Everglades Exploration Network

May trip - Gator Hook to Roberts Lakes Strand

I have a mind to try and reach Robert's Lakes Strand from the Gator Hook Trail on the Monroe Station leg of the Loop. I know the Fl. Scenic Trail runs through the Strand on the eastern end but I have yet to hear of anybody coming in from the west. The first couple of miles of the old Gator Hook logging tram that runs southeast off the Loop has been cleared, but it's all wild after that. The line of the tram is still evident after the cleared path runs out, and I was able to follow it for about another half-mile but it gets pretty boggy in places. Anybody else have any info on this route?

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Permalink Reply by Dallas on March 15, 2013 at 1:18pm

Dale, what are the water levels like right now?

Dale said:

Im planning on going out tommorrow.

Permalink Reply by Swamp Hunter on March 15, 2013 at 2:04pm

The was no water on the trails. The only water that had to be crossed was encountered at the large washouts and it may have been possible to walk around them. I just went straight across, water no higher than shin high, way below the knees.

Water was not a problem. We tried to mark the trail on the higher ground so it could be utilized during the wet season. We are way into the dry season,.

 

Zolton I didnt realize that Roberts Lakes would ever dry up but if it ever does dry up, it would seem to me the opportune time to film some angry hungry gators stranded in a small mudhole but Im sure you know what conditions you are seeking.. I know a place that brings in Roseate Spoonbills along with plenty of gators for beautiful pictures when the conditions are right and very accessible.

Permalink Reply by daniel on March 15, 2013 at 2:07pm

seen any critters??? 

Permalink Reply by Dallas on March 15, 2013 at 2:31pm

thanks for the update Dale

Permalink Reply by Swamp Hunter on March 15, 2013 at 2:36pm

 

No daniel we didnt see any critters but we werent looking and we were making a lot of noise.

 

Here is my terribly poor celphone photo of about a dozen feeding Roseate Spoonbills along with just as many gators. It was one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen unfortunately I had no camera. I am told this scene repeats itself every year when conditions are just right for these birds.

People are getting some great wildlife pics (and videos too) from trail cams. Someone posted on the Big Cypress Sportsmans Alliance facebook page a dramatic photo of a gator pulling down a deer. Its just amazing the wildlife photos coming in.

Permalink Reply by daniel on March 15, 2013 at 4:50pm

wow, cool. thanks. i love the spooners. 

Permalink Reply by Swamp Hunter on March 15, 2013 at 5:26pm
Permalink Reply by Swamp Hunter on March 15, 2013 at 5:54pm

People have shared some amazing photos with me while I was working at Monroe Station.

I would like to bring attention to 3 photos posted on the Big Cypress Sportsmans Alliance facebook page. I hope Im not violating copyright laws. These are simply amazing. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Cypress-Sportsmens-Alliance-Inc/...

 

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Permalink Reply by Dallas on March 15, 2013 at 6:55pm

Those are amazing photos

Permalink Reply by Swamp Witch on March 15, 2013 at 9:06pm
That first photo looks like a pig to me. Too dark for a deer? But I've seen that bee hive or at least one that's similar on Fish Eating Creek. Really awesome. You can get pretty close and the bees/wasps just ignore you. They're crawling over the whole thing. Creepy. Great photos!
Permalink Reply by Swamp Hunter on March 15, 2013 at 9:22pm

Yea it does kinda look like a pig.  I dont think its Big Cypress either but its almost assuredly South Florida. I didnt read it but I like the photo. Looks like a trail cam. I have found bloated alligator killed deer off Loop Road but its hard to get the actual take down on film. A gator will usually let the animal soften up before eating it at a later date. 

I have seen a wasp nest off Loop Road but not that big.

I hastily labeled Big Cypress for the Big Cypress Sportsmans Alliance but I should relabel them for clarification.

 

I wonder if the panther was treed by dogs or it just climbed a tree for the view lol? Maybe I should go back and read it. Hunters brought me so many amazing panther, deer, bear photos and videos that I cant remember half of them. Trail cams are amazing and bears and panthers are everywhere now in the Big Cypress region..

Permalink Reply by Swamp Hunter on March 15, 2013 at 9:41pm

Yea its a pig Pam and its under a feeder. Good eye.  Ill take a guess its in the Labelle area. Hogs have been iradicated from the BCNP.

Login to facebook and go to the 2012 page. Lots of cool pics there.

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