Florida Everglades

I've lived in Florida for 35 years yet only more recently visited the Everglades. Located a short distance from Miami it is relatively easy to access. There are two major throughways, the speedier way through Alligator Alley (aka I-75), and the slower scenic road called Tamiami Trail. The Tamiami Trail was selected for this trip.

Along the road their are numerous pull offs for site seeing or air boat tours. Some of the common scenery of the Everglades in photos.

Cypress trees are ubiquitous here. The stumps extend above the shallow water line to form what are known as cypress knees. The purpose of these knees is not known. They can be cut off without harming the tree.

The swamp is actually quiet peaceful if it weren't for all the boats on it. Some sections were quiet but most were not, the other boats or nearby highway usually broke the silence.

View from the air boat.

There were plenty of these guys around. The alligator was easy to spot in these waters. But, having seen so many in my life, this was not a treat for me.

I actually enjoy the baby gators more.

Here is a rare viewing I was lucky to get on camera. It is a Florida panther. These are usually very shy and rarely visible during the day. But with their habitat getting smaller as Florida continues to strip it's woodland for development, these and many other animals have to seek food even in the daytime. It's actually quite sad.

Rather than being predators or foragers, many animal act more like beggars. I see it even in my neighborhood with the bear and deer. I keep wooded lots that I own around me as a small refuge, and my personal animal population of deer, fox, and occasional bear are growing. If we have a hurricane it further exacerbates the situation. I will put out food for the deer (corn) in that event.

One day they will repay me with a deer tick, but no good deed goes unpunished!

Here's a video of the air boat ride through the Glades. Enjoy!