Everglades planning

Old Jun 7th, 2013, 03:10 AM
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Everglades planning

I am tentatively planning a trip to southern Florida in late November/early December.

What I am looking at now is:

Flying in from Europe to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. First night at airport hotel or a bit further out, depening on time of flight arrival.

Day 2, driving to Homestead and touring Everglades. First question: Is there enough to do here to spend two nights? That would be 1 1/2 to 2 full days there.

Day 3, driving to Key West, for two nights.

Day 5, driving back north to Sweetwater area, stopping at evey thing along the way on the keys that look interesting. Or is Homestead a better choice?

Day 6, visit Shark Valley and go on to Everglades City. Two nights there, or one? Are there short walks availabe there, and guided tours? If not,then one night would be plenty.

Day 7 plus -- a few days on th Gulf in the Naples area

Next to last day: head east to Sawgrass Mills, hotel ?? Fly home next day.

Tips and suggestions very welcome!

As to us, we are both late 50's (oh crap, I will be 60 by then!) and want to see the nature, not the cities.

Thanks!
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Old Jun 7th, 2013, 03:21 AM
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Day 2 does not require 2 nights (awkwardly put, but you know what I mean).

Add a night to Key West.

Get a really good road map and pay attention to the side roads for interesting diversions, often not marked by highway signs. We found a wonderful beach on one of the Keys, almost totally deserted, in this way.

If you have not been to Miami, I would urge that you fly into and out of there, costs being equal. It is a wonderful city with much character.

Congratulations on going to Everglades City ( and presumably neighboring Chokoluskee). Be sure to go to the museums ( in the store in Chok) in each place. They have incredible histories, old and much more recently.
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Old Jun 7th, 2013, 03:46 AM
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Thanks!

So for day 2, it would be enough time to see everything at the park, take a boat tour and drive to Flamingo and back on the same day we drive down from Miami?

Will have to look and see if there is enough to do in Key West for an additional day/night.

Anyone know of any beach-front NON-highrise places on the Gulf in the Naples area? We could go further up towards Ft. Meyers. We could also just spend the time in Ft. Lauderdale, but I feel like we would be more in nature on the Gulf Coast -- plus my husband has never seen the Gulf or the Gulf Coast. But we really don't want to stay in a high-rise!
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Old Jun 7th, 2013, 07:30 AM
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Have you considered a short boat trip on your way to Key West?

http://www.pennekamppark.com/
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Old Jun 7th, 2013, 07:39 AM
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Oh thank you! That is exactly the kind of thing we like!
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Old Jun 16th, 2013, 08:01 AM
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Be sure to stop in everglades city fl their are many things to do. One of the sleepy towns of the south. Lots of fish houses turned in to seafood grill on the water. Commercial fish boat are still on the river working. Museums such as Ted Smallwoods general store , the city hall is the original county seat and The rod n gun club. Many boat tours and airboat rides are in the area - evergladesnationalparkgulfcoast.com leaving from the ranger station and everglades airboat rides such as evergladesrides.com. Our kids loved both rides. mitch
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Old Jun 16th, 2013, 11:22 AM
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Are you doing Dry Totuga's from Key West?
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Old Jul 6th, 2013, 02:34 PM
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I've researched Dry Tortugas and think it's worth the trip - ferry takes longer than seaplane but less expensive. I think being able to snorkel from shore is incredible for all ages.
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Old Jul 7th, 2013, 01:48 PM
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do you fish?

http://yankeecapts.com/
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Old Jul 11th, 2013, 04:00 AM
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Call in at Robert is here http://www.robertishere.com and have a dragon fruit milkshake (you won't be sorry!)
The Keys are so beautiful but don't restrict yourself to Key West.
We just loved every bit of Florida
http://demansersintheusa.blogspot.co...alligator.html
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Old Jul 11th, 2013, 05:56 AM
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We have made a few changes in teh plans. Will be spending several nights at Marathon, and none in Key West. Then one day only (sigh) at the Everglades, and anotehr three or 4 days at Cocoa Beach.

Will have to look in the Dry Tortugas. We neither fish nor snorkel, actually....
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Old Jul 11th, 2013, 06:53 AM
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Ttt
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Old Jul 11th, 2013, 09:21 AM
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"Ttt"

I'm sorry, what does that mean?
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Old Jul 11th, 2013, 10:23 AM
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you are looking at this stuff on gmaps as you go along aren't you?
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Old Jul 11th, 2013, 10:26 AM
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Green, it means to the top; it's used to top a thread or for people to bookmark it.
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Old Jul 12th, 2013, 05:37 AM
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Katzgar, that is not a day-to-day listing of the trip. Our longest stage is Miami to Marathon.
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