9.17.2024
Long Pine Key Campground
Everglades, NP
The Everglades has two major entrances, Shark Valley and Ernest F. Coe Visitor's Centers. Our campground is inside the Ernest F. Coe entrance. Today we made the hour and 15 minute drive to the Shark Valley Visitor's Center. We booked a tram ride through the Shark Valley section of the park.
There were lots of gators on this tour.
Alligators create these paths through the sawgrass.
Even a few feet of elevation change gives trees a chance to grow. These are called tree domes and the trees grow into a dome shape.
At the halfway point there is this observation tower. It is a sister to Clingman's Dome in the Great Smokey Mountains which we climbed last year. This one was much easier to climb as the ascent starts at sea level. Clingman's Dome is accessed by first going up a quarter mile hike with a 13% grade.
After we got off the tram we took a short stroll and found this guy next to this sign.
We walked along the Bobcat Trail, alas, no bobcats.
If you ever visit here and take the tram tour make sure to sit on the left side of the tram behind the driver. We sat on the right side and I did a lot of editing to get all of the heads out of our pictures.
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