane destroyed breeding facilities turning the snakes lose to fend for themselves. While this is the largest python caught so far, there are other invasive species that may harm the wildlife that you normally see during airboat tour...
The Lifecycle of the American Alligator Across the Southern half of the United States, you will find about 5 million alligators. Of that number, about 1.25 million live in Florida. They live in freshwater environments, such as swamps, marshes, rivers, and other wetland environments. When you go on an airboat tour in Orlando, you may see alligators at various stages of their lives. Birth Mother alligators work feverishly to build nests measuring about six feet in diameter and three feet high of plants, sticks, ...
Two Rare Bird Species Sighted Near Orlando If you love to watch birds and are always looking to see an unusual species, then now is the perfect time to get out in nature on an airboat tour in Orlando. Visitors to the area recently spotted two species of birds that are seldom seen in the Central Florida area. Scissor-tailed Kite Debbie Lewis reported on March 14, 2019, that she saw a scissor-tailed kite flying above her head. These birds normally live in the tropics of Africa, and no one is sure exactly how it end...
What to Expect on an Orlando Airboat Tour Even spending just a few hours in nature has been shown to boost the body’s immune system allowing you to fight off many different health conditions ranging from cancer to the common cold. Studies show that getting out into nature is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Bring your family along to build memories that will last through tough times. You can expect to see many different things on Orlando airboat rides depending on the time of year. These unique opportunities provided by ...
Expert Guide For Your First Airboat Ride in Orlando If you're thinking you might need a vacation, then maybe you should book one now! Roll up your sleeves, get on trip advisor and put your family on the next available flight to Orlando! You don't want to miss another opportunity of refreshing body and mind by overworking and saying “we’ll plan a vacation later or next time” There are a lot of fun things to do in Orlando such as: Disney, Universal, and the typical theme park cookie cutter experience, but no f...
Finding the best airboat tours in Orlando: Do’s and Don'ts Whether you're looking to explore the rich plant species growing in wild Florida or to observe the rare cohabitation of crocodiles and alligators, planning an airboat tour should be your next line of action. Tourists often make mistakes while choosing the airboat companies. This guide will highlight the things to do and not to do during the process of finding the best company for your airboat tour. Look at the reviews Reviews are often a great way to confirm a compan...
6 practical tips to keep you safe during airboat rides The Everglades is a rich ecotourism destination boasting beautiful plant species and animals too. Going through the lakes and swamps affords you a unique natural experience only Florida can provide, and there's no better way to see all these than through an airboat ride. Sometimes, tourists anticipate the fun so much that they ignore important safety tips. Whether you're visiting the Sunshine state for the first time or you're a local, these tips will help ensu...
Alligator Laws That You Should Know About Florida is a well-known location to find alligators, and with the increasing population of Florida, there is more interaction between humans and alligators. Also, during airboat tours in Orlando, spotting alligators is one of the activities. So, to prevent tourists and Floridians from interacting with the alligators in the wrong way, the state of Florida has put some laws in place on what humans are allowed to do and not allowed to do with alligators. So, if you ever go on airboat tours in Or...
Here are things you would want to know before going on airboat rides in Orlando Going across the lake and experiencing the natural habitat of gators and other wildlife sounds like so much fun, and that fun is the main reason why airboat rides in Orlando have become so popular. A lot of people do not mind visiting Florida for the first time to experience the thrills and fun of going on airboat rides in Orlando. If you have been convinced by the many tales and reviews you have read about them, and you would like to go on airboat rides in Orlando for the first time, here ar...
Tips to convince your boss to take you on an airboat tour in Orlando For a lot of people, their daily routine is so rigid that they hardly have anything to look forward to in the day every morning when they wake up. Imagine a routine like this - Wake up; Head to work; Check emails and answer the phone; Stare into space; Go home and repeat all over again the next day. The thing with most employers and business owners is that they are rigid and result-driven. So, all they are after is making profit, keeping their customers happy and keeping their businesses aflo...
