This was park number 2 of 3 on my trip.
Trip Date: February 2017.
Now this was a hard park to love after spending a day in the paradise that is Dry Tortugas. I arrived at the Everglades Flamingo campground after dark, and saw signs on the camp ground entrance warning campers that despite the fact that it was February the mosquitoes are the worst they’ve ever been. Not an encouraging first impression!
I woke up early the next morning and decided it was time to shower after a few days or snorkeling without one. Worst mistake of my life. Not only did the mosquitoes constantly swarm me while I was walking around fully clothed but when I washed off the bug spray I was done for. I’ve never had so many bites in my life!!
BUT after this terrible experience during which I vowed never to camp in this park again, I covered myself in preemptive Cortizone and went over to catch my pontoon ride.
This was so much fun. The first thing we spotted was a manatee not too far from the dock. Here is the wake. Our tour guide honestly had the craziest eye for spotting small crocodiles. We would be flying down the river and he would say stop! We would back up and it would take us 10 minutes with explaining and pointing before we could see the tiny guys on a log or on the sand bank. Hats off to him. Here are some pictures.
This tour really made up for my terrible experience overnight. I got to see some Osprey (which I see a lot near my house), and also snagged a picture of this 10 foot monster that hangs out near the harbor.
The other thing to watch out for is the black vultures. There are signs everywhere that warn against them because they eat the molding around windshields and windows! Apparently they can smell the fish oil in them! The signs also said that “harassing them” was against the law. So basically you have to let them eat your molding! Anyone who knows me knows that would not have flown with Pete (my Jeep). Luckily for me none of those pesky birds tested my patience. I did see a mustang that had tried to cover their car with a tarp. The vultures had knocked it off (silly humans) and were pecking at its windows. I felt bad for that guy…
Enjoy this park if you get the chance – but watch out for the bugs. If you’re not prepared it can ruin your experience (like me).
Kelsey's Climb to 59 (+4) 