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Everglades National Park: Into the wild

Visiting the place made this writer realise that there’s thrill in stillness, tranquillity can be adventurous, and it’d be swell to be a gator — sunbathe, swim and eat

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Large alligators, colourful little snails and everything in between make the Everglades National Park in Florida a must-visit for wilderness lovers. Images and text by Dhaval Roy

Wipe the slate of your mind clean that national parks are all about wild and fantastic beasts like big cats, rhinos, elephants and suchlike. Think a ‘river of grass’ inhabited by 2,00,000 alligators for your next trip to a reserve, and head to the Everglades National Park in Florida, US. You will start seeing the reptiles in canals even before you enter the ecosystem that begins near Kissimmee River (Orlando), which discharges into Lake Okeechobee. The river flows so gently that it almost looks still. The World Heritage Site that measures 1.5 million acres is also home to crocodiles, manatees and Florida panther (there, you do have a big cat here, after all), etc. that constitute the 40 species of mammals, 350 of birds and 50 of reptiles. Visiting the place made this writer realise that there’s thrill in stillness, tranquillity can be adventurous, and it’d be swell to be a gator — sunbathe, swim and eat. Dealing with existential thoughts aside, here are some other things that you can do while you’re here...

AIRBOAT TOUR


There are 2,00,000 alligators in the national park

A one-hour airboat ride deep into the grassy water is the perfect way to get a feel of the ecosystem. It entails the great wide open till your eyes can see, gusty winds (and needlelike raindrops if it’s pouring) and 360 degrees of nature along with alligator spotting. As the captain fills you in with all the info about the park, you may also spot turtles, fish, and other species.

TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS


Ten Thousand Islands;  (inset-left) Osprey; (inset-right) Roseate Spoonbill

Okay, there aren’t literally so many of them but the chain has a few hundred. The islands, some of which are produced by mangroves, are apparently Nature’s way of protecting Florida from hurricanes. You can take a cruise and enjoy the sight of tiny islets with bonsai trees. But the highlight undoubtedly is the birds. The gorgeously pink Roseate Spoonbill or the contemplative Osprey other than the flock of royal and sooty terns and waders make for a dramatic diaspora. Also, the cruise will take you far enough to check out dolphins and even manatees.

LOOP ROAD SCENIC DRIVE

Through the Big Cypress National Preserve goes a 24-mile-long route flanked by cypress forests and water. The ride is bumpy but worth your while. All along the way, keep an eye on the pools to spot alligators. You might find a couple basking in the sun by the roadside, too. Also, train your eyes towards treetops and you will sight some exotic bird or the other, like egrets, pelicans and herons. Take your time and go slow along the route.

PINELAND TRAIL


Pineland Trail

This is a loop of the forest with pine and palm trees as well as wildflowers. It makes for an easy walk and if you are lucky, you may spot Brown or Green Anole — lizards native to Florida. Don’t dismiss the walkway for being humbler compared to others like Anhinga. The pine trees here are endangered. There are signs along the trail that will educate you about the trees. You might even find snails and birds here.

SNAIL HAMMOCK TRAIL


Snail Hammock Trail

Along the Loop Road Scenic Drive is a short but exciting trail that will give you a dekko of the most colourful snails. From stark white to orange to brown, it’s almost like their shells have been carefully painted. The world here is not in a hurry neither are these creatures nor should you be. Walk slowly and look closely. These sneaky li’l things camouflage themselves well and their patterns are usually the same as their backdrop. You don’t want to miss catching a sight of any.

ANHINGA TRAIL


Anhinga bird

The paved walkway that starts at the Royal Palm Visitor Centre is named after the Anhinga bird. You will find a number of them perched on trees or piers. They are quite a sight when they spread their wings. The marshy waters also have many alligators and you will lose the count of how many you see on the way. Opt for the guided tour for information about the trail. You might also get a glimpse of water snakes and turtles. The path is dotted with colourful plants and flowers. 

OTHER TRAILS AND SPOTS


Crocodile at Flamingo Trail

There are a number of other decks, boardwalks and trails that you must visit. Enjoy a great panorama of the ‘river of grass’ on the raised observation platform, Pahayokee Overlook. You can indulge in a walk or bike trail at the 15-mile Shark Valley, which also has Bobcat Boardwalk trail, Tram Road and more. There are canoe trails like Nine Mile Pond and Hells Bay, while Mahogany Hammocks has a dense vegetation replete with gumbo-limbo and the largest mahogany tree in the US. If you want to see a manatee and crocodiles, Flamingo Trail is where you need to head.

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