3 perks of going on airboat rides in Orlando Florida is one of the top destinations that has a bit of everything fun and recreational. From top attraction sites, theme parks to beaches, there are so many things you can engage yourself in to make your visit to Orlando a memorable one. But, by the time you have visited the city about three or four times, you might have gotten tired of the regular things you are used to in Florida. You can try out airboat rides in Orlando as a breath of fresh air to relax and have fun. Here’s a look ...
What you need to know about Airboat tours in Orlando Airboat tours in Orlando are a great way to enjoy the unique scenery of Florida's natural habitat. They can be enjoyed together with loved ones, anytime of the day as well as anytime in a year. It is always exciting and intriguing. As a tourist in Orlando, FL, you can learn more about the eco system, animals, special places and centers, and the beautiful habitat of Florida on your Airboat tours. You get to meet and experience a fun and exhilarating Airboat tour with other tourists. ...
What to expect from Airboat rides in Orlando Airboat rides in Orlando are exhilarating rides that cannot be compared to those of other states. This is due to the unique natural habitat of Florida as well as the beautiful scenery of the St. John's river. It is a wonderful aquatic adventure that you can't afford to miss. There are many intriguing sightseeing adventures that Airboat rides in Orlando can give you. This guide will enlighten you on what you should expect from Airboat rides in Orlando What to See...
Three things you could Experience during your Gator Encounter We have all almost seen alligators before somehow and somewhere in our immediate and not-so-immediate environments. But have you seen a gator up close before? Knowing that you are safe and that watching it is fun for you. Well, during your airboat tours in Orlando, if you come across the Gators, there are four things you could experience. Let's check them out. 1. You'll experience feeding the gators During your airboat tours in Orlando, you will be given the oppo...
Understanding the differences between a crocodile and an alligator If you ever travel to Florida, if you are not having fun at the beach, you are taking your kids to Disney World or running into alligators everywhere or on airboat rides in Orlando. It, however, surprises a lot of people to find out that alligators are not the only crocodilian species they can find in Florida. In some parts of Florida, where freshwater streams flow into the ocean, alligators and saltwater crocodiles can live together, and only those who have adequate knowledge about them will...
Four reasons why you should pick airboat tours in Orlando over theme parks Florida is well-known for the numerous tourist attractions, the weather and theme parks, but not many people know of other places they can have fun such as The Switch Grass Outfitters. If you haven't decided what your activities during vacation or a holiday will be, here are five reasons you should pick Orlando airboat tours instead of visiting a theme park. 1. You will not have to queue for your turn Because you have to join a queue before partaking in some activiti...
How to know you're getting the most out of your airboat rides in Orlando In Florida, there are a lot of activities and places to go to for recreational purposes. From visiting beaches, theme parks to the other fun places in Florida, you may find it hard to find something to enjoy and get value for your money. Getting value in this instance means somewhere you can go with your family and get everybody engaged in something enjoyable. Going on an airboat tour in Orlando and eventually, airboat rides in Orlando are one of those activities that can give you the most va...
Top Secrets for picking the best Airboat Rides in Orlando For every vacation planned, there is the silent wish that it will be better than the last one. You are looking forward to a lot of fun, experiencing new things, visiting new places or even revisiting places you have been with to relive some memories. If by chance you mark your map and your chosen destination is Orlando, Florida, you should give airboat rides in Orlando some thought. Florida is a big state, and during your vacation, you may not see all there is to see in the state bu...
Airboat Rides in Orlando: Day vs Night – All you need to know If you are considering going on an airboat ride in Orlando, be prepared to experience the presence of more than 300 species of wildlife. Now, as much as it would be great to see all of these animals during your airboat ride in Orlando, it simply isn’t possible because one ride isn’t enough. If you go on your airboat ride in Orlando during the day, you won’t be able to see some of these because they only come out at night. So, for you to spot all the animals in their natural ...
