Two walks in the Everglades

I didn't know that we'd be driving on mountain roads when we left to spend a few days in the Everglades .  But this is what we saw at Rock Creek in Everglades National Park:

 

 Only in Florida

Here's a mountain pass that's definitely climbable without worrying about a lack of oxygen.  Only in flat-land Florida would three feet even count as elevation.  I'm not even sure people can count that low in some states.   

There's a short interpretive walkway at Rock Reef, but we didn't take it — we were heading to Pa-hay-okee Trail where we walked on a boardwalk trail: 

 

Pa-hay-okee Trail, Everglades National Park

Pa-hay-okee is a Calusa word for "Grassy Waters".  There's an observation platform along the trail where hikers can view the Everglades Wilderness as it appeared to early inhabitants.    Calusa and Miccosakee peoples adapted to living in these rivers of grass.  A few early pioneer settlers settled here as well.  

 

This from a sign along the Pa-hay-okee trail is a great reminder.  We are grateful for The Wilderness Act and the wild places it protects.  I'm so happy that these exist.  I'm also thankful for walks like this one that allow us this glimpse at what is left of the real Florida.

 

 

We drove on to Flamingo Campground at the southern tip of the Everglades.  A  little more water and a few more birds.  We had three days of lovely weather while we were on this trip — and missed at least one day of heavy downpour back home at the Canal Cottage.  Perfect timing for a perfect get-away.

 

Flamingo Campground area, Everglades National Park 

 

"Florida"  Cardinal

One of my favorite Southern birds practically hopped on my shoe as we were walking back to the car from taking the above pictures.   We couldn't decide if he wasn't afraid because he didn't see enough people to know better or if people feed the birds.  It was a very quiet area while we were there anyway. 

On the way back to the campground where we were staying we passed these beauties in a bit of water just off the roadside.   Roseate Spoonbills are always a treat to see.   What a great day — and we still had more "vacation from our vacation" days to come.  

 

LINKING this week to the following with thanks to the hosts:

 

MOSAIC MONDAY;   NATURE NOTES; THROUGH MY LENS; MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; WILD BIRD Wednesday;  SIGNS SIGNS;  THANKFUL THURSDAY;  SKYWATCH FRIDAY;  SATURDAY CRITTERS and RATHER B' BIRDING