Everglades

My journey through the Everglades was filled with unforgettable airboat rides, hidden alligators, massive manatees, giant ospreys, and fascinating swamp land as far as my eye could see.

GETTING THERE

The Everglades encompass a chunk of the southern section of Florida. It's a short, easy to drive from the airports in Miami MIA or Fort Lauderdale FLL on the state's Atlantic side, or from Tampa TPA along Florida's Gulf coastline. I went from Miami, because it was inexpensive to fly there, I could get a cheap rental car, and I could explore Miami as well.

Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has thousands of miles of freshwater marshes and saltwater mangrove forests, all set in hot, humid conditions. But don't cool off in its waters! It's packed with gators, crocodiles, snakes, and other creatures which thrive in the environment.

AMAZING EXCURSIONS

After leaving Miami, I drove west on the Tamiami Trail towards the Everglades. Several airboat companies dotted the highway just before the park entrance, so I stopped for a thrilling ride. The captain expertly navigated through the wetlands and I saw many birds, including the large, regal Great Blue Heron with its subtle slate blue gray shades, and the tall, elegant Great White Egret, with its snow white feathers. On a previous trip with my kids, I saw an alligator eating a turtle in the swamp but not during this airboat ride, and that's part of the excitement because you never know what you'll see.

Next I drove to Shark Valley Visitor Center inside the park. It had nature exhibits, a tram tour through the Everglades, and a Boardwalk meandering over the marshes. I set off on a walk to find an alligator and sure enough I came across one quite quickly and suddenly! It was nestled in the grassy water's edge just feet from me, its peering eyes followed me. I jumped back when I saw it, surprised by its stealthy mannerism. But it stayed silent, content knowing it could outrun me if needed. The folks in the nature center said American Alligators could run up to 35mph on land and swim 20mph in water! I came across several more gators hidden in much the same way. American crocodile, which had a more pointy nose, also lived in the region but I only saw alligators. This was the only place in the world where they live together.

Another excursion took me driving deeper south inside Everglades National Park to Guy Bradley Visitor Center at Flamingo. When I parked and opened my car door I was overwhelmed by a swarm of mosquitoes! I quickly jumped back inside and covered up with repellent which did the trick to keep them away. The visitor center was a large building, perfectly situated right on the Gulf. It had informational exhibits, a gift shop, and a marina where visitors could rent bikes, take boat trips, go on canoe trips, and hike. Also it had a campground and a nice looking lodge.

I found a group of about five Florida Manatees swimming at the marina, they were about 10 feet long and looked like they weighed more than 2000 pounds each! Affectionately known as 'Sea Cows', locals told me that the manatees came for the fresh water at the dock. I watched intently as the big slow-moving herbivores floated, swam, and hung out at the marina, drinking the water as a worker hosed off the dock.

It was a beautiful location, with islands and mangroves surrounding me, so I took a walk through the area. I watched dozens of Pelicans dive into the Gulf to feed on fish. I also saw several Osprey, which look a little like a bald eagle. Their wingspan was big, perhaps five feet. One osprey was sitting on a large nest, about 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide. It was built at the top of a long pole, and made up of hundreds of sticks.

I was a little nervous throughout my time in the Everglades because I was told Pythons had taken over the area, and the predators multiplied rapidly. They could be in the water, on the ground, or in trees and bushes. I was cautious on all my excursions but luckily I encountered none.

The Everglades was an exciting experience immersed in nature. Filled with airboats, alligators, and majestic waterways, a visit there could be a stand alone trip or easily combined with other fabulous locations throughout Florida.