Don’t ever visit Florida without planning an airboat Tours in Orlando We offer beautiful day tours from our strategic location—tours that guest and people of all ages will love. We can take you through and deep into the protected marshes, swamps and rivers that form the Everglades of Central Florida. Why choose airboat tours in Orlando? When you visit Central Florida during the holidays or anytime you feel like, there is a reason you should consider taking airboat tours in Orlando. You may have watched a lot of animals on Animal Plan...
Things you can do while in Orlando, Florida Florida remains an interesting place to be—with lots of theme parks and fabulous places to visit. But what if you have been to Disney or other interesting place and you have completed your tour over there but you still feel there is more you need to see? Well, at some point, everyone does, and the good news is, there is a place you can be and there are things you can do to make up for the incomplete outing and even surpass your previous experience. That place is Wild Florida—going...
What you should not wear during Airboat rides in Orlando There is this thought that a lot of people have about Florida regarding the seasons because of its location. But this cannot be more wrong because Florida, like any other place, goes through the seasons albeit uniquely. This should however not discourage you from going on an airboat tour in Orlando. In this article, we will be looking at what it is like during the four seasons in Orlando, Florida as well as the things you should wear and wear during Airboat tours in Orlando. 1. Spr...
Four questions to ask your travel agent when booking your airboat tours in Orlando There is a wide variation in how people behave, and this is evident in the different approaches that people have to plan their vacation. Some people do the whole planning themselves while others get a travel agent to handle the whole process. If you belong to the latter category of people, and you intend to include airboat tours in Orlando as part of your vacation activities, a travel agent could just help you get this done. While booking for your airboat tours in Orlando, there are a couple ...
What makes Anniversaries and Airboat Rides in Orlando match perfectly? Airboat Rides in Orlando can easily pass as one of the most enjoyed, exciting and memorable recreational activities but not many people have discovered this goldmine. At Switch Grass Outfitters, we value what you do with your time and the kind of memories you create. This is why we have put in place facilities that help you create the very best memories for special events with your loved ones such as anniversaries. For every relationship, an anniversary is a milestone that everyone looks forw...
Rekindle the Spark in Your Marriage With Airboat Tours in Orlando Going on an Airboat Tour in Orlando could be one of the best things you can do for your spouse. Every human loves gifts, nice things and receiving love but nothing compares to giving your partner a memory to cherish forever. Airboat tours in Orlando go beyond the fun and activities you'll engage in but every other that comes with it, most importantly the memory it leaves. If you want to put a smile on your spouse's face, and you are confused on what the perfect gift for them...
5 most amazing facts that surprise our visitors during airboat rides in Orlando Most of the people that patronize our airboat rides in Orlando come from different parts of the world. They are always thrilled by the beauty of Florida’s Everglades and the Wildlife. There are many things to see in the Everglades and the wildlife of Florida. Our airboat captains try their possible best to answer some of the questions put forward to them by our visitors, telling them everything they know. Most times, the sighting of alligators steals the show, and they don’t get t...
Frequently Asked Questions About Airboat Tours in Orlando Today at Switch Grass Outfitters, we are going to be replying to some of the most FAQs we get concerning our airboat tours in Orlando. Do you have some burning questions that you would like to ask us? Take your time to read this and see if we have got your questions covered. Q: What time of the year is best for airboat tours in Orlando? A: The Florida weather is very unpredictable. This means anytime you chose to take our airboat tours in Orlando is perfect. However, spr...
Reasons why kids love Airboat Rides in Orlando Introduction It is becoming more difficult for parents to find things worth doing that would leave a lasting memory with their kids as they grow older. The task is especially tedious when you have kids that are of different ages. Finding things that would entertain them is almost impossible. But hey; there is one thing that drives them crazy—adventure! The best adventure your kids, like others, have always wanted to have is a visit to Wild Florida. They love it bec...
Why Outdoor venues are better than indoor venues in Orlando Introduction If you are planning a birthday party celebration for your child or a graduation ceremony for your sister, nothing comes close to the fun of an outdoor venue in Orlando. Imagine your friend is getting married and the event was organized in a natural habitat where the birds are watching, and the raccoons are standing by with outstretched hands begging for food. How fantastic and entertaining would that be? And come to think about it: here in Florida, you don&r...
