Back from Safari- A Photo Essay
I’m back from my safari to the most accessible wilderness in the eastern United States. On November 26 the chariot, filled with camping gear, supplies, fishing tackle, and topped with a kayak, took me to Flamingo, in Everglades National Park. I can’t give all the details of the next ten days, but if it wasn’t for biting insects it was well nigh perfect.
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Rather than try to write a narrative, I’ll caption the photos.
On the way to Flamingo.
Also on the way to Flamingo.
My favorite greeting in Flamingo was from an American crocodile.
Nice tree near the visitors center.
The white ibis was less threatening looking than the croc!
I got nothing in a day’s fishing on the outside, so headed into the back country.
My first fish of consequence. It crushed a gurgler.
There were other fish back there, too.
This one took a bendback.
Ready to go at Nine Mile Pond. I also paddled the Noble Hammock trail. Never had been on either.
Moved to Long Pine Key. Many fewer biting bugs.
There was once a missile base inside the park.
Near the missile base was a great place to watch the sun set.
Moved to Monument Lake campground, in the Big Cypress.
Went for a 24-mile ride (in the van) on this loop road.
More dwarf cypress!
Spiders!
Great egrets!
Alligators!
Butterflies!
Tree snails!
Epiphytic ferns!
But, don’t run out of gas back there.
Treated myself at Joanie’s. Also stopped at Clyde Butcher’s Gallery– HIGHLY recommended!
My next move was to load up the kayak with gear and supplies at the Gulf Coast Ranger Station in Everglades City, and head out to the Gulf Islands.
The fish of the trip took a Clouser Minnow.
I met Mike Conneen and Matt Giles on Picnic Key.
Matt slings some fly line.
He got excited about this trout.
We’re all together on the Gulf.
Matt, hooked up to a bull shark.
White pelicans soaring.
I stopped for some photos.
I found this mollusk in my kayak!
Dawn on Picnic Key.
What my van looked like when I got home.
That’s the Back from Safari Report. Thanks for reading!
Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go on a trip! Stay active!
John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog
All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2023. All rights are reserved.
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