Everglades National Park

We stopped at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center in EvergladesNational Park. Our first realization was that by failing to read up on Everglades before our arrival, we had driven past the Tamiami Trail and the Shark Valley Visitor Center. About an hour and half back, it was an area that we’d probably miss on this trip, along with the Big Cypress National Preserve.

We then drove the additional 38 miles to the Flamingo Visitor Center and our campground – “miles and miles of nothing,” per a review quoted in Subpar Parks.  Granted, the park was established, not so much for its grandeur, but for the protection of its ecosystem. So maybe the visitor, used to spectacular scenery, had a point.

The campground itself was very good with paved, pull-through sites in the trailer loop. Alas, we had not booked soon enough for the limited electric sites and were dry camping. Thankfully we could use generators from 8am to 8pm.

The first thing we noticed as we unhooked the Jeep was the mosquitos. Yikes! We quickly drove to the visitor center and bought the last can of insect repellant, a best seller for a reason. I’m starting to wonder about our someday trips to Alaska and Voyageurs National Park. I hate mosquitos.

The Everglades redeemed itself though. We spotted a crocodile swimming along in the canal by the marina. Did you know that the Everglades is the only place where you can find both crocodiles and alligators? Then there were plenty of manatees in the marina basin and all kinds of waterbirds to watch.

..in awhile crocodile

Manatee

For those interested in Cold War history, there is a Nike Missile Site within the park boundaries. We took the guided tour and were glad we did as they opened up a building that those touring on their own don't get to see.

Artwork intact

Collect all Four!

Nike exhibit

Back near the Coe Visitor Center was the Anhinga Trail. Walking along the boardwalk over the swampy areas, there were plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, from alligators to anhingas and a few assorted fish and turtles for good measure. If you only spend a couple of hours in the lower Everglades, I'd say this trail would be the place to spend it. Might want to bring your own tarp though. The park's supply is limited.

See you later, alligator

Warming up

I see you

Along the Anhinga trail

Hmm...mosquitos and vultures

Where Are We Going Next?