Convenient ways you can spot wildlife on your Airboat Rides in Orlando Introduction Florida’s Everglades is one vast area of land. It is one of nature’s most beautiful terrains that stretch millions of acres—from the Kissimmee River crossing over the Florida Bay. Based on its large size, the Everglades is regarded as the US largest tropical wilderness. The vast wetland of the Everglades is home to hundreds of species of wildlife of all kinds. Although you may not be able to see all of them if you’re visiting for the first time...
How to Pick the Best Season wear for your Everglades Airboat Tours in Orlando Planning a vacation is always driven by the desire to make it the “best vacation ever.” With your subconscious mind, you are fully anticipating the many new things you and your family have never experienced before or you’re just considering revisiting somewhere you fell in love with in time past. That is what our airboat tours in Orlando feel like. But the key to a successful outing lies in the season and what to wear. The glory of Florida and its seasonal variati...
5 Alligator myths uncovered Year after year, thousands of people flock to the Florida to experience the beaches, the sunset and the wildlife. One of the many ways to enjoy a great vacation is to go on an Airboat tour in Orlando. So rich is Florida that the state is home to over 1.25 million alligators. And with the many tourists from far and near often come many stories. While many natives know the facts first hand, visitors usually have a long list of incorrect information. Today we list and debunk ...
5 things you should ask your travel agent when booking your airboat tour It is a well-known saying that “He who fails to plan, plans to fail”. While some tourists adopt a hands-on approach to making plans and scheduling accommodations for their tourist adventure, others prepare to painstakingly fine tune and ascertain all the details. If you happen to be one of the many that holds out for all the details before making your move, here are some questions you should have your travel agent answer for you when planning your vacation and before boo...
3 Orlando Alligator Laws Every Local and Visitor Should Know One of the many things that complete an excellent Orlando experience is the airboat rides that you can always avail yourself after visiting the refreshing beaches and getting a tan. But with the increasing number of tourists, locals and alligators, and the likelihood of either parties running into these wildlife intentionally or not, the state of Florida has put a system in place to help humans proceed on how to handle these types of interactions, stay safe and stay on the right side of the l...
Top 5 Most Surprising Facts About Alligators for Your Airboat Tour in Orlando It’s hard to find any good and fun-filled experience in Orlando that will go down without incorporating the thrill of an airboat tour to complete the adventure from the beaches and surfboards. Airboat tours in Orlando can be very interesting with the scenery, the airboat ride itself and the plethora of wildlife that adorn the surrounding areas to make the most of your time. One of the most attention-grabbing animals that most people are raring to see is the alligator due to it...
5 Reasons Why You Should Start Your Vacation at Wild Florida Introduction Every year, millions of people from all works of life visit Orlando, Florida. Such visitors come from within Florida, other states in America and the rest of the world. This shows how popular Florida is as a dream destination for people on vacation. But if you think the majority of the people who are coming to Florida for their vacation are only just stopping by Disneyland, SeaWorld or Universal, you are wrong! While those places are undoubtedly favorite vac...
8 Interesting Emoji You Can Use During Your Airboat Rides in Orlando Introduction With the advent of technology, a lot has changed about how we relate with one another. From WhatsApp to Facebook, emoji have taking over how we communicate and make our intentions known. High-quality gadgets like the Apple iPad, iPhone, etc., have made emoji mainstream and prevalent in today’s communication. It is an excellent way of telling the unique story of your experience when you visit Wild Florida. You can use emoji while enjoying your first sloth or any ...
5 Thrilling Encounters that could happen during your airboat rides in Orlando Ranging from shopping malls to major theme parks, sporting events to massages, there are so many fun-filled moments and things your family can do in Orlando. If your family is looking for something to do in outdoors during your vacation, here are 5 thrilling encounters that could happen during your airboat rides in Orlando. 1. Discover and explore something new and unique about Florida’s wildlife Whether you are a native or visitor, everyone knows that Florida is a...
