Any folks here familiar w/ the Florida Everglades?

[bushwakker]

My GF and I will be heading to explore he Everglades in March I thought maybe some here would have s/ ideas about what we should do. We'll be at the Gulf Coast side in Everglades City. We like to hike and canoe. Any ideas about reasturants, bars, beaches would appreciated. Thanks.

[DoYouEverWonder]

1. Be careful canoeing down there

it is very easy to get lost. They don't call it the 1000 Islands for nothing. However, if you properly prepare ahead of time, it's an amazing place. Bring plenty of bug spray and try to keep the sun off as much as possible, hats and long sleeves are not a bad idea.

Corkscrew Swamp is great for hiking. It's probably the best place to see Florida birds.

As for resturants and such, most of the local venues are good. Lot's of good fish resturants.

[bushwakker]

2. I think it's 10,000 islands!!!

Lots of places to explore - and get lost in. Thnaks for the input.

[lpbk2713]

3. Two handy gadgets to have .........

A cell phone and a GPS. Once you get in you're really on your own. If you like fishing you'll have a ball.

[funky_bug]

4. Been there, done that!

Loved it! There's lots to do. You won't get bored.

Are you into photography? Take a camera and walk through Shark Valley. The alligators are literally sunning themselves on the sidewalk. They look at you with their lazy eyes... sort of saying, "I'd eat you, but you're not close enough to fall into my mouth." They are abundantly lazy. The only way you're in danger is if you give into their plea to "get in ma belly."

Everglades city offers lots of distractions. We took a canoe trip while we were there. (Later, my husband took his daughter, and during their trip, they saw a manatee.) You can rent the canoe for however many hours, and they'll give you maps and such to tell you where to go, and how to get back. We went to one of the islands that had thousands of mangroves (may have been called Mangrove Island) and banked the canoe. It was like stepping onto a Tim Burton set.

Dining is marginal in some of the main tourist areas, but if you find one of those little Indian resteraunts, definitely stop and eat. They have great food and decent prices.

Have fun! I envy you!

[IronLionZion]

5. watch out for gators!

[bushwakker]

6. We thought we'd go before Jebbie and his pals

dredge the place and turn it into an giant oil refinery. Thanks for all the input.

[gator_in_Ontario]

7. Mach Spas!

don't worry about the gators...unless it is mating season, or there are youngun's. As much peace as can be found on the planet, can be found in the glades...I envy you.