Visit Florida - Worth the Drive 2008 - (Page 74) 74 WWW.AAA.COM/ VISITFLORIDA >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> as the eye can see. But to truly experience this national wonder, you have to step away from your vehicle. Day 1: Everglades City The starting-off point for any wilderness adventure is the Gulf Coast Visitor Center (239-695-3311) at Everglades City, a sleepy little town Everglades City has that’s been home to been home to Seminole Indians, Seminole Indians, swamp pirates and swamp pirates drug smugglers and drug smugglers. during its colorful 100-year history. The 99-mile Wilderness Waterway begins nearby and continues through a series of rivers and inland bays to Flamingo, southwest of Miami. The trip takes about eight hours by power boat or eight days by canoe. Paddlers must be completely self-sufficient and camp (with a permit) on designated islands or platforms (called “chickees” after the Seminole huts you’ll learn about later on this trip). It doesn’t take a full week to get a taste of what it’s like to explore the Ten Thousand Islands. The Halfway Creek Canoe Trail begins off U.S. 41 (east of the Everglades City turn-off) and makes a nice day trip as it twists and turns through a series of mangrove tunnels before ending in Chokoloskee Bay (check the trail’s accessibility before you go). Turner River Canoe Trail follows a similar course. Do either trip one-way with the aid of an outfitter such as North American Canoe Tours (239-695-3299, www.evergladesadventures.com), which can arrange for pick-up and/or drop-off. While in Chokoloskee, visit the Historic Smallwood Store, site of the 1910 shooting death of Ed Watson, an Everglades outlaw who has become something of a local legend. Back in Everglades City, try the Everglades Rod & Gun Club Lodge (239-695-2101) for the best seafood and gator tail in town. Day 2: Everglades National Park Today you’ll be exploring on land, but don’t be afraid to get your feet wet. Just remember the sunscreen and bug repellant. Chickee huts line the water at Billie Swamp Safari http://WWW.AAA.COM/VISITFLORIDA http://www.evergladesadventures.com
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