15 Different Species You Can Encounter While Taking Airboat Tours in Orlando It’s an open secret that Florida is home to more than 350 species of wildlife, including thousands of alligators, birds, and lots of other amphibians. Although you may not be able to see all of them when you go on an airboat tour in Orlando, you should be able to spot lots of them while touring Lake Cypress and some other areas home to over 80 different species living close to us. Below are 15 of the species Switch Grass Outfitters will help you to see across the Everglades wh...
So you love animals? Here are 7 you can pet in our Gator-Park in Orlando An airboat ride in Orlando comes with a lot of positive outcomes, and at Switch Grass Outfitters, we ensure that you are treated to an unforgettable Everglade experience. But it doesn’t stop there! After you and your family members have enjoyed an airboat ride in Orlando, we bring you face-to-face with some of the nature’s most friendly, courageous and beautiful animals, a process that initiates lasting education and conservation through animals' connection....
5 Common Mistakes Visitors Make When Booking Airboat Rides in Orlando It doesn't matter if you have been here or visiting Florida for the 20th time, there is always something unique, something new to do in Orlando. Every year lot of families and individuals embark on an exodus from different parts of the world to the big name attractions and famous parks in Florida, but you might just be thinking or looking out for something new to do on your visit to Orlando for the weekend. The airboat rides in Orlando are family-friendly, and a...
What to bring on an Airboat tour in Orlando An Airboat tour is always a thrilling and fun-filled adventure. From the amazing terrain to the unparalleled view of the area and wildlife, going on an airboat tour in Orlando is a trip that will hardly go wrong and always live up to its billing. Airboat tours have many options and are suitable for groups of friends and family so they can all have a great time regardless of their preferences. If you’ve been on an airboat tour before and didn’t bring somethings along or i...
What to look out for in an Airboat tour in Orlando Florida is known for theme parks and other popular attractions but some of its most amazing adventures can be found in the marshes and natural habitats in the river tributaries that have been unexplored for years, far away from the typical vacation spots and beaches. While you can have a great time going on theme park rides and meeting your favorite cartoon characters, why not add a fun and unforgettable airboat tour in Orlando to your holiday plans? An Airboat tour is alw...
Top Reasons Why Florida's Airboat Tours Are The Best Introduction Grabbing an airboat ride in Florida to tour the Everglades have always been a source of fun and a perfect getaway for some folks, particularly in the Orlando area. Now, what is so passionate about the wildlife spread across Florida’s Everglades? Of all places, why take an airboat ride in Florida from the Orlando district? Can anything good come out of the Everglades? These are nagging questions that may come to your mind as you continue to ponder and wonder wher...
Top 15 Facts Your Students Can Learn On An Airboart Ride In Florida Introduction Are you considering and researching the best field attraction visit for your students? What exactly are you searching for? Something that’s explicitly outdoor and interesting? Something that can compel awe with a craving for more? Or is it something that will ultimately help to reinforce a significant aspect of what they have been or will be learning in class? Whatever it is, they are all critical points of consideration, but finding all such desired r...
Airboat Ride in Orlando Introduction – Nature’s Call In Orlando Whether it is your first or 30th time, there is always something unique, something wonderful about taking an airboat ride in Orlando and coasting through the Florida Everglades to experience the wild side of nature like never before. From the Genesis, our mission is aimed at providing you with an unforgettable airboat ride experience that encourages a connection with animals while fostering conversation and knowledge re...
What to Know About Florida Alligator Hunting One of the highlights of taking air boat rides in Orlando is the chance to go on an alligator hunt. Even a tourist in Orlando, you can participate in our fun hunts for alligators in Florida. Alligator hunting has become popular in recent years and this is because of many successful television reality shows about the adventures of swamp gator hunters. These television shows have made gator hunting more popular but have also spread a lot of wrong information about the activity....