West Lake Trail mangrove tunnels

[Keith W]

Date: Saturday Jan. 3, 2009

Location: The West Lake canoe trail runs across West Lake and down through Long Lake and The Lungs to Alligator Creek on Garfield Bight. These lakes are connected by a series of three mangrove tunnels, and there is another tunnel at the end of Alligator Creek.

Condition: The tunnels joining the lakes, and the Alligator Creek tunnel, are all clear and open. The ponds between Long Lake and The Lungs, and the smaller lake along Alligator Creek, can be extremely shallow on a low tide. Big crocs are a common sight along the banks of the Alligator Creek tunnel.

[Bob Quirk]

I was told the Buckley's cleared thaose trails for us. So thankyou Buckleys's

[Miami101]

Buckley you are the man let me knoww next time. I be more then happy to help.

[Daniel Madrigal]

I just did Shark point through alligator creek to west lake. Trail is pretty passable except a few spots you have to go around or pull your way though. I saw a HUGE gator in alligator creek. I mean the biggest one I have seen in my life. Cuthbert lake was open I went in but just to the entrance to the lake. Didn't see too many birds. Good trail though! Especially since the new shark point chickee has opened, Way better spot than alligator creek to camp. Bug-wise anyways, the chickee has a lot of downfalls.

[Miami101]

O.K.
Now I'm lost do you mean the new location off Umbrella Key? Did you take a photos of the layout...
I have camp out on Gator before, but looking forward to doing thiss new spot.....

[Daniel Madrigal]

Yes its in between umbrella key and shark point.... I have pictures and vid up on my blog http://www.aboveallpictures.com/Blog/Entries/2010/3/29_Flamingo_to_...

[Miami101]

Did you see any fish in the area? I guess they changed the name of the camp site.

[Daniel Madrigal]

Yea saw a lot of wildlife and baitfish, spooked a few big ones too. I didn't have much time to fish though cause it took a while to get out there through snake bight with the low tides.

[Miami101]

Let me know when you are going out again. I'm doing Cape area soon to explorer front side.
I think the Jared E Wild Man will be coming. I will be out in Shark/Gator in a month time. I like to hit these areas when it is hot.....and sexy. Not sure if the Tarpon will be around again. Last time the Red's would run up to my Kayak. It is a nice trip...

Second trip into this area is going into some of the deeper locations to map it, but on hold for Croc love season to be over. Trust me I been there done that a few times. I keep to the beach areas, and hope for the best.