Ecotraveler...

FOREVER THE EVERGLADES

There is, quite simply, no place on earth like the Everglades. Given that, there is no better base for Everglades exploration than the Flamingo Lodge Marina & Outpost Resort.

The extraordinary Everglades National Park occupies more than a million acres at the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. Diverse habitats in the park range from marine, estuarine, and mangrove communities to pinelands, hardwood hammocks, and extensive freshwater sloughs and prairies.

Historically, shallow water moved slowly south through the sawgrass toward the mangrove estuaries, inspiring early conservationists to describe the Everglades as a "River of Grass." Studies have revealed, however, that the Everglades are in great danger of being irreversibly destroyed. Restoration projects are attempting to reverse damage brought about by drainage for development and agriculture.

Even with the damage, the Everglades National Park is one of America's most fascinating outdoors destinations and the Flamingo Lodge provides the perfect place to stay (besides camping, it's the only lodging in the park). The resort is located at the conveniently close southern end of the park and offers accommodations, sightseeing tours, and many other activities. It is also near many of the park's other outstanding features that can be explored on your own.

The road to the lodge leads right past the Main Visitor Center at the entrance. You can stop here for a wide variety of information. The pretty 30-mile drive to the Flamingo Lodge runs past typical Everglades landscapes and also provides several excellent places to stop for an introduction to the unique environment. Some popular stops include: the Royal Palm Visitor Center (be sure to walk the Gumbo Limbo Trail and the Anhinga Trail); Long Pine Key; Pa-hay-okee Overlook; Mahogany Hammock; Nine Mile Pond; and West Lake.

The lodge features basic accommodations, with nice views of Florida Bay. But you'll want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. When you are outdoors, be prepared for mosquitoes, with strong repellent and lots of clothing.

There's an incredible amount to see nearby. Well-run sightseeing tours include a backcountry cruise through a mangrove forest; a tram tour through a tropical hardwood hammock; and a Florida Bay cruise. Other tour possibilities include deep wilderness cruises, beachcombing trips, birding cruises, sea kayaking tours, charting fishing, and houseboat rentals. The flora and fauna encounters is astounding, with the sightings including unique plants, raccoons, turtles, snakes, bobcats, herons, hawks, terns, bald eagles, egrets, pelicans, cormorants, ibis, ospreys, roseate spoonbills, alligators, crocodiles, manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and sharks.

There is also much to pursue on your own. Hiking is quite popular in the Everglades, with nearby options including pretty Eco Pond, the Coastal Prairie Trail to Clubhouse Beach, Christian Point Trail, Rowdy Bend Trail, and Snake Bight Trail. Canoes, skiffs, and bike rentals are also available. You'll want to stay outdoors forever in the Everglades.

When you do head indoors, the Flamingo Lodge is accommodating. The resort features a well-stocked gift shop and marina store, as well as a post office and laundry facilities. The Flamingo Restaurant offers excellent meals and views and the Buttonwood Lounge is a perfect place to trade stories about the day's adventures.

Contact the Everglades National Park at P.O. Box 279, Homestead, FL 33030, 305-247-1216. Contact the Flamingo Lodge Marina & Outpost Resort at Flamingo, FL 33034, 305-253-2241 or 800-600-3813 for reservations.