Shark Valley, Everglades Nat'l Park


There are 3 sections of the Everglades National Park - the main area where we camped at Long Pine Key; Big Cypress Swamp (that is not really a swamp) and Shark Valley - an accessible area also off Hwy 41.  Shark Valley does not allow any camping however they do offer tram rides from an outside vendor within the park for the 15 mile loop ride with a stop at a lookout tower. Years ago the tower was used for spotting wild fires but now the parks no longer rely on that process since they do prescribed burns.  We love Shark Valley for all the wildlife so visiable.. This trip we found a nest of baby anhings just as cute as they could be... Mama was nearby but rarely can you get this close to these cuddly looking little birds - ha!  We did see Wally gator and all his relations and many with new babies as well - ha!  Not as many turtles as in the past.  This year we did take the tram ride and enjoyed it very much but were right on the cusp of missing the wildlife since this has been such a warm winter.  Birds flying north and critters going into hiding. Hopefully they will get the much needed rain they need this summer.  Although we did have a few showers while down here; not enough to keep this place pristine as it once was before man started "fixing" things - ha!  Had a glorious time though and loved it all.

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