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The Trip

Deep in the southern and eastern part of Florida, the 10,000 islands, Big Cypress, and Everglades all hang precariously on the edge of our day-to-day world. This spectacular area is an aquatic preserve and home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and numerous wading birds. They make up a chain of mangrove islands off the coast of southwest Florida. This refuge is part of one of the largest expanses of mangrove estuary in North America.

Our van transport will take us each day to a new launch point in this mystic wilderness. Mangroves and magnificent sunsets move us to memories of our more primitive past. A time when birds blacken the sun and reptiles ruled in this river of grass. Our kayaks will let us penetrate this liquid landscape to reveal its secrets.

Itinerary

The leaders will make every reasonable effort to meet the goals outlined in the itinerary. Please keep in mind that weather or other conditions beyond our control may cause us to modify the itinerary in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the group.

Day 1: We meet at 3 p.m. at the Ivy House in Everglades City. This rustic, picturesque little fishing village will be our base for the week. After we meet and greet, a basic kayak orientation by an ACA instructor will be available. The first meal of the trip is dinner, and then we'll be off to sightsee and toast the sunset!

Day 2: We will launch our kayaks and cruise to the Turner River. Turner River is one of many rivers that transition the slow-moving, shallow river of grass in the Everglades to the mangrove islands on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. This narrow, twisting stream of clear water moves beneath the wiry, entwined limbs of low, overhead red mangroves that form a tunnel of green, waxy leaves arching completely across the waterway. Between the intermittent tunnels, the saw grass of the freshwater grass prairie that stretches southward from the shore of Lake Okeechobee slowly loses its battle to the salt-tolerant mangroves. Myriads of large birds hunt along the shores in the tall saw grass and fly overhead in large flocks. We'll stop by the infamous Smallwood Store (a museum of Everglades past) on Chokoloskee Island (this is the setting for the demise of Mr. Watson in Peter Matthiessen's book "Killing Mister Watson").

Day 3: After breakfast our van will transport us to our drop point on Halfway Creek. Following the tide we paddle this beautiful creek. It is considered one of the prettiest in the 10,000 Islands. Large buttonwood trees filled with bromeliads and the occasional orchid can be seen at the upper end.

Day 4: We'll move north and launch into Goodland Bay. Goodland is just south of the well-known Marco Island and is the direct gateway to the 10,000 Islands. We'll ride the tide out to Coon Key for a picnic-style lunch. There will be time to explore and photograph the neighboring keys, Tripod and Brush. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins and expect spectacular scenery birds feasting everywhere.

Day 5: Today we will take the twisting mangrove-lined Blackwater River to Mud Bay. Mud bays and flats may look barren, but in reality they are teeming with life. The mud flats attract all manner of hungry inhabitants. Old homestead locations like Old Grove and Grocery Place are of historical interest. This river trail meanders through almost 5,000 acres of mangrove wilderness preserve.

Day 6: This is the last morning of our Everglades Adventure. This would be a great opportunity to hike or explore this sleepy little fishing village. Then it's time to say goodbye to this remarkable wilderness.

Getting There

Fort Myers is the closest airport of any size. Naples also has a municipal airport. Miami International is a bit farther and is about 1.5 hours away by car. Take SR 41 South to the intersection of 29. Go right -- the road leads directly to Everglades City.

A detailed map and a list of recommended gear list will be provided for all participants. Everyone is encouraged to carpool.

Accommodations and Food

Our comfortable accommodations at the Ivy House in Everglades City have cool air conditioning and are double-occupancy. There is a common room for all to gather. Hot showers and flush toilets will make for a very pleasant stay. Food is prepared by the leaders and will include local seafood (this little fishing village is famous for its seafood).

Trip Difficulty

Kayaking is physically challenging. You should be fit and in good health. Our average days will be 3 to 5 hours of paddling, with breaks when possible. We will be paddling primarily in the calm bays and rivers. There will be tides and wind. This trip is easy to moderate, and you can always take a day off. If you are looking to improve your skill, an ACA instructor will be available. An enthusiastic, fit beginner would enjoy this trip.

References

Books:

• Matthiessen, Peter, Killing Mister Watson.
• Hiaasen, Carl, Nature Girl.
• Smith, Patrick, A Land Remembered.

Conservation

We will discuss what can be done to help the Everglades survive the onslaught of oil in the Gulf of Mexico, the worst ecological disaster in history.

Three hundred square miles of U.S. sugar farmland (aka Everglades) is for sale. Florida Power and Light is building a fossil fuel-burning plant on the edge of the Everglades.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and will operate under a permit from Everglades National Park.

Trip Price

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Staff

Patrick Nichols, an outdoor specialist by trade, is trained by the Red Cross and American Canoe Association in canoeing and coastal kayaking. He has taught kayaking, canoeing, and backpacking for 25 years and is a wilderness first responder.

E-mail: flakayak@bellsouth.net

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Carpooling
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback
• Wilderness Manners