Everglades National Park

On day two of our short Florida trip we went to the Everglades National Park. I was really looking forward to the visit and had great expectations.



We drove all the way down to the southernmost point, Flamingo and made several short hikes. It was surprisingly quiet in the Everglades. You could walk for minutes without hearing even one bird.


Later we read in the information material from the park service about the precarious environmental situation in the Everglades. Less than half of the original marsh is left. The rest of the swampland was drained and is now being used as farmland. Fertilizer and other agrochemical waste put the nature and the animals in the National Park at risk. Park rangers told us that several species are extinct or close to extinction. A dead panther that was found in the park had such high mercury levels, the concentration would have been fatal even for a human. Initiatives to save the Everglades need more support.








Above: Anhinga, roseate Spoonbill, Osprey

Miami Beach and Art Deco

Our first stop in Florida was Miami Beach and the Art Deco architectural district. According to Wikipedia "the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world"

1258 miles

It was printed on the ticket: Only 1258 miles between Boston and Miami - but what a difference. After a bit more than three hours in the air, we were back from our short trip to Florida. Back also to snow and cold after a few marvelous days in the sun. The difference in temperature is really amazing: 80 F yesterday afternoon on the Keys, 26 F at arrival in Boston. All we have left are the memories that must get us now through almost three months more of New England winter.

Looking forward

I'm looking forward to four days of warmth and sunshine. On Friday morning, my husband and I will go to the Keys and to the Everglades. Only until Monday eving, but a nice break to our dismal New England winter weather. Today, for hours rain and sleet. Brrr....