From 10,000 Lakes to 10,000 Islands

March 5 - 8, 2013

 

We arrived at the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge on Tuesday.  It is located west of the Everglades.  When I hear 10,000 islands, I think long sandy beaches.  Once again…… wrong!  These islands are all mangrove created.  There is no beach – at least we didn’t find any.  Even if there was a beach, I would be hesitant to walk on it since we are on the edge of the Everglades.    

 

 

Wednesday morning Brian dropped the dingy in the water, we picked up Bonnie and Jon and spent the day exploring the maze.  Luckily we took along the GPS.  When I say maze, I’m not exaggerating.  One could easily get lost winding through these backwaters.  It is beautiful and quiet except for the constantly circulating tour and air boats.  We did find Everglade City and were pleasantly surprised by the little town.  It is a bit funky – especially the Camellia Street Grill where we ate lunch.
 

This is the sign for the Camellia Street Grill.
Good indication that it's a funky kind of place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our search for wildlife was stunted.  We saw vulchers, osprey, pelicans, blue herons, a dolphin and a manatee, but NO alligators!  And, according to Wikipedia, the name, 10,000 Islands, is a misnomer.  There are only a couple hundred islands.  Still, it is a beautiful natural area that was definitely worth the stop.

 

 

Apparently, these are the guys that know where
to find the allegators.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday night we anchored in Little Shark River.  We have stayed here before and it is a perfect anchorage.  Great protection from the wind on three sides and just the right depth to hold the anchor easily on a sandy bottom.  We are very remote, at this point…..no phone or wifi.  Normally, we can at least get a weak roaming signal for phone calls.  With a clear sky last night and no city lights for miles and miles, the stars looked like we were in a planetarium.  I kept singing ‘The stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Shark River’.  Be glad you weren’t here – I can be really annoying.          

Gotta smile – we’re lovin the ride!