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Post by damu21 on Jan 3, 2017 17:40:42 GMT -8
I am looking for a long weekend trip in february somewhere in the south. I will be flying from CT so I would arrive around noon Friday and leave early sunday, so 2 nights-ish. I was looking at the everglades which seems awesome, though I don't have much canoeing experience. Do you know of a good itinerary for the everglades or recommend a different park entirely? Let me know what you think
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Post by rwtb123 on Jan 3, 2017 17:54:21 GMT -8
Well,the ENP would be a great option for paddling and sightseeing but not so much for hiking/backpacking.There are backpacking options in the rest of the Everglades,such as Big Cypress National Preserve,but I would rate those as only suitable for experts looking for an extreme challenge.
As for the ENP canoe routes,others will have to weight in on what would best suit your requirements,as I have only read trip reports.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jan 3, 2017 17:56:09 GMT -8
IMO, your lack of canoeing experience says you need to stay in quiet water. No 3 ft chop. No brisk headwinds, let alone something from the broadside that you can't keep in a straight line for all you're worth.
So, yes I think there would be a decent 2 night trip there for you. Take a look at the Planner. I'd personally recommend either paddling from the Ranger station at Everglades City to Crooked Creek for night 1. Then maybe Rabbit Key for night 2. This will keep you in mostly controlled water. However, a GPS is highly recommended as all of those mangrove islands begin to look alike from water line.
A second option would be to rent a kayak instead, and paddle the Picnic Key/ Jewel Key/ Ranger Station triangle. I know that looks like short mileage, but the big thing is to look for wildlife, like Loggerhead turtles, and spotted rays. Porpoises should be easily seen.
Canoe or kayak rentals are available from Everglades Adventures at the Ivy House in Everglades City. link
I'd also recommend flying in to RSW in the Ft Myers area. About 90 minutes from the park.
Or, fly into Miami and visit Flamingo at the southern end of the park. Camp in the campground and do as many of the short day hike options as you like. Sightsee that end, and definitely hike the Anhinga trail, where lots of birds and gators can be seen.
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Post by damu21 on Jan 3, 2017 18:39:30 GMT -8
yes I would definitely want calm water. I'm in decent shape, but very little experience in the water. those look like cool options. thanks for the advice! about how many hours to crooked creek or picnic key? solitude?
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jan 4, 2017 4:40:07 GMT -8
9 miles to the shelter at Crooked Creek. I paddle about 3-4 mph. A novice, with some navigating to do, might avg 2mph. Picnic Key is 7 miles.
Solitude is pretty much guaranteed, since the campsites are permitted and restricted to party size. The Planner will tell you all you need to know. Please buy the appropriate chart at the ranger station, and use a GPS.
P.S. In case you didn't notice, all paddle camp sites are by permit only. Walk ups are the only way to get them. At any site where multiple groups are allowed, they can tell you then how many people are already permitted for that site.
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null
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Post by null on Jan 4, 2017 9:09:53 GMT -8
Another option (hiking) would be the DuPuis and the Corbett. I think the closest airport is West Palm.
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Post by rwtb123 on Jan 4, 2017 9:25:40 GMT -8
Dupuis would be excellent for an easy/moderate southern warm weather backpacking/hiking adventure.And,approaching through Corbett would make it an extremely challenging and remote trip.
Plus,now that I think about it,anyone looking to lose weight while warm weather backpacking with others should look into null's website.We,actually,almost crossed paths at the entrance to Dupuis years ago when he was leading a trip along the Florida Trail through central and south Florida.
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T4
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Post by T4 on Jan 4, 2017 9:56:06 GMT -8
Not to muddy the waters, but another option for some easy canoeing would be the Rock Springs and Wekiva River run, which is just outside of Orlando. It's a two day trip down the Rock Springs, Wekiva Springs and Wekiva River runs with an overnight at a primitive campsite along the way. You can take side trips to the springs for swimming and snorkeling. Plenty of wildlife and crystal clear water for much of the run. You can rent a canoe and get transportation back to your vehicle from the outfitter at Kings Landing.
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VAN
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Post by VAN on Jan 4, 2017 11:08:33 GMT -8
You may also consider Ocala national forest. Juniper Springs has a great easy canoe run, a front country campground. You can also hike along the florida Trail through the park. We stayed one night at Hidden Pond (started at Pat's Island trailheadand hiked to juniper Springs campground). Alexander Springs and Salt Springs are also nice.
it can be cold for February - 30 degrees
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Post by rwtb123 on Jan 4, 2017 12:34:45 GMT -8
I have hiked and would second the FT through Ocala NF ,and also have stopped on my bike to rest along Rt19 at the takeout point for the Juniper Springs canoe run.The water there is just such a crystal,clear blue that it is idyllic.I have also read reports about Rock Creek/Wekiva hiking/paddling and would like to explore that area, as well.
I'm glad people are mentioning north/central Florida options ,as there are just so many underappreciated areas to explore in that region. Which explains why it was always a favorite destination for my bike trips...
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Post by damu21 on Jan 4, 2017 15:05:27 GMT -8
Ocala does look nice. leaning towards the everglades just because a canoeing trip seems so unique. any gps recommendations besides an iphone?
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Post by rwtb123 on Jan 4, 2017 15:51:18 GMT -8
I got that impression initially ,and can't say that I blame you as much as I have spouted off about the beauty of the everglades ecosystems on here.I think some of the other suggestions are as much for the benefits of others contemplating trips now and in the future as to change your mind.
Just remember that while the NP likes to call itself "the everglades",the ecosystem stretches from Lake Okeechobee in the north(itself being fed by the central Florida Chain of Lakes)to the Florida Bay in the south and historically was a free-flowing "river of grass".Though since early last century those flows,it's lifeblood, have been cut off by a series of canals and levees that have slowly but steadily sucked the life out of the everglades ecosystem...
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jan 4, 2017 16:33:36 GMT -8
Which ever GPS you get, make sure to get the Blue Chart SD card, so it will show you the islands and waterways you will be paddling on. An iPhone will have some coverage, but I have never tried out the maps on it while paddling there. Some places don't have coverage, but all of the areas I have suggested will. The campsites will have good markers in sight from the water, but getting there is sometimes a maze. This one seems OK, and not expensive. If that is out of your budget, try to borrow one. I have no idea where one would try to rent them.
Mine is similar to this one. I bought the Blue Chart separately.
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