Everglades Exploration Network

Who else here has paddled/poled the area east on Nine Mile Pond (other than Terry, whose epic voyage is chronicled here). Last year I poled my skiff out to where the big sawgrass starts at the western edge of Taylor Slough. Once you get past the mangrove maze just east of the Nine Mile trail, the prairie opens up and the mangroves are replaced by hardwood bayheads and cypress, a very nice change of pace from the endless monotony of mangroves you see everywhere else on the Park's paddling trails. For those who love solitude, this open prairie is about as isolated as you can get anywhere in the park. The sawgrass here is very sparse and is easy to get through in paddlecraft, at least until you get to the edge of Taylor Slough. I may try this trip again, maybe in a week or two, and make a loop straight east to the edge of Taylor, then south to Craighead Pond and back to Nine Mile.

 

Another area I have a great interest in exploring is the Reef. Back in the day, the Gladesmen would pole their skiffs from US 1 to Whitewater Bay following the Reef Trail. The Reef was a straight 'ridge' of slightly higher ground, parts of which you can still see on the aerials as a distinct line of foliage running east-west about a mile north of Nine Mile Pond Trail between the road and Taylor Slough. They would stay just outside the Reef where there was a line of deeper water, and this was the main drag for gator hunters, moonshiners, and others who travelled into the Everglades wilderness.

 

 

So much wilderness to explore, and so little time...

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Dennis, There is a reason the camping is free this time of year.

If, despite Terry's warning, you decide to do Still Creek to West Lake, a good trip, you will want two cars or bicycles stashed at West Lake. Walking the road this time of year is untenable. 

An out and back to Craigheads  is surprisingly pleasant this time of year, decent water and few bugs.

I'll be here this weekend, always here, run the tour boats, stop in the Marina Store and ask for Geoff.

Looking forward to a report.

Geoff 

Thanks will do. We should be down sometime early Friday afternoon. This is our first summer trip. Craigshead is a definite. Still Creek is a maybe. Do any of the maps available at the store show Craigshead? If I can get my motorcycle to fit on the trailer with the kayaks I may bring it to use as a shuttle back from West Lake. I am chomping at the bit to leave. Look forward to meeting you. Thanks Dennis

Dennis

I admire your enthusiasm, and I look forward to your report.

Last weekend, the upper (Pine lands) campground was closed due to prescribed burning... just an FYI.

And a suggestion... before you try any mangrove trips, stop at Paurotis Pond on your way in and walk to the shoreline (a few steps from the parking lot) - that should give you a hint about summertime mosquitoes.

I'm betting you will want to stay in the open spaces, both on your trips and when you camp.


GM

Remember, as hot as it is out of the shade because of the sun. It's ALOT hotter in the shade cause of the skeeters.

 

As long as you stay in the open blazing sun with a breeze, you should be OK. You get in the shade out of the wind & sun and they WILL carry you away to somewhere were they can dine on you at their leisure.

 

Few folks are bigger fans of tunnel paddling than yours truly, but in the summer I avoid them & when inavoidable, paddle like hell & get through quick!

 

If you are going to brave the skeets, I (and several others on these boards) swear by the Original Bug Shirt http://www.bugshirt.com/. You'll sweat like a suana, but you'll just watch them buzz all over. They'll still drive you crazy, but you won't be itching!

Yeah I figured we would set up camp away from any trees. I was thinking maybe the sites close to the bay would be a little more breezy.

Has anyone tried those bracelet bug things? I saw them at Walmart and thought this would be a good test. Normally I wear shorts but I think I will take some long pants to try and cover up some. I'll look into the bugshirt. I really hate to use any insect repellant. We have multiple thermocells and I am taking my big tent so at least we can sit inside and have a somewhat bug free zone.We figure since we won't be camping out of the boats taking extra water won't be as big of a deal. So staying in the sun and sweating will be less of an issue than if we had all our gear.

I am going to give them a call and make sure the campground is open. Thanks Dennis

The Original Bug Shirt comes in cotton too. Its considerably cooler than the nylon version.

The only charts for Craighead's that I know of are the detailed GEs Terry has provided on this site. I'll bring a laminated copy with me Friday.

Campground is open, you'll do A Loop close to the entry  entry on the left. Therma cell and honey bucket a must.  

I looked into the shirts but don't have time to get them  shipped from Canada.

Thanks for the offer on the charts. I am bring my gps and with a your charts we should be good.

I have been watching the weather down that way and it looks like we may be getting wet. Are the walk up sites over by the bay open? I was thinking they might be a little more breezy and have a nice view of the bay.

Anything you need brought down Geoff? I know it's a long drive into town. Whats a honey bucket? We have a couple thermocells and plenty of refills. I am bring the big tent so we can hang out in it instead of having to sit in a small 2 person tent if the bugs are to bad or it is raining. It will be nice to camp at an established campsite. Normally we hike and don't carry much in the way of comforts. Steak for dinner instead of dehydrated food and cold drinks. I'm even bring an air mattress and pillow . It will be like staying in a resort (only with a few more bugs). Well see you in a couple days.

With the rain last night & as wet as we look today, it should be deep water paddlin' out in the prairies!

 

Much as I fears them bugs & the heat...I'm a bit jealous!

 

If it's overcast & breezy, you gonna have some sweet ass grass paddlin' this weekend!

 

...then on the otherhand, a good hatch & a blazing sun and you'll be wishing for an airconditioned Holiday Inn, a TV and a sixpack!

 

GOOD LUCK BOYS!

i was out there a few weeks ago, the bugs at the campsites are really bad... and i have been in the glades many many times... be prepared. 

I was planting trees on Adams Key in BISC this morning and it was

full bug suits, no exposed skin.   Even worn long sleeves under the

bug suits to keep them from going through, had a rain coat on top.

It was a cloud of mosquitoes around each of us but dressed up like

astronauts on a space walk worked.

Dennis, Walk in Site is closed/soggy.

Good on provisions, thanks.

Honey bucket is any container you can use and seal inside your tent so as to avoid a trip to the bathroom.

Long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes at least for the campground. Again, the paddling east of nine mile was still bug free last week.

Geoff 

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