There are a multitude of unique plant and animal species that set the Everglades apart, but there is another feature which separates Everglades from every other National Park – the presence of a nuclear missile base.
Both Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo Trails are easy hikes amongst the diverse ecosystems of the Everglades, and truly the best opportunity to spot wildlife.
I spent weeks leading up to this trip doing research and pouring over the best way to utilize our time, since I only had one day inside the largest wilderness in the Eastern US, and 3rd largest park in the contiguous US. The miles and miles of grassland are roughly the size of Delaware, over 2300 square miles. Unlike many of our National Parks, Everglades does not boast unique grandeur or geographical wonder; instead, the Everglades are unique in their ecological diversity. There are over 700 species of plants, 360 species of bird, 300 species of fish, 50 species of reptile and 40 species of mammal that call the rivers of grass home.
As we wound our way through the heart of the park, there were brief glimpses of color here and there, but just outside of Cades Cove, we found an absolute treasure trove of color, protected from the storms by the valley.
When I changed careers, from court clerk to software development, the biggest culture shock was the amount of travel that I was thrust into. When I worked the 8 to 5 grind, I had a very steadfast routine, and I … Continued
What a whirlwind of a trip! I had a very limited amount of time to enjoy the park, but it was perfect weather and enough time to get my feet wet and add a few more destinations to my wishlist … Continued
I’m planning to visit all the National Parks (just might take me a while!).