Shark Valley May 5th, 2012

Continuing the short around the state trips and Cinco de Mayo rolls in! Well since I'm puertorican there's really not a whole lot for me to celebrate, heck I don't even celebrate much the festivities they do back on the island, lol. So what is a transplanted florida boy to do? Head to the everglades!! Shark Valley this time, along with a scenic drive by Loop Rd. and to finish it all in peace and quiet, Burns Lake.

A little about Shark Valley (borrowed from www.visitflorida.com). The Everglades National Park Shark Valley Tram Road is a 15-mile long paved loop which is closed to motorized traffic except the hourly tram tour vehicle. It joins a long list of outstanding Florida walking, hiking and biking trails, and this trail is especially suited for wildlife viewing. The subtle beauty of the Everglades is best enjoyed at slow speed and the wide, paved road gives bicyclists access to a variety of wildlife including migratory birds and a large population of alligators. An observation tower (with water and bathrooms) is located at the half-way point and provides incredible views of the vast River of Grass.





So now that the nice description is done, please enjoy the pictures I took along the hike. Do keep in mind that if you are going to visit this place you should dress approprietly, bring plenty of water, and maybe even a day pack with things like rain jacket, bug repellent, binoculars (if you really want to look around), and a first aid kit.

The welcoming commitee.

All along the paved trail there are plenty of vegetation and wildlife to see and photograph. Do keep a healthy respect for the wild anilmals, as this is not a Disney attraction, and alligators are pretty fast runners should they become hungry for something exotic, sorta speak.

Baby alligators where also all over, specially in this areas covered in water "grass", but momma wasn't too far behind apparently, at least most times I ran into baby gators, well it seem there was a "sitter" around.

The Otter Cave Hammock Trail is one of two trails within Shark Valley. It basically is a fire retardant area built by otters, that works by accumulating underground water into this underground caves the otters built. When walking around the trails is always a good idea to watch your step, but also keep your eyes open for other wild life within the trail. This trail is also a good way to get a break from the sun.

The famous otter caves, if you take a look inside you c an see the water in there.

After the Otter trail is over it comes out to the paved road again, but there is still so much to see!

After about 2 miles of walking and not enough water to safely attempt to make it to the halfway observation tower roughly 5 miles away, a quick turn around was done, but with full intentions of doing the entire trail next time. There are so many reasons to protect the natural resources of this planet, maybe you saw at least one in one of these pictures, if not, maybe take a walk/bike ride around there yourself, and you just might find what is it for you. Like always I took more pictures than I should use in a blog, but they'll be available in my Picassa or another form of e-photo album, just ask about them I'll be glad to share.

Cheers!!!!