Everglades National Park

Set up camp at Long Pine Key Campground in the Everglades National Park.  Denis got to use his senior pass for the first time.  Entrance fee would have been $10 but was free and instead of paying $16 per night he paid $8.00.  Of course, there's no hookups but we're only staying 7 nights.  First stop was the Visitor Center to get our park passport and official guidebook stamped.

Just arrived

After lunch, we strolled along the Anhinga Trail which is only 1/2 mile loop on a boardwalk but it was beautiful and we saw plenty of wildlife.  Of course, we saw the Anhinga both male and female.  We also saw Florida gar, a couple of alligators, red bellied turtles, ibis, Great white heron, coot and a couple of little green heron.  I was hoping to spot the Wood Stork which is on the endangered species list, but none were to be found.   We also saw sawgrass, swamp lilies, air plants, slash pine, royal palms and strangled fig trees.  One of the volunteers walked with us and gave us a very nice personal tour.

The name of the trail is named after this bird - Anhinga - We saw male & females courting

Tri-Colored Heron

Very active 7' Alligator

Just outside the Royal Palm visitor's center at Anhinga Trail

It's very sad what's happening to the Everglades between the lack of natural water flow, the runoff of pollutants from agriculture and human activities and the high level of mercury.  The Florida panther is an endangered species and only 10 known panthers are surviving in the park.  A panther found dead had mercury levels toxic to humans but the biggest cause of death for the panther is auto accidents.  They are starting to build underpasses for the animals to use for migratory purposes. 

Just love these birds - the females are more colorful than the males

Left - Strangled fig --- Right - Royal Palm