RIVERS OF GRASS

 

 

 

 

 

This is NOT an alligator.....it is a crocodile; and the first and only one we have seen in our swamp visits.  The difference....?   Alligators have more of a U-shaped snout while crocs are more V-shaped....and when the mouth is closed the croc's lower teeth show outside the mouth where an alligators does not.  Also, crocodiles are more indigenous to salt water environments than alligators, given the inclusion of "salt glands" that filter out the salt from their system.   That said, both alligators and crocodiles have valves that allow them to trap large volumes of air, thus allowing them to stay under water for a very long time.   We were within 10 feet or so of this croc, who the Ranger estimated at 1 1/2 to 2 years old.   Crocodiles are much more aggressive than alligators too...so beware!

 This sign explains how the Everglades sustains itself.  In actuality, the system is fed from the Kissimmee River near Orlando....the river flows into Lake Okeechobee, which then drains into the Everglades and Florida Bay.

This map shows the extent of the Everglades....and despite its vastness, it used to be much larger.  The fact that the SE Coast of Florida has grown as much as it has is the primary reason for the Everglades "shrinking".   All these people in SE Florida need water, and that supply comes from Okeechobee, leaving less water to drain into the Glades.   The extensive farming in the Everglades region is another reason as water is siphoned off in the form of massive canals, used to irrigate everything from orange and grapefruit 'plantations' to everything from beans to tomatoes.   As a result, the many interacting eco-systems in the region are constantly under duress and being somewhat compromised.   We can hope that current environmental planning will help lessen the negative impact.

There are several places to stop and explore in the 40 miles from the entrance at the Coe Visitor Center to Flamingo and Florida Bay at the very southern tip of the glades.   Many are nice boardwalks like this one.....this particular one circled what is called "Mahogany Hammock", where the land that has 'risen' out of the ecosystem is concentrated with large, mahogany trees.   This was a very interesting half mile walk.

Here's Pam at the Flamingo Visitor Center....you can see Florida Bay in the background.  This is a great place that includes a campground that offers only electricity....no water or sewer hookups; so it would be good for a few days or a week.  A great place to kayak in the glades and in the bay...but be sure to bring LOTS of bug stuff...the mosquitos here are legendary.  (During our short visit to Flamingo Pam came away loaded with bites!).

Pam and Ali on one of the many boardwalks.

 

 

Like the Okefenokee Swamp, I have always wanted to visit the Everglades....and in the course of a couple of months I have been able to visit both of these "bucket list" places.  Both are fascinating evidences of very delicate ecosystems that need our constant attention if they are to survive.

Here we stopped by one of the many lakes and ponds within the glades for a picnic....yes, lunch treats for Ali were in the cooler too!